Free access to BBC broadband content?

[LesD]

Hi Fellow IDnetters,

Here: http://www.idnet.net/solutions/homelite.jsp

I see this: Free access to BBC broadband content

What does it mean?

I often access for example: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ to catch up on the News and latest events and my access has always been "free" as far as I am aware! 

[MoHux]

If you scroll down to the bottom of the IDNet page you linked to Les, you will see the 'Services' box.

In there, is I think, the link to the BBC Broadband Services referred to (Multicast etc.). 

Mo

[Lance]

Indeed Mo, IDNet are peered with the BBC in order to provide multicast content.

Find out more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/multicast/

[Ann]

Can anyone actually use it?  I can't.  Not much of a selling point!

[Lance]

I've used it several times before, Ann. Unfortunately the IGMP stuff on my 2wire is disabled which means I can't use it with that though. Is this possibly why you can't use it?

[Ann]

Absoultely.  It's marked as disabled and I have no idea how to enable it.  Have been searching the internet for clues but it's like wading through treacle.

[Rik]

I've never found an answer either, it's probably requires some arcane code and a bunch of witches chanting at midnight.

[zebrum]

iPlayer replaced it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

[Rik]

That makes sense, thanks.

[madasahatter]

iPlayer replaced it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

Mystery solved 

[Ann]

I've always listened to the radio using their player but my understanding is that multicast is different and better quality sound. 

[Rik]

This:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/multicast/

suggests it is still running. I know that my Netgear wasn't compatible, neither does the 2700 appear to be. I wonder what routers are - and how you get into the trial?

[madasahatter]

It could of course just mean that the editors of the website have forgotten that page is there....... 

[Rik]

Also possible.

[Sebby]

I was under the impression that Multicast had been replaced by iPlayer, but I could be wrong. It's certainly possible that the BBC have left the old site up by accident; these things do happen.

[LesD]

Hi Folks,

I am amazed that my simple question was the catalyst for so much discussion

I have tried the links myself this evening and the radio one works just great for me but the multicast one bring up a login name/password box like the one I use to get into my Netgear router.

I guess this means that my experience mirrors that of you guys and I cannot go there either!   

[Ann]

Les, we can talk for hours about any ol' rubbish.. I'm just surprised that nobody's mentioned food yet! 

[MoHux]

'They' are too busy eating I expect Ann. 

[Lance]

It used to work on my linksys router fine. That multicast page was updated not long ago, so i assume it is still in progress. Does iplayer allow for live tv? Or is it just catch up?

i've also spent several hours searching for how to turn on igmp on the 2wire. Thinking about it, i wonder if it is done via a different setup code. I might email 2wire and ask!

[Rik]

I see you discovered the new smileys, Mo.

[MoHux]

Little things ................... 

[Rik]

You missed the yawns and bed time.

[MoHux]

No I didn't!!  I was trying to ignore them, is all ............... 

[Rik]

They can set you going, Mo. Close your eyes when posting them.

[dudwell]

I'm confused about the various TV catch-up services available on broadband. Is there a comprehensive review somewhere? What they offer, how to get the best from them minimising any negative effects, their impacts on bandwidth usage, etc. etc. I've seen terms like kontiki, kservice.exe (should be disabled apparently, but how?), Delivery Manager.... In short I'd like an impartial guide for the technologically challenged. It must exist somewhere?