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I was under the impression that Multicast had been replaced by iPlayer, but I could be wrong.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?

[Rik]

It might be worth a browse of the AV forums:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/index.php

[Inactive]

....or/and

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/

[dudwell]

Thanks Rik and Inactive. I've browsed 'em before and I'll browse 'em again when my headache subsides

Meanwhile TVCatchup just died:-

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a89637/tvcatchup-shuts-after-broadcaster-complaints.html

[Rik]

Or was executed...

[Ann]

Anything with kontiki or another k word in it are peer to peer and I don't do peer to peer which is why I uninstalled the BBC download manager.  That is the sum of my knowledge on the subject 

[Rik]

Me too, Ann.

[ducky22]

Multicast and iPlayer are 2 completely seperate products at the moment. I believe the BBC were working on integrating live streaming using multicast via iPlayer but this hasn't materialised. Obviously too busy with lord only knows what stupid projects.

[somanyholes]

more video linkage

http://www.freetube.us.tc/
http://streamingtvepisodes.com/
http://www.joost.com/
http://quicksilverscreen.com/
http://www.freefilmfactory.com/
http://revision3.com/
http://www.g4tv.com/videos/index.html

[madasahatter]

To add to that list there's:

http://www.tvokay.com/

These are all free steaming sites, so no P2P worries.

[Inactive]

 "Firefox can make streaming less choppy and download A-LOT faster. Also blocks pop-ups! Some video reqiures firefox to stream. "..

Obviously they don't bother with a spell checker.. 

[Rik]

They were probably using IE.

[Ann]

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!

Lance, if you go to http://home/xslt?PAGE=J30 on the router, there's an option that can be checked for IGMP Querier.  What does that do?  I haven't tried it.. too scared.. but should I?

[Lance]

I can't remember what it does, but i'm pretty sure i've tried it and it didn't work.

From memory, the only way to get it enabled would be for the isp (ie bt) to remotely manage the router and for them to turn it on.

[Ann]

That makes sense.  So that's one downside of the router.  Shame. 

[Mytheroo]

was in Brighton last month and even the seaguls are doing pier to pier networking now.

And the sparrows sat on the telegraph wires bring a new meaning to a BT swarm    sorry

[Lance]

[Rik]

was in Brighton last month and even the seaguls are doing pier to pier networking now.

I see you've picked up the humour of this place.

[Simon]

I see you've picked up the humour of this place.

Put it down, quick!  It's infectious! 

[Rik]

Too late, once touched...

[Mytheroo]

i had marigolds and a hockey mask on, am i safe?

[Rik]

Where did you find marigolds in flower at this time of year?