The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced an online service, in which users can access hundred of television episodes from a wide range of quality programmes, made available on a file-sharing network.
This new move to digital video distribution follows a deal between the commercial arm of the organisation, BBC Worldwide, and technology firm Azureus.
The agreement means that users of Azureus’ Zudeo software in America can download titles such as Little Britain and Top Gear.
Until now, most BBC programmes found on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks have been illegal copies.
Azureus is better known for developing the BitTorrent client system that allows large media files to be easily shared over the Internet.
Earlier this month the company launched a video-sharing site similar to the popular YouTube, codenamed Zudeo. The site allows users to upload and view content.
However, in contrast to most video sharing sites, Zudeo offers high definition videos. Users must also download a program to access and upload content.
The new deal means that users of the software will be able to download high-quality versions of BBC programmes, including Red Dwarf, Doctor Who and the League of Gentleman. Classic series such as Monty Python will also be available through a BBC “channel”.
The titles will be protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) software to prevent the programmes being traded illegally on the Internet.
No pricing structure for the BBC content on Zudeo has been revealed. Azureus is expected to announce other partnerships in the New Year.
In a similar move, Channel 4 is offering a “catch-up” service for viewers who missed their favourite TV shows on the British channel.
Users can access any programmes available on the network’s 24 years archives including the current series of Hollyoaks and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Each episode will cost 99 pence.
But once downloaded, each programme will “disappear” from the users’ computers 48 hours after they start to watch it.
It will be kept in a personalised library until it is first viewed, and then can be accessed an unlimited number of times during that two-day period.
So, the future of television seems to be on-demand and with the two largest British network companies joining the digital age of video content, is this the first step in which we changed the way we watch our favourite shows?
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