BBC To Use Adobe Flash On iPlayer

By Amit Chowdhry ● Oct 15, 2007

The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) will be utilizing Adobe Systems’ Flash software for its iPlayer streaming media service. The iPlayer will allow BBC viewers to download Beeb programs for up to 7 days. Then users will be able to watch the shows for about 30 days before the programs automatically delete itself.

Ashley Highfield is best known for his contributions to the BBC’s digital strategy growth and the iPlayer. He was recently recognized as Silicon.com’s #5 in the Top 50 Agenda Setters after the Facebook founder and the Google, Apple, and Cisco CEOs.

“Adobe is driving the next generation of video delivery by accelerating the fusion of TV and the Internet. With more control over playback, interactivity, and branding, the move to Flash Player compatible video will help the BBC to engage audiences by delivering a seamless, instant-on Web video experience,” said Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen.

The BBC iPlayer is available in the U.K. only and is currently compatible with just PCs, not Macs. But the iPlayer should be available for the Mac by the end of the year.