DB7

Channel 4 to simulcast TV shows on broadband

Channel 4 is to air its commissioned programmes simultaneously on the main channel and on broadband, making it the first major UK broadcaster to launch a service of this type. Chief executive Andy Duncan said that broadcasters had to start thinking of new media as the “now media”.
Talking at the New Statesman annual media lecture, he said:

I don’t see the digital revolution as an attack on Channel 4’s power as a public broadcaster. I see it as a fantastic opportunity to build on what Channel 4 has always done - stimulate, infuriate, debate, create. The difference is we’re doing it in many more ways than just via broadcast these days, because we have to engage with the public wherever they are.

The new broadband simulcast will be available to PC users from June 27 via the channel4.com website but will not include films or acquired shows such as Lost and Desperate Housewives. At launch it will still carry the same commercials as the television channel, but the broadcaster plans to see advertising on the broadband service once it has been established. Registered users will be able to access a streamed live version of the Channel 4 schedule, allowing them to watch Channel 4’s flagship shows at the same time as their TV transmission.

Freddy

Interestingly one of the side issues which I think we might hear more of is now that broadband makes it easier to receive television all computer users with a tv facility will have to have a tv licence if they are one of the two million that don't have one at the moment.

This is taken from the web site of lawyers Pinsent Masons

http://www.out-law.com/page-6993

The BBC's live streaming of games could be a trigger for prosecutions. "We make no distinction between those watching TV via PC-TV, broadband or any other way," said the spokeswoman. "If you are watching TV at the same time as it is being broadcast in the UK you need to be covered by a valid licence."

It goes on further to say................

But retailers are only forced to send information about buyers of television equipment. Retailers told OUT-LAW that no request had yet been received for information on purchases of computers, unless those computers are fitted with TV cards.

"If a PC isn't sold with a PC-TV card then we wouldn't report it," said a spokeswoman for Comet in a view informally confirmed at another major electronics retailer. "There is no requirement to do so. If TV Licensing tell us they need that information from us we would have to comply. So far they have not."


The same approach is being used for those with mobile phones

www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/13/tv_licence_mobile/

"A spokesperson for TV Licensing told the Reg: "If a customer currently has no licence they will need to obtain one to watch live programmes on their PC or mobile. Any device used to watch or record TV programmes as they are being broadcast or otherwise distributed must be covered by a valid licence. This is the case whether you are watching or receiving a programme via a PCTV, mobile phone, PDA or any other device."

I realise there is a case that those with a computer or mobile phone would have a tv and therefore a license anyway but it does appear to be a subtle way of keeping tabs on us all. With the advancement of new technology and the gradual phasing out of the old, like it or not
we all seem to be nearer a 1984 mentality.:eek:

regards

Freddy

DB7

I've tried the likes of TVants and PPlive but the Beebs streaming of the football far surpasses p2p streaming. Hopefully they'll strike a deal similar to CH4's and extend the exercise.