BBC to launch subscription iPad player in the US

The BBC's iPlayer was made Mac compatible in 2008. Now, The Financial Times (FT) is reporting (subscription required) that the network intends to make the on-demand service available to iPads, using a subscription model.

Don't hold your breath while you wait, however. BBC Worldwide said that this isn't going to happen until "the middle of next year," and even then only in "certain target markets." Additionally, no word on pricing was available, though there will be ad-supported free sections as well as paid content.

The iPlayer, which lets users stream BBC programs for a limited time after their original air date, has been extremely popular in the UK. It was pushing out 100 million downloads per month at the beginning of 2010. One can only hope it won't be limited to BBC America content when launched in the States.

Personally, I find myself watching more and more TV and movies with my iPad via Netflix and Hulu Plus. I'm not ready to cut the cable yet, but the idea is getting more attractive all the time.
Share