If a bunch of open-source supporting nerds start yelling at a bunch of Brits, guess who it’s over? Yerp, Microsoft. The Open Source Consortium has come down hard against the BBC’s plans to force online TV viewers into Microsoft products. New on-demand service the BBC is offering will only be available to those using Windows and “up-to-date” versions of Microsoft products.
I can see the BBC’s concerns for having to use a Windows Media Player-based DRM system, but this completely gives Mac and Linux users the shaft. Way to open up, BBC.
BBC slammed for Microsoft lock-in [VNU Net]
You might want to link to the BBC trust consultation page where anyone can weigh in on this, and various other issues regarding the planned on-demand services.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html
Funny how no suggestions for suitable alternatives were put forward. I don’t see how this is being ‘unbiased’ at all, it seems like a decision made upon simple economics. Real Server costs an absolute FORTUNE to purchase/use, whereas Microsofts solution is completely free, and has by far the widest user-base out there.
What other solutions can reach as many people for the cost (£0)? Open-source fan-boys really should get out more. Doesn’t Windows Media work on Macs as well nowadays (I don’t know, genuine question).
No, Windows Media for Mac was dropped by Microsoft a while back. The BBC is being stupid to not support open formats. AAC (a.k.a. Quicktime Mpeg 4) would be a much better format to use. Completely cross-platform, better codec (i.e. better quality by far), etc.
But what about the distribution software/infrastructure? Just playing devils advocate here, I’m no MS fanboy.
Nah, don’t blame the BBC. Mac and Linux users gave themselves the shaft when they decided to use inferior operating systems.
If the BBC uses this closed system, i will be writing and calling my local MPs, lobbying parliament and possibly joining a class action suit against the BBC.
The BBC has to provide the public with their services for all audiences. If that means i can’t watch on my Mac or linux desktop whilst i pay my licence fee, well, sorry Auntie, I’m wanting your family jewellery.
Open Source software. What does that mean?
Software that is nearly as good as commercially available software.
Mouse drivers they don’t quite properly drive the mouse. (Sluggish or way too fast.)
Databases that never quite work.
Word processor packages that sort of are nearly as good as commercial packages from ten years ago.
But what happens when you complain?
“Duh! Read the instructions!”
(We did. They were as poorly put together as the software.)
“Oh, I am sorry. That programme was written three years ago. I no longer support it.”
(Gosh. Thanks for that. Had we known that we would have got something else in the first place.)
“You’ll have to write something to fix that problem! It is really simple if you are good with Linux! Do you expect me to do everything?
(Yes. we do expect that. You claim to be a software designer, you sold this package to us and it doesn’t work. We never claimed to be software experts. We are just people who need to use computers in our working life. We do not see why we should become experts in stuff like Linux, or XP or whatever in order to do our damn jobs!)
Matt, sounds like you had a project that you couldn’t get to fly and now you blame everyone but yourself.
“Had we known that we would have got something else in the first place”
That’s what a bit of research is about, find the project homepage and READ IT (don’t pretend you did or you would have known that there had been no new updates in the last three years). Check who else is using that package. Sure there are lots of open source databases that went a little way and fizzled out but the two big ones (Postgresql and MySql) are widely used and actively supported. You have to pay money for support, that’s the deal. You don’t feel bad about paying money to Microsoft or paying for your hardware so don’t be so tight. Open Source has ALWAYS worked on the deal that you get your software for free but you pay for support, maybe you need to learn about the industry before you complain.
“Yes. we do expect that. You claim to be a software designer, you sold this package to us and it doesn’t work.”
Did you buy a support contract? Hmmm? Keep on blaming everyone but not yourself, it’s a fun way to go through life (ultimately unproductive).
Linux has bugger all support for DRM.
Without DRM, the BBC couldn’t get all those programmes on the iPlayer.
Download a VM and suck it up, you selfish shitbags.