BBC halts iPlayer's iPhone stream 'hack'
updated 09:55 am EDT, Thu March 13, 2008
BBC halts iPlayer 'hack'
The BBC has put an end to an exploit which allowed people to download its TV shows permanently, according to the network's news agency. By altering the user string of a URL on a desktop system, people were able to fool the BBC iPlayer into thinking it was operating on an iPhone or iPod touch. While the latter devices are only able to stream shows from iPlayer, the exploit enabled Mac or PC users to save clips, which could then be played any time after the seven-day window the BBC sets for iPlayer material.
PC users can legitimately save videos through a native iPlayer client, but DRM restrictions still cause the files to expire after seven days. A Mac client has been promised for 2008, and one may also be developed for the Apple TV. The service is provided only to residents of the UK, who must pay a license fee for TV access.
not that important
03/13, 10:51am reply
Honestly, who needs this hack? Streaming video on iPlayer is of lower quality than downloadable, why do you want to record it?
ViktorCode
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Yeah baby!
03/13, 11:49am reply
I have to say, I got pretty excited when I saw the screen clip for this article (above). Who at MacNN is the Richard Dawkins' fan?
Go RD.
schwie
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
Re: not that important
03/13, 04:05pm reply
Yet it's the same concern the labels have over streaming audio over the internet.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
iPod?
03/13, 07:39pm reply
Viktor - because while the quality isn't good enough for large screen viewing, it is 'iPod' quality, and a lot cheaper than iTunes (and unlike ripping DVDs no need to downsize to iPod resolution).
JulesLt
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2005