Couldn't resist - from the Channel 4 4oD site, which will allow users to download, on demand, a wide variety of Channel 4 content:
Will you offer 4oD for the Macintosh?Category: 4oD | Sub Category: Getting Started
Unfortunately not at the launch of 4oD.This is an industry-wide issue caused because the accepted Digital Rights Management (DRM) system used to protect online video content, which is required by our content owners, is not compatible with Apple Mac hardware and software. The closed DRM system used by Apple is not currently available for licence by third parties and there is no other Mac-compatible DRM solution which meets the protection requirements of content owners. Unfortunately, we are therefore unable to offer 4oD content to Mac users at this stage.
Good old Apple... content rights are sorted (in this case, at least... and yes, I know that's a simplistic view...) - now the problem's with the technology platform. I guess what Apple really want is stuff to go through iTunes, for a fee*, so that they can topslice.
Know what - I was gonna treat myself to Mac Mini for use as a home entertainment hub. Maybe a PC would be better...?
PS and what is it with the BBC and RealPlayer..........?
* To clarify that point, the 4oD service is primarily pay-to-play (any number of times during the 48 hr rental period, although I think some content has an outright purchase option...)
Posted by ajh59 at January 4, 2007 01:13 PM