Plans for the Xbox 360 version of the BBC's iPlayer software have been delayed due to a conflict between the BBC's mandate to provide content freely to UK residents and Microsoft's demand that the service only be available to paying Xbox Live Gold customers, according to
a Telegraph report.
iPlayer is a multiplatform service operated by the BBC that offers streamed content from the broadcaster's numerous channels. It is already available for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles in the UK.
An unnamed BBC source told the Telegraph that talks between Microsoft and the BBC have stalled due to Microsoft's hardline stance on requiring a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription to access additional Xbox Live-based services. The Xbox 360 version of the Sky Player, which hosts content from BBC competitor Sky, does require Xbox Live Gold in addition to a standalone Sky subscription fee.
"This does not fit with the BBC's model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment," the source reportedly said. "It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible."
On the record, the BBC issued this statement: "People clearly want the BBC iPlayer on their gaming consoles, and we don’t think Xbox users are any different, so we’ve had discussions with Microsoft about bringing the service to the platform."
Microsoft has apparently not addressed the matter publicly.
