– iPlayer: The BBC is developing a Mac version of its Windows-only iPlayer that will offer programme downloading. Despite platform neutrality criticism, the web version streams to all Flash-compatible platforms and it’s not like downloaded iPlayer shows can be transferred across devices anyway. But now BBC director-general Mark Thompson, in Auntie’s latest defence, writes: “Work is still ongoing, but I am happy to be able to confirm here that we are aiming to launch a download version of BBC iPlayer for Mac this year.” Ashley Highfield last month speculated iTunes’ new rental capabilities could support a de facto Mac iPlayer through the Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) media player.
– TVCatchUp: A new site allowing users to “record” TV shows in their own on-site 10Gb DVR is making waves. Registered in Mauritius, TVCatchUp lets users schedule their own recordings and series links from free-to-air channels and even borrow recordings from fellow users that they may have forgot to schedule. BBC, ITV (LSE: ITV), C4 and Five began investigating in December and today the site featured on the BBC’s own Radio 4. Sure enough, it’s a legal minefield – expiring shows after 30 days, the DRM may tally with independent producer body PACT’s own terms, but users would presumably need reminding that all TV reception devices need a licence.