Now if US networks would follow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6194929.stm
BBC moves to file-sharing sites
Hundreds of episodes of BBC programmes will be made available on a file-sharing
network for the first time, the corporation has announced.
The move follows a deal between the commercial arm of the organisation, BBC
Worldwide, and technology firm Azureus.
The agreement means that users of Azureus' Zudeo software in the US can
download titles such as Little Britain.
Until now, most BBC programmes found on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks have
been illegal copies.
Beth Clearfield, vice president of program management and digital media at BBC
Worldwide, said that the agreement was part of a drive to reach the largest
audience possible.
"We are very excited to partner with Azureus and make our content available
through this revolutionary distribution model," she said.
High definition
Azureus is best known for developing a BitTorrent client, or program, that
allows large media files to be easily shared over the internet. The program has
been downloaded more than 130 million times.
Once you have watched a show, you can rate it, comment on it and
recommend it to a friend
Gilles BianRosa, Azureus
Earlier this month the company launched a video sharing site similar to
YouTube, codenamed Zudeo. The site allows users to upload and view content.
However, in contrast to most video sharing sites, Zudeo offers high definition
videos. Users must also download a program to access and upload content.
The new deal means that users of the software will be able to download
high-quality versions of BBC programmes, including Red Dwarf, Doctor Who and
the League of Gentleman. Classic series such as Fawlty Towers will also be
available through a BBC "channel".
The titles will be protected by digital rights management software to prevent
the programmes being traded illegally on the internet.
"This will be a very different experience from traditional file-sharing
networks," said Gilles BianRosa, CEO of Azureus.
Users will also be able to link to programmes from blogs, social networks and
fansites.
"If you have Zudeo running it will take you to that programme; and if you
don't, it will suggest you install it, like the first time you download a flash
movie," said Mr BianRosa.
"Once you have watched a show, you can rate it, comment on it and recommend it
to a friend."
Mr BianRosa believes the cult status of many BBC programmes will make these
features appealing to Zudeo users.
Legal services
File-sharing is often associated with illegal distribution of copyrighted
content. But in recent months a number of networks have tried to shake off this
old image.
BitTorrent, the company behind the original file-sharing software of the same
name, has recently signed a number of deals with content providers, such as
20th Century Fox, in a bid to become a legitimate download service.
Earlier this year, Sharman Networks, the owners of Kazaa, did similar deals.
Kazaa uses advertising to provide content for free.
No pricing structure for the BBC content on Zudeo has been revealed.
Azureus is expected to announce other partnerships in the New Year.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/technology/6194929.stm
Published: 2006/12/20 07:46:13 GMT
© BBC MMVI
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