Catch-Up TV on iTunes / Apple TV

IanFogg | January 18, 2008, 05:23 PM

Ashley Highfield speculates about new distribution models for BBC TV programmes via Apple's platform. The main consumer advantage I see with offering BBC catch-up TV via iTunes is that such programmes would be transferable to iPods, iPhones, Macs, PCs i.e. multiple devices, rather than remaining tied to one PC as now.

However, there is an implementation challenge, despite the similarities between protecting rentals and catch-up content viewing windows. BBC iPlayer, 4oD and other catch-up services use IP address screening to prevent non-country residents from watching TV to which they're not entitled. Apple use the billing address of the iTunes account holder instead. These approaches aren't easily compatible. So, there is still work to be done before iPods work with BBC, 4oD and other broadcasters TV.

Regardless of the work needed, adding free catch-up TV to iTunes should be a no brainer for Apple (at least it would be if Apple's headquarters was not thousands of miles distant from White City).

Apple's profits continue to be driven by device sales, and not from content, rental or otherwise. Adding lots of high quality free professional TV content to iTunes would at a stroke tremendously increase the value to consumers of the iPod Touch and iPhone and so boost sales.

If Apple wishes to sell high end video-focused devices, it needs to have better video content (ideally free) to make the proposition work. I doubt movie rentals alone will be sufficient. Apple needs to add catch-up TV to the mix.