91Èȱ¬ iPlayer on the Wii: technical details
Post categories: accessibility,ÌýiPlayer
| 09:44 UK time, Friday, 20 November 2009
We have been bowled over by the positive response to the launch of the new 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer for the Wii. Twitter has been , such as "a revolution in TV watching" and "feels like how TV should be and just might be in the future."
Many people are also interested in the technical details of what we've done and how the 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer service will develop on TV-connected devices. So here goes....
First, the video: we're using the H.264 codec at a rate in the region of 700kbit/sec. The quality is probably as good as H.264 can get on this device. We've worked closely with Nintendo and our encoding partner Red Bee Media to squeeze every last drop of video goodness out of the Wii. It's been a balancing act: too much resolution or data and the CPU struggles and drops frames.
Compare this to 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer on the PC, where most boxes deal happily with our 1500kbit/sec for regular TV and even 3200kbit/sec for HD (assuming they can get data fast enough).
Needless to say you won't be seeing on the current Wii, I'm afraid. But with a more efficient codec and higher bitrate, our new version of 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer is doing a lot better. The Flash plug-in available in the browser on the Wii, on which we used to rely, could only support the Sorenson Spark codec at around 500kbit/sec.
91Èȱ¬ Radio content - well over 2000 hours every week - is delivered in the AAC format at 128kbit/sec, the same as on the PC and better quality than DAB. And our Radio Station animations, delivered at the same time, give a hint of what visualised radio could be on IPTV platforms.
We've really been breaking new ground here. This is the very first application built on an all-new rich media solution from Nintendo. So, you will understand that we can't achieve all we want to right away. Subtitles, for instance, are not immediately available as the platform can't ingest and parse the feeds we have while playing video. As part of our development programme we are seeking other ways to deliver subtitles.
In response to JonathanExplorer's question about chapterisation, I'd like to say yes, absolutely - many of the exciting functions you are seeing introduced to 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer on the PC will come to the TV, where they add value to the lean-back experience. Likewise we expect to add new functions on TV that enhance the 10ft experience that might not make sense on the PC.
And be assured - we're not stopping with the Wii. As Rahul said, this launch is just part of the "challenging programme to expand the reach of 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer in the living room."
Gideon Summerfield is Product Manager, TV iPlayer
Comment number 1.
At 20th Nov 2009, ian9outof10 wrote:I have a wii, and I'm pleased to see this service, but I'd really rather have it on the XBox360. And news on that?
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Comment number 2.
At 20th Nov 2009, Adam Lindsay wrote:My whole family — including my four year old — has been very pleased with 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer on the Wii. We have had iPlayer in the living room for nearly a year now (via the unsupported Boxee on AppleTV), and felt it quickly become an integral part of our media consumption. It is so much better to have an official, supported solution, and the quality of experience has really taken a jump up, being on the Wii.
Two very minor quibbles about the interface: when navigating, I find myself wishing for more d-pad integration, especially when scrolling list boxes. Secondly, not unrelated, is that some of the button targets could be bigger, not only for Dad, but for my little girl (who otherwise loves the greater independence of choosing CBeebies content).
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Comment number 3.
At 20th Nov 2009, mackthen wrote:Any plans to do a Windows Media Centre version? The SKY player on media centre is brilliantly done, I'm sure the 91Èȱ¬ could do one just as well. With so many people upgrading to Windows 7 the installed base of Windows Media Centre should make it worthwhile. Media Centre development isn't too complex either so it shouldn't be a massive undertaking.
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Comment number 4.
At 20th Nov 2009, stuartmemo wrote:I just wanted to congratulate you all on this achievement, it really is a joy to use and perfect way to watch iPlayer content in the living room.
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Comment number 5.
At 20th Nov 2009, squiditchy wrote:Thanks for the Wii iPlayer, really great to see it and we'll be using iPlayer much more now as it's on the main TV - it's really easy to use. The picture quality is a bit disappointing but as it's a Wii hardware limitation I'm not really complaining. Still it is very watchable.
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Comment number 6.
At 20th Nov 2009, ian9outof10 wrote:@mackthen actually, good point, a Media Centre version would kill two birds with one stone. It would make it available on PC as well as Xbox.
Make it happen 91Èȱ¬ ;)
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Comment number 7.
At 20th Nov 2009, SkyCaddie wrote:Thanks for the Wii player. Good full screen much better than the previous version.
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Comment number 8.
At 21st Nov 2009, klynn wrote:Great idea, but sadly I cant get it to work on my Wii, comes up with error 370300
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Comment number 9.
At 21st Nov 2009, kierank1 wrote:From watching it doesn't look like you're using x264, the open source H.264 encoder so there's a long way to go before "The quality is probably as good as H.264 can get on this device."
Other than that a loading progress bar would be nice but an excellent service nonetheless.
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Comment number 10.
At 21st Nov 2009, Toby Williams wrote:Please please please get a Windows Media Centre version launched. Sky have already got in on the act with Windows 7 (which works great) so it's just screaming out for the 91Èȱ¬ to step up too!
Perhaps it's worth putting some info on the iPlayer website regarding Media Centre, I would suggest a statement with any development intentions or time lines.
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Comment number 11.
At 23rd Nov 2009, Shane wrote:Loving the iPlayer through the Wii, fantastic quality, full screen.
I would only ask one thing - can we please have the option of subtitles? My girlfriend is partially deaf, and relies on them. They are possible when using iPlayer online.
Thank you
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Comment number 12.
At 23rd Nov 2009, planetf1 wrote:Very impressed with the new iPlayer on WII.
Very snappy UI, although I do find the scrolling awkward (scroll bar is very small).
Video quality is SO SO much better. Makes for a very watchable experience.
If only the regulators hadn't scuppered kangaroo we'd have a great platform for all channels. Still at least I can get the great bbc content!
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Comment number 13.
At 23rd Nov 2009, Paul Murphy wrote:#8 klynn wrote:
Great idea, but sadly I cant get it to work on my Wii, comes up with error 370300
Hi klynn
Try posting some info about the error you're getting and details of what you're doing on the iPlayer messageboards to get some help with your problem:
/dna/mbiplayer/F8035762
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Comment number 14.
At 23rd Nov 2009, JustMe wrote:The only problem I have with the iplayer is actually finding good stuff to watch, I'm sure theres loads of good bbc3 and 4 stuff hidden away, but you never see anything about it.
I don't know if this needs automatic recommendations, or some kind of 3 party mash up, but it feels like something is missing right now.
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Comment number 15.
At 25th Nov 2009, Ed Lyons wrote:I believe automatic recommendations etc are coming in iPlayer 3.0
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Comment number 16.
At 25th Nov 2009, spiceisland wrote:Fantastic idea, looks great and easy to use.
Unfortunately, I and my friends at work have been greatly disappointed by the actual iplayer-on-wii experience.
Basically, the picture pauses every 30-40 seconds while it waits for more data, until it basically gives up and tells you you have bandwidth issues.
When you go onto the iplayer diagnostics site (using a laptop in the same living room) the bbc speed test shows download speeds of ~6.2 Mb/sec, and iplayer on the laptop never stutters.
I can only guess that the wii either does not have the horsepower to keep up, or it's wireless hardware is poor (w.r.t. the wireless hardware on my laptop) or the servers dispatching content for iplayer-on-wii are not up to scratch (if they are different from the servers for iplayer-on-general-internet).
Still, I'll keep trying, hoping for improvements ...
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Comment number 17.
At 25th Nov 2009, spiceisland wrote:Sigh! I hate to reply to my own comment, but here goes ...
There is another possible reason for the stuttering reception of iplayer-on-wii. The stream may be being traffic-shaped by the ISP and if this stream is formatted in a new way or uses different port numbers from iplayer-on-general-internet, the ISP traffic-shaper may treat it differently and artificially choke the throughput.
This is the theory in a discussion I have just found on the iplayer messageboard and since the ISP they mention is the same as mine (i.e. PlusNet), I thought it warranted a mention here to give the 91Èȱ¬ and Nintendo the benefit of the doubt.
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Comment number 18.
At 27th Nov 2009, Dave Holland wrote:I'm with PlusNet too, and tried the iPlayer Wii channel (through a wired connection) for the first time last night. The playback paused 5 times in a 28 minute programme, presumably while it was buffering data. That's the only criticism I have - the picture quality is good enough (comparable with Freeview) and the interface is easy to navigate. I'll pursue PlusNet support about this because the ADSL connection is otherwise very solid and reliable.
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Comment number 19.
At 28th Nov 2009, Robert Bruce wrote:Does dim Radio Cymru ar yr iPlayer Wii. Pam?
There's no Radio Cymru on the Wii iPlayer. Why?
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Comment number 20.
At 28th Nov 2009, Nick Reynolds wrote:Comment 14 - STeve. You don't need recommendations - see these links.
91Èȱ¬ THREE on iPlayer.
91Èȱ¬ FOUR on iPlayer.
I'd recommend the Johnny Cash programmes on 91Èȱ¬ FOUR (if you like Johnny Cash - and you should!)
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Comment number 21.
At 29th Nov 2009, David Yeordpoe wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 22.
At 10th Dec 2009, Joseph Quartson wrote:On a wet rainy December evening we discovered a new lease of life for last Christmas' must have gift. iplayer on the wii was a welcome and unexpected revelation.
I have been used to using the service on a mac and it is a solitary experience. It is great to be able to catch up with the 91Èȱ¬ on the big screen. An experience not to under estimated, as I believe this is the canvas upon which 91Èȱ¬ programs are best presented.
In short good call, good execution, well done!
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Comment number 23.
At 4th Jan 2010, werty wrote:I love the idea of 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer but I hate the way it is not available to Ireland I think it would open up so much business for you, please make it happen.
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Comment number 24.
At 15th Jan 2010, scott lipe wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 25.
At 1st Feb 2010, J Foster wrote:I have recently purchased a D-link DSM-510 high def.media player which should stream music and more importantly live or recorded TV from my computer to my TV. However, it does not support the '91Èȱ¬ iplayer'. Is there anything technically I can do to resolve this, please.
With thanks
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Comment number 26.
At 1st Mar 2010, scuba wrote:have heard the gravepine around the buzz of the iplayer , now the full technical details are known, it is a good innovation and should be a runaway success, and i dont think anyone was expecting HD in the wii ! lol!
good thing this has been launched [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator] in the technology innovations ? this is a trendsetter i hope.
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At 2nd Mar 2010, Barry Martin wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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At 4th Mar 2010, James Anderson wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 29.
At 11th Mar 2010, martin fabian wrote:The iplayer has upped the ante on the internet major internet tv playes as well as other entertainment channels and 91Èȱ¬ being a frontrunner as always have been on the forefront and is a great innovation with fresh choices for the physically disabled as well as young and old options and quality is top class, however the whole sector is in fast transition and like the digital 3d replacing the 3d of the 70's ! this might last but may be overtaken by technology, but overall has been a great and innovative positioning by the favourite portals
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Comment number 30.
At 27th Mar 2010, U14390976 wrote:All this user's posts have been removed.Why?
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Comment number 31.
At 25th Apr 2010, Charles Potty wrote:Really cool that you can actually watch 91Èȱ¬ on your WII, and in an alright quality too.For me this would actually be a lot easier than installing a video cable from my living room to downstairs where my WII room is locatedIf only more stations offered this feature it would actually be very useful. But let's see what the future brings. But I am going to give this a try during the next week and hopefully it will work just fine.
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Comment number 32.
At 12th May 2010, U14460911 wrote:All this user's posts have been removed.Why?
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At 15th May 2010, Jason Woods wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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At 16th May 2010, Richard Ordo wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 35.
At 23rd May 2010, hexaq wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 36.
At 27th May 2010, tonymo wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 37.
At 27th May 2010, tonymo wrote:Congratulation! It is a nice feature. Maybe you should try it for iPad
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Comment number 38.
At 30th May 2010, tonymo wrote:me again.... forget about iPad... I saw that the Chinese made a copy,,, iPed :))
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Comment number 39.
At 1st Jun 2010, tonymo wrote:@U14460911 I saw that you have the same comment on more than 20 articles on this site. Maybe you should try to change it:P.. just kidding.
And about the bbc site: you have a great site with PR9 and Alexa:44.
It is perfect for you.horse trailer
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Comment number 40.
At 1st Jun 2010, tonymo wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 41.
At 2nd Jun 2010, softdinamic wrote:@tonymo
Position 44 on Alexa means that this is a great site. It is exceeded only from the search engines and some big social media sites.
I saw that you said above something about iPed. I read it, too.
It is unbelievable how the Chinese can adapt almost any gadget for his people. China is a country with more than 1 billion people, so the losses for iPad will be huge.
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Comment number 44.
At 27th Aug 2010, Pat Buchannan wrote:Forgive me for getting on my soapbox a little, but should the BEEB solve the problem of mobile network carriers restricting access to Iplayer when mobile devices aren't connected to WIFI first?
I dont want to break the house rules here, but it frustrates me that despite paying my TV licence Im unable to view iplayer when I'm away from home on my mobile device - probably the time when I would most want to use it - because the greedy mobile networks who promise unlimited internet are concerned about the bandwidth.
Help us out here BEEB!
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Comment number 45.
At 12th Sep 2010, anna crawford wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 49.
At 3rd Nov 2010, U14671850 wrote:I find the wii cumbersome to use. I will stick to using Iplayer on my good old fashioned laptop thanks very much. My son has internet on the wii but he never uses that either..
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Comment number 50.
At 3rd Nov 2010, andriax wrote:Watched two episodes of In the Night Garden with my kids earlier.
Fantastic!
Leaves my laptop free for for someone else to use.
Thank you 91Èȱ¬...
Andriax
[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]
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Comment number 51.
At 7th Nov 2010, AndySchleck wrote:Wow. The new 91Èȱ¬ player for Wii is really awesomeWell is so good to watch your favorite program and the quality is really good ,also the fullscreen look much better than previous verison. Thanks again
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At 8th Nov 2010, U14671850 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 53.
At 9th Nov 2010, joe879 wrote:i have enjoyed these features about 4 monthsits better Resolution
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At 9th Nov 2010, sallero wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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