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BBC Talks iPlayer Specs for Wii
on 29.11.2009 at 23:51
Posted by Jorge (jb) 
Comments: 1 
Reads: 1309
Tags:
iPlayer, Nintendo, Wii, Specs, BBC
Posted by Jorge (jb) Comments: 1 Reads: 1309 Tags:
iPlayer, Nintendo, Wii, Specs, BBC Related Stories
Tech-heads who have download and sampled the new TV channel on the Wii can have some insight into the setup.
In a new blog, it's been revealed that for video streams the H.264 codec is used to process at around 700kbit/sec - a decent compromise for getting good quality playback on the console without a serious amount of lag. Both the BBC and Nintendo have been working with Red Bee Media to get as much out of the Wii and it's CPU as possible.
By comparison the regular setup on PC or other desktop boxes goes at 1500kbit/sec for normal TV quality and even 3200kbit/sec for higher definition streams. That said the newer codec and dedicated channel has done wonders for those wanting to catch-up on missed shows on their TV - the old Flash player was runnning at around 500kbit/sec.
Radio hasn't been sacrificed however, streaming over in AAC format at 128kbit/sec - the same as on PC and better quality than DAB digital radio.
The Wii does lack some features that can't be achieved right away - for example lacking the ability to parse feeds used for subtitles whilst playing video. However the team are considering introducing features that do make more sense when sitting back and relaxing on a couch instead of crunched up at a computer.
What do you think of the BBC iPlayer channel? Have you tried it - and will you be using it over the PC edition? Should other providers follow in the BBC's footsteps?
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The capability is really good, but on a large living room screen, it's clear, the codec is a compromise. It would be great if you could have a setup option to allow you to select 1500 or ever high def bit rates, but every journey has a first step, and all that. I guess if you consider that Wii units will be used alongside other family members using their PCs, one can't expect it to have dedicate broadband access, so you can see their logic. SD and HD downloading would be ideal though, of course, but can Channels run in background? I suspect not.
on 02.12.2009 at 09:27
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