The BBC has confirmed the proposed iPlayer integration on the Xbox 360 has been delayed due to a disagreement between the two companies.
The main conflict between the two companies is about the pricing strategy over the iPlayer. The BBC wants to give it out free to Xbox LIVE users, as is outlined by the BBC Charter, while Microsoft wants to charge for the service.
"Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing," a BBC source told the Telegraph.
"It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those" they added.
The recent addition of the SKY Player to the Xbox 360 requires users to sign up to the Gold package and also pay for a Sky subscription, this is what Microsoft wants to implement with the iPlayer.
"This does not fit with the BBC's model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible," the source added.
Sony released the BBC iPlayer earlier on this year and has seen outstanding results from it. The success has seen Sony contact other broadcasters about the possibility of adding more TV players such as 4OD and SKY Player to the PlayStation 3. Meanwhile the iPlayer has recently re-released on the Nintendo Wii after suffering numerous problems in it's first version.
I love the iPlayer on the PS3 and comes in very handy as I have no TV aerial socket in my bedroom. Lets just hope Microsoft stops being so stubborn so Xbox 360 owners can experience the great BBC programming on the consoles. What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know in the comments below.
***Please remember, if you do not have a TV License and are living in the UK, you are required to buy one even if you are watching the iPlayer on your console.***
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