BBC iPlayer Desktop

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Licence: Freeware
Version 3.2.14 | Release Date: 2012-01-05 | Download
Release Notes
  • Improved reporting of usage statistics.
Version 3.2.13 | Release Date: 2011-09-26 | Download
Release Notes
  • It is now possible to manually trigger programmes to download when they are queued by Series Record.
  • You can now choose to 'Series Record' a programme within iPlayer Desktop whilst offline without triggering a 'No internet connection' dialog box.
  • Fixed issue where online status was sometimes not being recognised correctly after the machine was taken offline and then online again.
Known Issues
  • When I update the BBC iPlayer Desktop, an application on my computer called WaveBurner launches and the update is not installed:
    This is a problem in the current version of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This should only be a problem if someone installs WaveBurner after installing the AIR runtime.
  • When I play a programme, my computer fan runs constantly and other applications are slow:
    Video decoding and scaling uses a large amount of processor power.To minimise processor usage, watch in fullscreen.
Version 3.2.7 | Release Date: 2011-05-18 | Download
Release Notes
  • Mandatory release in order to allow for a smooth migration from versions 3.0.10 and below which were signed using an older certificate.
  • Mandatory release also required to co-ordinate with 'Series Record' badge which is now enabled on iPlayer episode pages on the website.
  • Enhancements to full screen playback.
  • Potential fix for online/offline detection problem.
Known Issues
  • When I update the BBC iPlayer Desktop, an application on my computer called WaveBurner launches and the update is not installed:
    This is a problem in the current version of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This should only be a problem if someone installs WaveBurner after installing the AIR runtime.
  • When I play a programme, my computer fan runs constantly and other applications are slow:
    Video decoding and scaling uses a large amount of processor power. To minimise processor usage, watch in fullscreen.
Version 3.2.6 | Release Date: 2011-05-04 | Download
Release Notes
  • Improved statistics recording for subscriptions and offline playback.
  • Minor bug fixes.
Version 3.2.3 | Release Date: 2011-04-20 | Download
Release Notes
  • The application is now more stable and reliable.
  • It is now possible to subscribe to a programme series from within the application and future episodes will automatically be downloaded when they become available.
  • The contents of the download screen can now be filtered by:
    • * Available now - programmes which are ready to play
    * Coming Soon - programmes not yet ready to play
    * A-Z - all programmes in alphabetical order
    * Expiring - programmes which are due to expire.
  • Improvements to full screen playback
  • Better integration with Mac OS X operating system
  • Various user interface improvements including better layout and speed.
Version 3.0.10 | Release Date: 2010-11-16 | Download
Release Notes
  • Fixed a problem where programmes could get unexpectedly deleted after 7 days. This was traced back to a problem in the Flash Player.
  • Some HD content failed if there was no SD content, this will now work.
Version 3.0.7 | Release Date: 2010-09-14 | Download
Release Notes
  • Fixes a case where a program expiry could affect the users ability to continue to download sucessfully.
Known Issues
  • When I update the BBC iPlayer Desktop, an application on my computer called WaveBurner launches and the update is not installed:

    This is a problem in the current version of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This should only be a problem if someone installs WaveBurner after installing the AIR runtime.
  • When I play a programme, my computer fan runs constantly and other applications are slow:

    Video decoding and scaling uses a large amount of processor power. To minimise processor usage, watch in fullscreen.
Version 3.0.6 | Release Date: 2010-09-13 | Download
  • Fixes two cases where HD content would not download correctly and make other programs in the download list disappear.
Version 3.0.5 | Release Date: 2010-09-06 | Download
  • The application is now more stable and reliable.
  • It is now possible to download some programs before they are aired. This means they will be ready to play as soon as they are available to watch via iPlayer.
Version 1.5.15695.18135 | Release Date: 2010-04-01 | Download
Release Notes
  • Videos that start to download in the UK should be able to complete downloading abroad.
  • Update to use AIR 1.5.3 which has improved reliability, compatibility and security.
  • The 'Return' button activates the selected buttons in dialog boxes.
  • The subtitles are bigger in full screen.
  • Optimisation of CPU usage in full screen - 20% - 40% improvement.
  • Picture quality is better in full screen.
  • Fixed an issue where the user would see a blank screen during playback if the user dismissed the parental guidance dialog box.
  • A blank screen would sometimes be seen when in offline mode or during playout. Both of these are fixed.
  • Errors on the downloading servers do not now cause programmes to be deleted.
  • Fixed an issue where programmes would sometimes not become playable after downloading.
  • The application can now always be re-opened after being minimised by Alt_F4 or right click + close.
  • There was an issue with the subtitles button not appearing if the user went to full screen during the ident, which has now been fixed.
  • The console is now inactive at the resume screen.
  • The scrub bar is now inactive at the resume screen.
Version 1.4.13222.14125 | Release Date: 2009-10-22 | Download
Release Notes

  • Fixed an issue where the content would completely download before being deleted due to licencing issues. The licence is now checked as soon as the content begins to download.

  • Age confirmation on restricted content is now only required once per session.

  • The download speed indicator has been changed to show kilobits per second instead of kilobytes.

  • Fixed an issue where the download speed sometimes incorrectly shows 0 instead of the actual download speed.

  • Fixed an issue where the BBC iPlayer Desktop content sometimes showed a programme as 'Ready to play' when it actually was not ready be played.
Version 1.3.12070 | Release Date: 2009-08-13 | Download
Release Notes

  • The download speed is shown for each programme.
  • The expiry popup no longer causes the application to move on top of other open applications.
  • It is now possible to upgrade the BBC iPlayer Desktop from the iPlayer website while the BBC iPlayer Desktop is open.
  • New design for the programme expiration popups.
  • Fixed a bug where the BBC iPlayer Desktop's window would not open after launching on startup.
  • Fixed a bug which would sometimes show that a programme was ready to play when it was not available.
  • Fixed a bug where playing a programme would result in a black screen.
  • Fixed a bug where the control bar would sometimes be invisible on full screen when using dual monitors.

Known Issues

  • When I update the BBC iPlayer Desktop, an application on my computer called WaveBurner launches and the update is not installed:

    This is a problem in the current version of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This should only be a problem if someone installs WaveBurner after installing the AIR runtime.

  • When I try to open BBC iPlayer Desktop, either from my Applications folder or else from the iPlayer website Download button, nothing happens:

    This is also a problem in the current runtimes of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This happens when another user is currently logged-in with BBC iPlayer Desktop running. The user with BBC iPlayer Desktop running will receive the programme download.

  • When I play a programme, my computer fan runs constantly and other applications are slow:

    Video decoding and scaling uses a large amount of processor power. To minimise processor usage, watch in fullscreen.

  • The BBC iPlayer Desktop is too big for my display:

    We are working to make iPlayer easier to use on small screens.

Version 1.2.11066 | Release Date: 2009-07-08 | Download
  • The Download button, on the iPlayer website, now shows when it is still loading.
  • Fixed a bug where a previous programme's subtitles are still visible during the next programme.
  • Fixed a bug where the play button sometimes did not start the programme playing.
  • Multiple alert messages have been amalgamated into a single message.
  • Fixed an error where a programme expired while the Parental Guidance tab was showing.
  • Fixed an issue where the logo for BBC News & BBC Alba was not shown.
  • Reduced the amount of messages shown warning the user of bandwidth usage.

Known Issues

  • When I update the BBC iPlayer Desktop, an application on my computer called WaveBurner launches and the update is not installed:

    This is a problem in the current version of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This should only be a problem if someone installs WaveBurner after installing the AIR runtime.

  • When I try to open BBC iPlayer Desktop, either from my Applications folder or else from the iPlayer website Download button, nothing happens:

    This is also a problem in the current runtimes of Adobe Air and will be fixed in a future release of Adobe Air. This happens when another user is currently logged-in with BBC iPlayer Desktop running. The user with BBC iPlayer Desktop running will receive the programme download.

  • When I play a programme, my computer fan runs constantly and other applications are slow:

    Video decoding and scaling uses a large amount of processor power. To minimise processor usage, watch in fullscreen.

  • The BBC iPlayer Desktop is too big for my display:

    We are working to make iPlayer easier to use on small screens.
Version 1.1.2417 | Release Date: 2009-05-19 | Download
  • The displayed download speed now correctly shows kilobits instead of kilobytes.
  • Fixed a display error where the High Definition logo (HD) was not shown for HD downloads, when displaying more information in the Now Playing tab.
  • Fixed a bug where partly downloaded programmes were sometimes displayed as fully downloaded.
  • Solved a problem on OS X where playing a programme would sometimes result in a black screen.
  • Fixed issue where the BBC iPlayer Desktop icon on the Windows desktop did not always open the application.
  • The BBC iPlayer Desktop now properly removes expired programme if it expires while being watched.
  • Fixed an issue where the hourglass cursor icon sometimes did not disappear just before a programme begins.
  • Fixed a resizing display error in the scrub bar on the Now Playing tab.
  • There is now more room for characters in the "Allocated Disk Space" field on the Settings Tab.
  • The application now returns to normal size if a programme expires when being watched in full screen.
  • The CBBC and CBeebies logos now display correctly.
  • The BBC iPlayer Desktop now removes expired programme on startup.
  • Fixed an issue where the user message for revoked Standard Definition (SD) programmes was displayed when the programme was actually High Definition (HD).
  • Fixed a problem where the video would sometimes not stretch to full screen.
Version 1.0.2302 | Release Date: 2009-04-16 | Download
  • This is the first full release of the BBC iPlayer Desktop.
  • Added support for High Definition (HD) content. Selected HD content is available to be downloaded to the BBC iPlayer Desktop from the BBC iPlayer website.
  • The user can now update to the latest version of the BBC iPlayer Desktop directly from the BBC iPlayer website.
  • A less intrusive facility for updating to the latest version of the BBC iPlayer Desktop has been added. The application will now alert the user to an update with a popup message once a week. A link to the update facility will also available from the Downloads tab when a newer version is available.
  • We have added new start-up screens in the Download tab that explain various options that are available to the user. These start-up screens are visible when the application is first downloaded or when the Downloads tab is empty.
  • We added an "About" window that can be accessed from the applications system-tray icon.
  • The Download & Settings tabs now dynamically resize their contents to better fit the users selected window size.
  • From the Settings tab the user can choose for the BBC iPlayer Desktop to be active but minimised in the system tray at computer startup.
  • The communication between the BBC iPlayer website and BBC iPlayer Desktop has been improved.
  • We fixed a known issue where the BBC iPlayer Desktop was skipping the first few seconds of a video.
  • We fixed the icons in Windows' start menu and system tray so they display properly.
  • We have improved the download behaviour for intermittent internet connections.
  • Fixed a defect where volume button did not restore the volume after it had been muted by the user.
  • Fixed issue where subtitles button did not work in full screen.
  • Fixed issue where double clicking the content in the Now Playing tab did not switch the view to full screen mode.
  • Fixed issue where the programme's "Begin watching before" date was incorrect.
  • Fixed issue where an invalid number typed in the Settings tab's "Hard disk space allocated" would then set the value to the maximum space available.
  • Fixed issue where volume bar in full screen does not snap to the next volume setting and could be moved over text.
  • Fixed issue where incorrect message was displayed to users outside of the UK.
  • Fixed issue where paused content began playing again after a user seeked to a new location in the content.
  • Fixed issue where subtitles jumped or flickered.
  • Fixed issue where content was expired but not removed from the users computer.
Version 0.8.2196 | Release Date: 2009-03-19 | Download
  • Support for accessible subtitles. When subtitles are available for content a button [S] will appear in the Now Playing tab. Click this button to toggle the subtitles on and off.
  • Parental Guidance is now turned on as soon as it is turned on in the Settings tab.
  • Improved stability of programme download process.
  • Improved stability of BBC iPlayer Desktop install and upgrade process.
  • Improved design and usability of the startup screen.
  • Improved the layout of BBC iPlayer update available window so it is now
    centred in the main application window.
  • BBC iPlayer Desktop is now centred on first launch.
  • Fixed a defect where programme that had expired was not always removed from the Downloads tab.
  • Fixed a defect where the Downloaded programme displayed 5 days remaining when it should have displayed at 6 days remaining.
  • Fixed a defect where cursor incorrectly turned to a spinning clock when the user double-clicked a programme.
  • Fixed defect where a busy cursor persisted when a licence could not be retrieved for a programme.
  • Fixed defect where clicking the 'More Information' button on the Downloads tab played the content.
  • Fixed a defect where the full screen volume control did not display the correct volume.
  • Fixed a defect where programmes do not work when starting BBC iPlayer Desktop offline.
  • Fixed a defect where the download progress display did not update during download. It stayed on "Downloading" until the download was finished, instead of displaying the estimated time remaining.
  • When the user changes the location of where programmes are stored to a directory where BBC iPlayer Desktop content already exists, a warning message will now be displayed.
  • Fixed a defect where a programme download, paused by the user, started downloading again the next time the BBC iPlayer Desktop was launched.
  • Fixed a defect where a programme download, paused by the user, started downloading again when the computer reconnected to the internet.
Version 0.7.1786 | Release Date: 2009-02-17 | Download
  • Added video smoothing for better playback quality.
  • Improved design for Downloads list.
  • Recently downloaded items now available for playing from Dock (Mac) or System Tray (Windows) menu.
  • Download speed now displayed on mouse-over of System Tray icon (Windows).
  • The application window no longer snaps to the video size.
  • Fixed problems with window placement when changing from dual-monitor to single-monitor display.
  • Improved display on small screens (e.g. netbooks).
  • Fixed bug where the application sometimes crashed when changing settings.
  • Fixed bug where the BBC iPlayer Desktop window didn't remember its previous position when running for a second and subsequent times.
  • Fixed bug where repository size sometimes defaulted to zero.
  • Fixed bug where application starts minimised when offline.
  • Fixed bug where programmes already downloaded are not displayed when the application is started while disconnected from the Internet.
  • Fixed bug where BBC iPlayer Desktop sometimes shows "offline" even when there is an internet connection.
  • Fixed bug where download progress shows "paused" even while downloading.
  • Improved "time left" display in download progress.
  • Fixed bug where BBC iPlayer Desktop sometimes doesn't show an "update" screen even when there is a new version of the application available.
  • Fixed bug where clicking on a download links from the iPlayer website does not always start a download in the iPlayer Desktop software.
  • Fixed bug whereby programmes which have previously been played revert to unplayed/7 days remaining when the application is next run.
Version 0.6.1542 | Release Date: 2008-12-19 | Download
  • This is the first beta version of BBC iPlayer Desktop.