Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[vijay chopra]

Shame; even thought I hate DRM, I know that PHBs love it, and if they cant work it, it means the Beeb might scram iMP :(On 13/11/05, Dave Whitehead <
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:






Seems BBC may have a problem with the iMP trial, 
apparently it's possible to get round the DRM thus taking away the watch within 
7days restriction
 
source - http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Adam Leach]

This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM 
files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in 
bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed, 
plus its created by Microsoft.


Other codecs are less widely used and known about, so in theory should 
be more secure.  With the BBC providing the shows for free, there is 
less of a reason to crack the codecs, although someone is always going 
to try it.


Adam

vijay chopra wrote:

Shame; even thought I hate DRM, I know that PHBs love it, and if they 
cant work it, it means the Beeb might scram iMP :(


On 13/11/05, *Dave Whitehead* < [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> wrote:


Seems BBC may have a problem with the iMP trial, apparently it's
possible to get round the DRM thus taking away the watch within
7days restriction
 
source - http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv






-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Dave Whitehead]

Problem is they will be free to UK tv licence payers, there will be
insentive for people outside the UK to try and bypass it

Dave


- Original Message - 
From: "Adam Leach" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 2:49 PM
Subject: Re: [backstage] iMP issue


> This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in
> bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,
> plus its created by Microsoft.
>
> Other codecs are less widely used and known about, so in theory should
> be more secure.  With the BBC providing the shows for free, there is
> less of a reason to crack the codecs, although someone is always going
> to try it.
>
> Adam
>
> vijay chopra wrote:
>
> > Shame; even thought I hate DRM, I know that PHBs love it, and if they
> > cant work it, it means the Beeb might scram iMP :(
> >
> > On 13/11/05, *Dave Whitehead* < [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> wrote:
> >
> > Seems BBC may have a problem with the iMP trial, apparently it's
> > possible to get round the DRM thus taking away the watch within
> > 7days restriction
> >
> > source - http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv
> > <http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv>
> >
> >
>
> -
> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.
Unofficial list archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[vijay chopra]

And this is why people don't like DRM:
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/11/13/1419206&tid=233
With crazy restrictions like that, can you really blame people for trying bypass it?On 13/11/05, Dave Whitehead <
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Problem is they will be free to UK tv licence payers, there will be
insentive for people outside the UK to try and bypass itDave- Original Message -From: "Adam Leach" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk>Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 2:49 PMSubject: Re: [backstage] iMP issue> This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in> bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,> plus its created by Microsoft.>> Other codecs are less widely used and known about, so in theory should
> be more secure.  With the BBC providing the shows for free, there is> less of a reason to crack the codecs, although someone is always going> to try it.>> Adam>> vijay chopra wrote:
>> > Shame; even thought I hate DRM, I know that PHBs love it, and if they> > cant work it, it means the Beeb might scram iMP :(> >> > On 13/11/05, *Dave Whitehead* < 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]>> wrote:> >> > Seems BBC may have a problem with the iMP trial, apparently it's
> > possible to get round the DRM thus taking away the watch within> > 7days restriction> >> > source - http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv
> > <http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv>> >> >>> -> Sent via the 
backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, pleasevisit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.Unofficial list archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/-Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please visit 
http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  Unofficial list archive: 
http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[nmec]

As with any DRM, you only have to break it once.

Perhaps they'll use the BBC codec thats being worked on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/opensource/projects/dirac/
Although it's not clear what DRM if any it'll use.

- JW

On 13/11/05, vijay chopra <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> And this is why people don't like DRM:
> http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/11/13/1419206&tid=233
>  With crazy restrictions like that, can you really blame people for trying
> bypass it?
>
>
> On 13/11/05, Dave Whitehead < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > Problem is they will be free to UK tv licence payers, there will be
> > insentive for people outside the UK to try and bypass it
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> > - Original Message -
> > From: "Adam Leach" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > To: 
> > Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 2:49 PM
> > Subject: Re: [backstage] iMP issue
> >
> >
> > > This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> > > files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in
> > > bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,
> > > plus its created by Microsoft.
> > >
> > > Other codecs are less widely used and known about, so in theory should
> > > be more secure.  With the BBC providing the shows for free, there is
> > > less of a reason to crack the codecs, although someone is always going
> > > to try it.
> > >
> > > Adam
> > >
> > > vijay chopra wrote:
> > >
> > > > Shame; even thought I hate DRM, I know that PHBs love it, and if they
> > > > cant work it, it means the Beeb might scram iMP :(
> > > >
> > > > On 13/11/05, *Dave Whitehead* < [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > > <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Seems BBC may have a problem with the iMP trial, apparently it's
> > > > possible to get round the DRM thus taking away the watch within
> > > > 7days restriction
> > > >
> > > > source -
> http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv
> > > >
> <http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.tech.digital-tv>
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > -
> > > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe,
> please
> > visit
> http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.
> > Unofficial list archive:
> > http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
> >
> > -
> > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please
> visit
> http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.
>  Unofficial list archive:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
> >
>
>

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Richard Lockwood]

On 11/13/05, Adam Leach <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in
> bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,

Fair enough

> plus its created by Microsoft.

Right.  Could someone explain to me exactly why this is a problem? 
Widely used, so an obvious target for bypassing - yes, I'll go along
with that.  "Created by Microsoft" - no, that's not a problem.  Had
you said "Created by Microsoft and has inherent security flaws as
demonstrated by , ,  and this paper here written by
", then yes, that would be a valid point.  Simply slating
something because it's created by one manufacturer is not.  I might
not like Volvo cars, but I don't feel the need to slag off the airbag
at every possible vaguely related opportunity.

Cheers,

Rich.

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Amias Channer]

On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 08:22:53 +
Richard Lockwood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> On 11/13/05, Adam Leach <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> > files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in
> > bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,
> 
> Fair enough

DRM is a waste of time IMHO , the time would be better spent working out
a revenue model that allowed free delivery of content .
 
> > plus its created by Microsoft.
> 
> Right.  Could someone explain to me exactly why this is a problem? 
> Widely used, so an obvious target for bypassing - yes, I'll go along
> with that.  "Created by Microsoft" - no, that's not a problem.  Had
> you said "Created by Microsoft and has inherent security flaws as
> demonstrated by , ,  and this paper here written by
> ", then yes, that would be a valid point.  Simply slating
> something because it's created by one manufacturer is not.  I might
> not like Volvo cars, but I don't feel the need to slag off the airbag
> at every possible vaguely related opportunity.

er , you 'forgot' the lockins where its very hard / illegal for users of
other systems to gain access to documents / media produced by M$ formats
and don't get me started on the forced upgrades for profit stuff either.

That is enough for me and a growing number of people to ignore microsoft
formats out of hand. Try standing up for a company people like instead.

Toodle-pip
Amias
-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Richard Lockwood]

On 11/22/05, Amias Channer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 08:22:53 +
> Richard Lockwood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > On 11/13/05, Adam Leach <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > This is a bigger problem as iMP is using standard Microsoft WMA DRM
> > > files.  As this is widely used, there are more people interested in
> > > bypassing the DRM system, and so eventually it will always be bypassed,
> >
> > Fair enough
>
> DRM is a waste of time IMHO , the time would be better spent working out
> a revenue model that allowed free delivery of content .
>
> > > plus its created by Microsoft.
> >
> > Right.  Could someone explain to me exactly why this is a problem?
> > Widely used, so an obvious target for bypassing - yes, I'll go along
> > with that.  "Created by Microsoft" - no, that's not a problem.  Had
> > you said "Created by Microsoft and has inherent security flaws as
> > demonstrated by , ,  and this paper here written by
> > ", then yes, that would be a valid point.  Simply slating
> > something because it's created by one manufacturer is not.  I might
> > not like Volvo cars, but I don't feel the need to slag off the airbag
> > at every possible vaguely related opportunity.
>
> er , you 'forgot' the lockins where its very hard / illegal for users of
> other systems to gain access to documents / media produced by M$ formats
> and don't get me started on the forced upgrades for profit stuff either.
>
> That is enough for me and a growing number of people to ignore microsoft
> formats out of hand. Try standing up for a company people like instead.



No.  I'm not going to stand up for a company that "people like", for
several reasons:
1.  Don't even *think* about telling me what I should and shouldn't support
2.  A "company people like"?  Like Google, for example?  That'll be
the same Google that a couple of years ago was the darling of everyone
in the computer industry, and is now the second-most vilified company
in the (popular) IT Press?  *That* "company that everyone likes"?
3.  Ignoring something "out of hand" would make me even smaller-minded
than that company.  It's the Vicky Pollard syndrome.  "Yeah, but she
don't like me so I won't like her and' I'll get all my mates to not
like her as well."

Try looking at products produced by a company as individual pieces of
software/programmes (as opposed to programs)/initiatives, and taking
each on its own merits.  You never know, you might broaden your mind a
little.

Cheers,

Rich.

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Amias Channer]

On Tue, 22 Nov 2005 14:06:34 +
Richard Lockwood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> 1.  Don't even *think* about telling me what I should and shouldn't support

this is not about you its about what is a good codec to use for the BBC's IMP
system , a system that is supposed to be platform agnostic . Anything from
microsoft is out from the start as it is not platform agnostic. simple logic.

> 2 & 3 

error these questions are unworthy of response.

> Try looking at products produced by a company as individual pieces of
> software/programmes (as opposed to programs)/initiatives, and taking
> each on its own merits.  You never know, you might broaden your mind a
> little.

you can't take them on their merits when they are designed and implimented
as a cohesive mesh of interlocking non-standards . 

Toodle-pip
Amias

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Nico Morrison]

Time for my 2 p - been monitoring this list since it started - has
noone suggested that the Beeb use their extraordinary visibility &
'customer base' to emulate Google on a paid ad basis?

Example might be a Beeb player or toolbar or both that returned
viewing, lisening, browsing information to a central distributed DB &
served relevant ads  I reckon the BBC could give Google a run for
their money if they really did it properly.

Of course there are huge political & economic issues, but I would go
for it as the technical infrastructure is already practically in
place.

I'm just surprised that nonone on this list seems to have considered
what a workable business model could be?

My 2 cents - and I'm also looking for a cutting-edge AJAX developer
for a major Tibetan Buddhist Art Resource with funding - mail me
offlist only please.

Best Regards,
Nico Morrison
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


On 11/22/05, Amias Channer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> On Tue, 22 Nov 2005 14:06:34 +
> Richard Lockwood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > 1.  Don't even *think* about telling me what I should and shouldn't support
>
> this is not about you its about what is a good codec to use for the BBC's IMP
> system , a system that is supposed to be platform agnostic . Anything from
> microsoft is out from the start as it is not platform agnostic. simple logic.
>
> > 2 & 3
>
> error these questions are unworthy of response.
>
> > Try looking at products produced by a company as individual pieces of
> > software/programmes (as opposed to programs)/initiatives, and taking
> > each on its own merits.  You never know, you might broaden your mind a
> > little.
>
> you can't take them on their merits when they are designed and implimented
> as a cohesive mesh of interlocking non-standards .
>
> Toodle-pip
> Amias
>
> -
> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
> visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
> Unofficial list archive: 
> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
>


--
Regards,
Nico Morrison
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
___
PGP: 5446F0E2 Skype:  nicomorrison
___

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Andy Hawkins]

Hi,

On 11/24/05, Nico Morrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Time for my 2 p - been monitoring this list since it started - has
> noone suggested that the Beeb use their extraordinary visibility &
> 'customer base' to emulate Google on a paid ad basis?

Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?

Andy

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

RE: [backstage] iMP issue

[Luke Dicken]

> On 11/24/05, Nico Morrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > Time for my 2 p - been monitoring this list since it started - has
> > noone suggested that the Beeb use their extraordinary visibility &
> > 'customer base' to emulate Google on a paid ad basis?
> 
> Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?
> 
> Andy

That's what I'd have thought.

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

RE: [backstage] iMP issue

[J.P.Knight]

On Thu, 24 Nov 2005, Luke Dicken wrote:

Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?

Andy


That's what I'd have thought.


And it jolly nice to have one major media outlet on the web that *isn't*
stuffing your browser full of banner ads, targetted popups, etc, etc. 
Long may my "membership fee" (aka telly licence) keep it that way.


Jim'll
-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Kirk Northrop]

Andy Hawkins wrote:

Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?


No... but BBC Worldwide are...

--
From the North, this is Kirk

www.noisetosignal.org
-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Andy Hawkins]

Hi,

On 11/24/05, Kirk Northrop <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Andy Hawkins wrote:
> > Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?
>
> No... but BBC Worldwide are...

Ah. Ok.

Andy

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Gordon Joly]

At 19:40 + 24/11/05, Kirk Northrop wrote:

Andy Hawkins wrote:

Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?


No... but BBC Worldwide are...



BBC Worldwide Limited is company, wholly owned by the BBC, that sells 
BBC merchandise (e.g. video and audio recordings of BBC programmes, 
books, magazines, toys and games).


As far as I know, they do not make money from advertising, directly. 
Radio Times is a commercial publication (one of many), sold in shops, 
that advertises lots of things, and lists TV and radio broadcasts.


http://www.bbcworldwide.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/policies/commercial_guides/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/running/

Name & Registered Office:
BBC WORLDWIDE LIMITED
WOODLANDS
80 WOOD LANE
LONDON W12 0TT
Company No. 01420028

See also

http://www.bbcshop.com/ (Amazon clone)

http://www.beeb.net/

:-)

Gordo


--
"Think Feynman"/
http://pobox.com/~gordo/
[EMAIL PROTECTED]///
-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

Re: [backstage] iMP issue

[Nico Morrison]

Good that kneejerk reaction resulted in dialogue & useful information.

The BBC is in a major struggle for funding, markets, viewers,
listeners, browsers, players & global societal role . next year
sees massive changes in department structures, employment &
directions.

Consider the alternatives Jeeves! Do we really want Sky/Murdoch to rule?

Use that huge base of listeners, viewers, IP addresses, use the
goodwill, the trusted history  & remember that Google was 2
penniless Stanford graduates.

To throwout the best business model the internet has EVER seen without
even looking at it seriously would be a grave error.

Regards,
Nico Morrison

On 11/25/05, Gordon Joly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> At 19:40 + 24/11/05, Kirk Northrop wrote:
> >Andy Hawkins wrote:
> >>Umm...the BBC aren't allowed to take money from advertising are they?
> >
> >No... but BBC Worldwide are...
> >
>
> BBC Worldwide Limited is company, wholly owned by the BBC, that sells
> BBC merchandise (e.g. video and audio recordings of BBC programmes,
> books, magazines, toys and games).
>
> As far as I know, they do not make money from advertising, directly.
> Radio Times is a commercial publication (one of many), sold in shops,
> that advertises lots of things, and lists TV and radio broadcasts.
>
> http://www.bbcworldwide.com/
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/policies/commercial_guides/
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/running/
>
> Name & Registered Office:
> BBC WORLDWIDE LIMITED
> WOODLANDS
> 80 WOOD LANE
> LONDON W12 0TT
> Company No. 01420028
>
> See also
>
> http://www.bbcshop.com/ (Amazon clone)
>
> http://www.beeb.net/
>
> :-)
>
> Gordo
>
>
> --
> "Think Feynman"/
> http://pobox.com/~gordo/
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]///
> -
> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
> visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
> Unofficial list archive: 
> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
>


--
Regards,
Nico Morrison
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
___
PGP: 5446F0E2 Skype:  nicomorrison
___

-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/

RE: [backstage] iMP issue

[Kim Plowright]

>BBC Worldwide Limited is company, wholly owned by the BBC, that sells 
>BBC merchandise (e.g. video and audio recordings of BBC programmes, 
>books, magazines, toys and games).

They're primarily there to hold the rights to BBC productions for
commercial exploitation - ie, for rebroadcast internationally, for DVD
release, and for repeat on non-BBC channels in the UK. They then
re-invest in the public service bit of the BBC on a
production-by-production basis; ie, putting money in if they think a
show has strong commercial potential after its public service 'free'
life. It's all a bit complicated, and I only vaguely understand the
arrangement.

And you're not wrong, Nico - the political and economic issues about the
idea would be... large.

K


-
Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group.  To unsubscribe, please 
visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html.  
Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/