Friday 30 January 2015

BBC iPlayer add-on for Kodi, and Channel 4's 4oD

After being stopped by BBC several months ago, I've just noticed that the BBC iPlayer add-on for Kodi is working again. I can now watch live BBC TV and access all iPlayer's catch-up recordings via this add-on.

This is good news as I no longer have to access it via browser - the Kodi addon works so well and is far easier to navigate and find programmes than BBC's own iPlayer web site.

If only Channel 4 would allow such third party access to their 4oD service, too. I appreciate it is available on Windows PCs, iOS, Android, some games consoles, Smart TVs and set top boxes, but Channel 4's use of DRM restricts access to viewing via one of these devices. So, my only way of accessing 4oD is via Android - not a great viewing experience! Come on Channel 4, please open up http://m.channel4.com/4od/ once again so that third party 4oD apps can work again. I've tweeted Channel 4 with this request and on the form at http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us. You could do the same if this matters to you, too.