Citing incompatibilities between their public service ethos and Microsoft's desire to make the Xbox 360 a paid for only platform, the BBC have so far failed to reach an agreement to integrate their iPlayer into the popular games console.
A BBC spokesperson highlighted the fact that iPlayer was already paid for by the license fee and that the corporation would not be following other providers by implementing a paid for model.
The availability of 'Sky Player' within the Xbox360 platform is dependent on users signing up to the games console's Gold package and they must also pay for a Sky subscription.
Having reached an agreement to offer free iPlayer access through Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PlayStation 3 games consoles the BBC has become increasingly frustrated by Microsoft's stance. A spokesperson for the BBC commented: "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."
Microsoft have big ambitions for their Xbox360, with plans to transform the games console into a home entertainment hub. Despite a potentially significant increase in consumer interest with the addition of iPlayer, Microsoft are not prepared at this time to make it available free of charge.
The huge success of iPlayer on the PS3 has prompted Sony to enter discussions with other providers to integrate more content sources. Will Microsoft really be able to sit back and watch potential customers drift away?
It will be interesting to see how the stand off develops as the BBC is adamant that iPlayer will remain free while Microsoft seems to be just as committed to the paid for model.
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