BBC iPlayer TV Downloads Now Available On Macs

The BBC has released a new version of their iPlayer software, which allows Mac users to download TV shows from the service and store them for offline viewing for up to thirty days.  While this functionality was made available to PC users around eighteen months ago, until now those running OS X could only stream content, which required a relatively speedy (and available) internet connection.

The BBC have used Adobe's AIR platform for the new version of iPlayer, and marks the introduction of new DRM technology.  Originally they had used Microsoft's DRM, but now the system supports Adobe and the OMA standards for mobiles. 

The new Mac iPlayer software requires Adobe AIR be installed (obviously) and then can be downloaded by signing up to be an iPlayer Labs tester; it's free to use.  Unfortunately TV downloads and streaming are only available in the UK.

[via T3]