On Demand Television and Radio services
There are various 'On Demand' services available which you may be able to make use of or direct your students to.
What is an 'On Demand' service?
Any ‘On Demand’ service allows users to select and watch video, television and radio content (either full programmes or edited clips) when they want – the service is available ‘on demand’.
Some providers, such as Virgin TV or Sky TV, charge for the service, usually as part of or in addition to a subscription contact. However, many services, such as those provided by the BBC and Channel 4 are provided wholly or partially free of charge, withsome services relying on marketing and advertising currently being relied upon to generate an income stream instead.
What free services are available?
We have listed some of the major UK terrestrial channels which provide a free on demand service below.
** Contact your Faculty IT coordinator if you wish to show a programme in a lecture theatre or seminar room. See also copyright issues.**
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What is BBC iPlayer?BBC iPlayer is the BBC's free 'On Demand' service that lets you catch up with radio and television programmes from the past week. Programmes can only be streamed from the website or downloaded (you will need to download BBC iplayer client software on to your pc) within the UK. Sports, movies, imports and some other programmes with copyright issues may not feature. |
What is ITV player?ITV's Video Player is ITV's 'On Demand' Service available through their website. Programme's are available for 30 days from being shown, although sports, movies, imports and some other programmes with copyright issues may not feature. Programmes can be streamed but not downloaded. You can download Microsoft Silverlight to view the programmes on but you do now need to if you have other media player software on your computer. |
What is 4 On Demand (4OD)?The 4oD service provides users with access to programmes from Channel 4, More4 and e4. Recent programmes can be viewed for free. Earlier programmes, including some from National Geographic channel and FX(UK) can be viewed for free or for a small charge. You need to download and install the 4oD software client in order to download programmes. |
What is Demand Five?Demand 5 provides a range of programmes you can watch/download for free or for a small charge. You will need to download and install a 'Demand Five player' software to view programmes you have 'bought' or rented. You can only watch these on the computer you have downloaded them on to. Programmes available include various documentaries and US dramas. |
How do I use BBC iPlayer? |
How do I use ITV Player?ITV Player FAQ's |
How do I use 4 on Demand?4oD FAQs |
How do I use Demand Five? |
Can programmes be used for teaching?"If the educational establishment has a TV licence and is covered by an ERA (Educational Recording Act) licence it may show BBC programmes to its students both recorded off-air and / or downloaded from the BBC iPlayer." (email from bbciplayersupport@bbc.co.uk, 06 May 2009) You may:
You may not:
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Can programmes be used for teaching?
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Can programmes be used for teaching?"The 4oD Catch-Up and 4oD Archive services can both be used as a teaching aid in the classroom. We can confirm that you do not require a TV licence to view either 4oD services." (email from 4oD-support@channel4.com, 30 April 2009) You may:
You may not:
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Can programmes be used for teaching?"There are no rights issues relating to using the service to teach students and the fact that some of them from outside the UK will not be a problem." (email from customerservices@five.tv, 30 April 2009) You may:
You may not:
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