CBC To Release Program DRM-Free Via BitTorrent

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:33 pm

Quote:

Sources indicate that the CBC is set to become the first major North American broadcaster to freely release one of its programs without DRM using BitTorrent. This Sunday, CBC will air Canada Next Great Prime Minister. The following day, it plans to freely release a high-resolution version via peer-to-peer networks without any DRM restrictions. This development is important not only because it shows that Canada's public broadcaster is increasingly willing to experiment with alternative forms of distribution, but also because it may help crystallize the net neutrality issue in Canada.

The CBC's mandate, as provided in the Broadcasting Act, requires it to make its programming "available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means." Using BitTorrent allows the CBC to meet its statutory mandate, yet with ISPs such as Rogers engaging in non-transparent traffic shaping, millions of Canadians may be unable to fully access programming funded by tax dollars. If the CBC experiment is successful, look for more broadcasters to do the same and for the CRTC to face mounting pressure to address net neutrality concerns.

Having interviewed with CBC before, a major broadcaster in Canada, I'm glad they are now experimenting with this. I had opportunity talking to the reporter at CBC and elsewhere, there seems to be much good will towards P2P technologies like BitTorrent, with the perception that it together with the internet can be the next generation channel (not in the analog sense) of media distribution. And CBC's mandate to make materials "available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means" is an interesting one. The media (especially mass broadcast media) should serve the public good first and foremost, and with the UK's BBC already using BitTorrent and their own iPlayer, perhaps government funded media (partially or fully) is what will spark mainstream media adoption of P2P distribution.

And strengthening the case against illegitimate traffic shaping and net neutrality issues while at it, turning the tables around the perception of illegitimacy over BitTorrent... irony at its finest.

Also, the positive comments on CBC's announcement of using BitTorrent is interesting too. To fellow Canadians, tune in to CBC this Sunday (assuming you have a TV of course). For otherwise would-be pirates everywhere, tune in to the torrent swarm after (which should be promptly picked up on isoHunt's index). Lets show CBC that when they do the right thing, We The People will respond with popular enthusiasm.

UPDATE: CBC's torrents are up

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:05 pm

Wow two years almost since that interview, only seems like a few months ago. Nice to see that CBC and other far thinking organizations can see what we in the P2P scene have known for many years. Torrents work effectively and have legal use in file distribution for less cost than most other technologies.

It would be nice to see universities open up their limited reach by using open learning and spreading lectures via P2P too. Image a world where getting a degree was much cheaper and for those less well off financially, but still intelligent people could afford to raise from the slums of this world. I hope that CBC is just the beginning, there are so many benefits that can still arise from the proper use of P2P technology that have not even began to be utilized (yet!).

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:48 am

I've always thought well of the CBC, and this is good news. I can't get CBC on my TV, bad reception, but I think I'll watch this when I probably wouldn't have gone looking for it otherwise.

Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:21 pm

I loved this article and hope that it will bring some attention to the world that we Canucks are the best. Hat's off to the CBC and down with the isp that think they can throttle ports, traffic shape and not get noticed doing it.

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:46 am

As a Canadian tax payer, I say 2 thumbs up to CBC. A couples years ago I met with CBC's program directors in Winnipeg (TV & Radio) and expressed my opinions on where broadcasting needed to focus with the Internet generation. Glad to see they are not sticking their heads in the sand. Good for CBC.

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:45 am

This is an impressive move, and as an American, I'm certainly not surprised an American company didn't try this first, as there's no direct monetary gain involved. But, as others have stated before, it's great to see that major companies are seeing the potential that we've seen for years now.

Imagine being able to download torrents of entire NHL playoff (or regular season) games! This should be the future!

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:46 pm

This is definitely a leap forward for P2P, but unfortunately I can't see commercial broadcasters jumping on the bandwagon in a hurry because they need to make money (which is fair enough if they don't get greedy).

Maybe the next step could be a new format [or a modification to an existing one] that allows you to view the programme only after watching a few targeted ads? Sure some people will use that time to make a coffee, but that's just what happens in TV ad breaks.

That way the broadcasters still make money AND give their programming global exposure - it would take a pretty backward organisation not to see the benefits of P2P then.

PS: I swear fox was the last thing on my mind when I mentioned "a pretty backward organisation"... even though they did have one of my youtube vids removed because it contained a clip of one of their shows, regardless of the fact that credit was given, and it showed fox in a complimentary, maybe even promotional light.

EDIT: Any1 who still doubts that canada rocks, check out "gods gift to us is canadian girls" no point in posting it when u can find it on google - the full version is about 2m10s long.

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:58 pm

Unfortunately our spineless government allows torrent throttling and it took over 3 hours to download.I receive 1/3 the speed that i pay for.Sure we don't get busted for p2p in Canada but they make it as rough as possible to download and upload.The two main companies here have also announced that they will begin charging a $2 per gig overcharge on what they consider acceptable limits.This will begin in April.High speed will allow only 60 gigs a month and $2 per there after with a cap at $25.I can rent a movie cheaper at Blahmart.