TV on your iphone now...

Web firm to offer TV streaming to iPhone

Two leading UK broadcasters are exploring a service that would allow live streaming of their programmes to Apple's iPhone.

London-based web TV technology specialist Best Before has developed server-based technology called Millicent that allows a broadcaster or other content producer to provide an edited video feed to be watched on the iPhone without needing to hack into the handset.

Best Before has already developed a desktop editing tool that enables aggregation of video, audio and text content in one interface, which can be scheduled or broadcast live.

iPhone users would be able to view live TV on their handset through Safari, the Apple device's web browser, using a local wireless network. The iPhone's data connection through the Edge network would also work but would be less reliable.

Best Before confirmed it is in early talks with two broadcasters and a large publisher interested in testing the tool.

"Even two years ago the idea of broadcasting to phones would have cost millions, so we can test how far the technology has changed," said Mark Rock, the Best Before chief executive.

"Whatever people think of the iPhone it has fundamentally changed the market because the carriers no longer assume people are happy with a walled garden of services. The time has come for a new approach."

By designing services that fit with the web browser and compression rates used by the iPhone, developers can reach Apple's early adopting audience without jeopardising their relationship with the technology giant, said Rock.

Broadcasters have experimented with several simulcast mobile services, including Virgin Mobile's now disbanded "Lobster" phone that offered BBC1, ITV1 and Channel 4 but was ditched after poor takeup.

The BBC's most recent trial offered three channels to 3G customers on Vodafone, Orange and 3, but ends next week. The corporation recently introduced a version of catch-up TV service iPlayer that works with the iPhone.

Apple's iPhone has a small market share, but a number of studies have shown that its large screen is helping to drive interest of mobile internet services.

Irish research firm StatCounter this week claimed that the iPhone and web-enabled iPod Touch is already the most-used mobile web browser in the US, accounting for 0.023% of total internet access in the country.

Apple, which is notoriously secret about its product development, is rumoured to be planning for the launch of a new iPhone model in two months' time which would include a faster 3G web connection.