Video podcast FAQs

Why doesn't the BBC offer full programmes as downloads and podcasts?

Unfortunately the rights situation is very complex for all drama, including Dr Who. Therefore we can't offer any dramas as downloads and video podcasts as part of the current trial. Why are there only a small number or programmes available? At the moment we are only offering a limited number of programmes, as part of a trial.

What audio podcasts are available from the BBC?

BBC Audio Podcasts are available as part of the Download and Podcast trial. You can find them at the Download and Podcast trial page.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/downloadtrial/

Why have you removed the music from some of the downloads and podcasts?

Unfortunately the rights situation is very complex for all programmes featuring music which is available commercially. This prevents us from offering any programmes featuring commercially available music as downloads and podcasts as part of the current trial.

Do I need to have an iPod or MP3/MP4 player to subscribe to podcasts?

No you don't. Anyone with a computer connected to the internet can subscribe to and receive podcasts. You will need to install a podcasting application and you can find a list of these here:

Podcast software (The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites)

The advantage of transferring the podcast downloads onto a video-capable portable player is that you can then watch them on the move.

I've downloaded a video podcast but I can't see or hear anything. What could be the problem?

There could be a number of problems, and we're unable to give comprehensive advice. You should check that you have a media player on your computer (e.g. Windows Media Player or iTunes). You should also check that the sound is turned up on your machine, and that your speakers or headphones are connected.

I've subscribed to a podcast but I'm getting an error message. What could be the problem?

This may depend on the podcasting application that you are using. You should refer to the Help or Trouble Shooting section in your application. You may also want to delete the feed and re-subscribe. If you are having persistent problems you may want to choose another podcasting application. You can find a list of these here:

Podcast software (The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites)

I’m clicking on the download and it’s playing rather than downloading to my computer. Why is this happening?

The way that you experience video podcast (MP4) downloads will depend on your setup – e.g. whether you are on a PC or Mac, and which operating system and browser you are using. In many cases clicking with the left button on the download link or icon will play the file. Clicking with the right button on the link or icon should display a list of options. One of these options is likely to be "Save Target As…" or "Save Link As…". If you select this option (or any similar option containing the word "Save") then you should be able to save the MP4 to your computer.

I am on a Mac, how do I download the video podcast files?

If you hold down the Control (ctrl) key on your keyboard whilst clicking on the MP4 link with your mouse a menu of options should appear. One of these options should be "Download Link to Disk" or "Download Linked File". If you select this option this should activate the download and should save it to your desktop.