The BBC iPlayer isn’t available on the PS3 yet, so a programmer who wanted to use the iPlayer on his PS3 has come up with a solution.
The programmer who developed the software said it was relatively easy for him to get the iPlayer running on the PS3.
“It’s mainly a demonstration of how easily the BBC could support the PS3 with their Wii version. This does nothing more than mask your PS3’s user-agent string and makes half a dozen changes to make the JavaScript and CSS function correctly on the PS3. It only took a day to produce, so come on BBC – how about implementing this properly?”
Technical Details and Implementation
The programmer’s solution involves masking the PS3’s user-agent string, which essentially tricks the BBC iPlayer into thinking that the request is coming from a supported device, such as the Wii. This clever workaround also includes making several adjustments to the JavaScript and CSS to ensure that the iPlayer functions correctly on the PS3. By doing so, the programmer has demonstrated that it is indeed feasible for the BBC to officially support the PS3 with minimal effort.
The process of masking the user-agent string is a common technique used in web development to ensure compatibility across different devices and browsers. In this case, it allows the PS3 to bypass the restrictions that prevent it from accessing the iPlayer. The adjustments to the JavaScript and CSS are necessary to ensure that the user interface and functionality of the iPlayer are preserved when accessed from the PS3.
Accessing the Unofficial BBC iPlayer on PS3
If you want to check out the unofficial BBC iPlayer on your PS3, you need to be in the UK as it will only work there at the moment. This is due to the BBC’s licensing agreements, which restrict access to their content to users within the UK. Additionally, the page only works on your PS3, so attempting to access it from other devices will not yield the same results.
To access the unofficial BBC iPlayer on your PS3, you can visit the website www.ps3iplayer.com. This site provides the necessary modifications to allow your PS3 to access the iPlayer. It’s important to note that this is an unofficial solution, and there may be limitations or potential issues that arise from using it.
The programmer’s initiative highlights the demand for the BBC iPlayer on the PS3 and serves as a call to action for the BBC to consider officially supporting the platform. Given the popularity of the PS3 and the relatively simple modifications required to make the iPlayer compatible, it seems like a logical step for the BBC to take.
In conclusion, while the BBC iPlayer is not officially available on the PS3, a resourceful programmer has developed a workaround that allows users in the UK to access the service on their consoles. This solution involves masking the PS3’s user-agent string and making adjustments to the JavaScript and CSS to ensure compatibility. If you’re in the UK and want to try it out, you can visit www.ps3iplayer.com on your PS3. This unofficial solution demonstrates the feasibility of supporting the PS3 and serves as a prompt for the BBC to consider implementing official support for the platform.
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