Level 1

9 points

Using BBC iPlayer - getting jerky video on downloaded programmes

Hello,

I'm having problems when I try to watch programmes on my computer that I've downloaded from BBC iPlayer. I haven't got much help from the BBC yet, so I'm asking about it here to see if either a) there's some known problem on Macs, or b) if anyone who uses Macs knows why this problem might be happening.

I'm using an Intel-based Mac, with OS X 10.4.11 operating system.

When I try to watch downloaded programmes, the picture appears jerky. (These are downloaded programmes, not ones which I'm streaming.) I've tried reinstalling both BBC iPlayer and Adobe AIR, as suggested on the iPlayer help pages, but this hasn't helped.

I have been able to watch lots of programmes previously on iPlayer without this jerky picture. I think I noticed the jerky picture after the last time the iPlayer wanted to update itself, but I can't be sure about that. I am certain that I've watched downloaded programmes without a problem before now.

Does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be, or what I could try to solve it?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jonathan Mercer

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 3, 2009 4:12 AM

25 replies

Nov 26, 2009 6:00 PM in response to j.mercer

i can't believe it's anything to do with RAM, i am facing the same problem, it must be something to do with the iplayer's compatibility with the OS.
my friend has the same problem on her 1 1/2 yr old imac as i do on my brand new macbook pro, and as we have both recently downloaded the iplayer desktop i have no doubt it is a problem with that software.
streaming is fine, but the desktop player is jerky, and uses between 85 and 95% of the computers capacity.
but i cannot offer a solution, i will keep hunting.

Message was edited by: The Frantic Ant

Degsyuk

Level 1

0 points

Dec 19, 2009 11:41 AM in response to TheFranticAnt

I am using a imac G5 ppc and used to have the same problem. I did some digging and found that every time I started the bbc iplayer the adobe air technology they use to stream the content started 3 (I do mean 3) installer processes that ran my cpu to 100%. Now I start the I player with the activity monitor open and force quit every adobe air installer process that I see. You have to keep watching as sometimes a few more appear. But when they are all gone, the player works fine, just like it used to. I also have some g4 emacs, but they didn't have the same installer processes running, but still suffer from jerky playback. I'll post back if I find the cause.

j.mercer Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 19, 2010 8:55 AM in response to j.mercer

Just an update:

No news from the BBC regarding this, though there's some active forum discussion on their messageboard.

If anybody has any updates or workarounds, do let me know.

Cheers,
Jonathan.

j.mercer Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 20, 2010 12:52 AM in response to Klaus1

It's worth checking out this thread ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbiplayer/NF7331806?thread=7021211&skip=100#p94383164) on the iPlayer messageboard if you're still having this problem.

A recent update seems to have solved some problems re. playing back downloaded programmes full-screen. There still seems to be problems playing back programmes in a small screen.

Jonathan.

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Nov 5, 2009 2:27 AM in response to j.mercer

You definitely need more RAM.

Add at least 1GB. It is quite cheap these days, but don't buy the absolute cheapest. Concentrate on Kingston or Crucial, they both offer a lifetime warranty.

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Nov 5, 2009 3:29 AM in response to j.mercer

Sorry, out of ideas. I don't have a problem with either form of video.

Nov 8, 2009 8:04 AM in response to jamesbeard

I am sure my picture was not as jerky on downloads before the last update.

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Nov 9, 2009 4:45 AM in response to j.mercer

If you have an Intel Mac then iPlayer desktop should work flawlessly, so you don't need the Grabber.

nate1982

Level 1

0 points

Nov 12, 2009 1:07 PM in response to j.mercer

Yes I have the same problem, yet I have plenty of RAM and CPU power and no other open programs. I also have a PC and as far as I can remember I haven't noticed jerkiness on that.... grrr

j.mercer Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 14, 2009 4:27 AM in response to nate1982

nate, FYI, there's a discussion on BBC messageboards here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbiplayer/F7331806?thread=7021211&skip=0

Though no ideas of a cause or a fix yet.

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Using BBC iPlayer - getting jerky video on downloaded programmes