Allow BBC iPlayer on Microsoft X-Box 360

While the Wii and PlayStation 3 both already offer U.K. gamers access to the BBC's iPlayer video streaming service, it looks like 360 gamers won't be awarded the same option anytime soon. Telegraph reports that discussions between Microsoft and the BBC have run into a "stumbling block" over Microsoft's insistence to only offer the iPlayer to Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

The problem for the BBC is that they cannot force U.K. residents to pay for access to BBC content, as it's incompatible with their public service remit.

"Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing," said an anonymous source "close to the BBC" to Telegraph. "It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those. For example, to access the Sky Player on Xbox, you have to pay for a Gold subscription as well as a Sky subscription.

"This does not fit with the BBC's model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment," the source continued. "It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible."

So the long and short of it is unless Microsoft agrees to allow iPlayer access to every 360 owner, a deal with the BBC won't be able to be reached.