[Zhyl]

From a Hackernews point of view the most relevant part of this will be their video distribution platform 'All4' (previously '4 On Demand').

All4 is one of the buggiest platforms of all of the big channels. The others may be lacking in features but even Channel 5 has a pretty smooth user experience.

All4 consistently crashes, shows ads but then no programme, doesn't show programmes in its search results, doesn't keep track of where the viewer is in an episode, doesn't keep track of if a user has finished an episode, fails to load the next episode. The subscription service that is supposed to not show ads shows ads, the platform doesn't work on Linux, the app doesn't download things successfully for offline viewing consistently and a smorgasbord of other paper-cut issues that make it generally a drag to have to use.

Privatisation, despite other drawbacks, would likely mean that they could more handily compete in the on-demand space. They have an enviable catalogue, a niche within the British market and a tech-savvy audience that they are probably already losing to other streaming services that they need to overhaul if they want to win back.

[andrepd]

Yes, yet more public assets are being sold off to private concerns, this time for doing things the current government doesn't like, but look at the positive side: their online streaming might become less buggy /s

[Zhyl]

I was deliberately not talking about the political aspect of this. I have my own views, but this is a technical forum and I thought I would highlight the technical implications of this decision for those that might not be familiar with them - notably people not from the UK.

[andrepd]

Fair enough

[djaychela]

Not had any of those issues for me for -years-. There were definitely issues many years ago, but I find All4 (both on computer and smart TV) to work very well, remembering pretty much exactly where I left off across programs and platforms.

[pdpi]

It’s hard to believe channel 4 needs to be privatised in order to get better at streaming. All you need to do is look at BBC iPlayer, which is miles better.

[traceroute66]

> BBC iPlayer, which is miles better

iPlayer and "miles better" in the same phrase, really ?

iPlayer has the most ludicrously useless interface.

Low hanging fruit example: looking up things based on the schedule ? Forget about it.

For clarity I'm not saying Channel 4 is the best, but at least they cover all the blatantly obvious low-hanging fruit that the BBC singularly fails to do.

[sega_sai]

I certainly prefer iPlayer interface to Netflix's one.

[traceroute66]

> I certainly prefer iPlayer interface to Netflix's one.

There is a lot I could forgive about the Netflix interface IF their search worked in a meaningful way.

But Neflix search interface is utter trash, I'm sorry but it is. And that sours the rest of the UI/UX.

Case in point:

If I search for "X language films" AND I select the appropriate option from the list that appears on the left (i.e. "X films & tv"), then I expect the list that is presented to be a list of films & tv in the language selected.

Instead what I get is a few films in that language, and then I get a bunch of Hollywood and other stuff.

[thorin]

Anecdotally, the All4 app works fine on my phone and over chromecast. The biggest media app I've had issues with is the Virgin Radio app.

I guess one of the reasons behind this is the Ch4 news which I feel is excellent but is generally very critical of almost everyone.

[jscholes]

> All4 is one of the buggiest platforms of all of the big channels.

Interesting viewpoint. While using the service on iOS, with an active ad-free subscription, I haven't noticed any of the issues you mention. Other than sponsorship unfortunately still being required for a small subset of programming. But other than that, the app has been a pleasure to use, far more so than the streaming app from Channel 5 which seeks my position each time I press the Pause button. I now generally rate the UX of All4 above the BBC iPlayer, which was the gold standard for a while.

[dazc]

> The subscription service that is supposed to not show ads shows ads..

Absolutely correct and totally ridiculous, although they do make the distinction of calling these ads 'promotional messages'.

[julian55]

All4 has always worked fine for me, I find Channel 5 the least reliable of UK TV channels for streaming. Having said that, I usually record interesting Channel 4 programmes so I can skip the ads!

[deadbunny]

Do we need private companies to make top tier streaming services? The BBC iPlayer is pretty good and pretty open, much more open (technicaly speaking) than something like Netflix.

[scandox]

I use All4 a lot and never had a single issue with it. I use it in the Browser. Is there any data to support it being "buggiest"?

[Zhyl]

Only anecdata. But this is experience from using 4oD and All4 with comparison to iPlayer for the last 12 years.

The problems described above were so bad on Roku that I had a '3 strike' policy - if the stream failed 3 times in one sitting and forced me to start the show again and sit through ads then I'd leave All4 and watch another service. Three strikes would be met weekly.

I contacted support on multiple occasions but they weren't helpful.

I haven't had anywhere near the same experience, even using self hosted like Plex and Jellyfin.