The development of streaming video through software such as You Tube are changing the way people use the Internet. This change has become particularly apparent over the course of 2007. Hornet users need to be aware that using applications to distribute material protected by International Copyright Law is illegal. The University of Manchester has a strict policy on students who use Peer to Peer software to share material protected by international copyright.

Prohibited Video Sources

Many video streaming applications use peer-to-peer technology which requires users to download and install an application to watch. Generally if you have to install a software application other than Quicktime, Windows Media Player, VLC or a Flash Plugin for the web browser on your computer to watch TV over the Internet there is a risk that it uses a technology that we don’t permit – there are some exceptions (see the permitted sources below).

Users of the Hornet Network are asked to remove or deactivate all Peer-to-peer (P2P) software. The use of these applications on The University of Manchester Hornet Network could result in legal action from copyright holders which is unacceptable. The use of such software is not permitted.

• Coolstreaming
• Joost
• Kuaiche
• PP Live
• PP Stream
• SopCast
• SopCast
• TVU Player
• Veoh
• XunLei

Note: this is not an exhaustive list.

If you hear of a new video streaming client, do your research before installing it – make sure it is not a P2P application! Hornet will continue to work with JANET and the Networking team to provide information that informs Hornet users of the risks and issues related to these peer to peer applications. If you know anyone using such software advise them to stop – continued use will lead to disconnection from the Hornet Service.

Permitted Video Streaming Sources

At present there is a difference between prohibited P2P based applications and other video streaming methods, such as IPTV and Flash Video (FLV). In general video content accessed straight through a webpage like YouTube or Google video is okay to use. This is because there isn’t an application that you have to install in order to view the content. It’s all accessed through your web browser. The permitted sources are monitored and moderated by their hosts for illegal content. At present UKERNA has not imposed restrictions on these sources and they remain available for use.

• BBC iPlayer – BBC iPlayer via Web
• Channel4 4oD – Watch Channel4 online
• Dailymotion Videos – Dailymotion Videos
• Freewire via Hornet – Watch Freewire over the Hornet network
• Google Video – Google Video
• ITV Catchup – Watch ITV repeats
• MySpace Video – MySpace Videos
• Reuters Video – Reuters Video
• Skyplayer – Sky’s On Demand Video
• Yahoo Video – Yahoo Video
• You Tube – You Tube

On Demand TV

Hornet users can use the BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 4oD and Sky’s Skyplayer applications to watch on demand TV.