For popular operating systems we want to make sure that our video can be seen by non-expert users who would be unwilling or unable to install extra software or plug-ins. People in offices are also often unable to install extra software

One of the reasons given in this BBC Editor’s blog entry for not using Flash to deliver audio and video content.

Certainly, Windows users don’t need to install anything, because they get Windows Media Player by default. So what about the European antitrust ruling? As for Mac users, well we have to download and install Real Player, or download and install Flip4Mac.

So if we don’t get Flash, what else is there? What do Mac users get for free, out of the box? QuickTime. If you’re a Windows user, and you have iTunes, you too have QuickTime. Um… then we get H.264 support – and let me tell you H.264 is a superb codec (it’s what BBC HD television and Sky HD uses) – and iPod support. Ah.