They are doing it wrong.

The problem is that they are trying to control the "user experience", as always. The blog doesn't actually say anything about the codecs or transport streams used. It is all about the Totem plugin that lets one browse the list of programmes on offer.

Dear BBC: Use open formats. Make it easy to get at the files or streams. You will not need to worry about the diversity found in various Linux distributions and different desktop environments - the development communities associated with the various desktops and media players will write all the user interface tools for you!