BBC to develop open-source streaming codec. Microsoft and Real Networks charge per viewer, per hour of encoded content. This price scheme can be very limiting for companies that want to offer more streaming media but can’t because of the cost limitations of not only bandwidth but also royalties. Known as Dirac its optimal performance is based off of a 3Ghz processor though they are hoping for better code optimization. They have been stuck using 20-year-old technology to avoid infringing on current patents.