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Box of Broadcasts (BoB)

More information and help with using BoB (Box of Broadcasts)

Access the database

Box of Broadcasts (BoB)

Bob logo and Learning on Screen logo

With BoB you can:

  • Record TV and radio programmes from over 65 free-to-air channels
  • Search an archive of over 2 million broadcasts dating back to the 1990s
  • Stream broadcasts anywhere in the UK, anytime
  • Share resources via Moodle and reading lists
  • Create clips to use in lectures or send to students
  • Save playlists of your favourite broadcasts and series
  • Never miss a programme with a buffer of 30 days

Access content from:

  • BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, ITV, Channel 4, Film4 and more
  • 10 foreign language channels: Italian, French and German
  • BBC Shakespeare Archive content dating back to the 1950s

BoB is only available in the UK.

Getting started

This isn't a direct transcript of the video, but it covers the same information.

Logging in

Find BoB at https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand select Sign In, enter the name of your home institution, Manchester Metropolitan University and log in with your Manchester met ID and password.

The first time you log in to BoB, you will be asked to set up a new account. This only happens the first time you use the service - once your account is set up, on subsequent logins you will be able to use the service without this step.

Searching

  • Make sure you are signed into BoB
  • Select Search (screenshot below)

Bob search link screenshot

  • Type the name of the programme
  • Select Available Now to find programmes to watch or listen to immediately or All results, to include items that have not yet been broadcast
  • Use the Search Options if you want to add additional restrictions eg channel, date broadcast 
  • Then use the SEARCH button (magnifying glass) to run the search 
  • Select Request this programme
  • You can sort your results by newest, oldest, title and relevance.
  • You can watch, record and make clips and playlists.

Get more information about TV broadcasts