Fresh canvas
Back in February, the BBC trust announced the formation of Project Canvas - a proposed open platform for UK TV access via the Internet (IPTV).
Since then, Project Canvas has been joined by ITV, Channel 5 and telco giant BT and, this week, it was announced that Channel 4 and ISP Talk Talk were also on-board.
There's apparently no current agreed industry standard for internet-connected TV devices and Project Canvas looks the most likely to provide one. The need for an open platform has also been identified, with Freeview and Freesat struggling to keep pace with IPTV innovations and lagging behind when it comes to offering HD content.
Subject to approval from the BBC Trust, this consortium - including any future partners - will form a joint-venture company that will enable the development of a common, open standard and the services around it, like compliant set-top boxes, video on demand and general Internet compatability.
Project canvas programme director Richard Halton said: "Internet-connectivity is going to have a transformational effect on TV. By seamlessly converging broadband and broadcast content, project canvas can help secure the future of free-to-air broadcasting and create an open platform that gives online services a route to the TV set.
"The potential for innovation goes far beyond bringing video-on-demand to the TV set and there's a huge opportunity for a wide range of new commercial models to thrive. We always wanted all the UK's public service broadcasters and at least two ISPs to be involved in the venture at launch, so we're delighted that Channel 4 and Talk Talk have joined the project.
"Today we're inviting any further expressions of interest from other companies to join the venture. We hope that any other businesses that share a similar vision for internet-connected TV will want to be a part of this story."
