BBC Go Ahead with New Internet TV Project

A brand new project from the BBC has today been given the go ahead. The project canvas is an ongoing partnership between BBC, ITV, BT, Five, Channel 4, and Talk Talk. They are all working together to produce an Internet Television standard.

The BBC Trust have announced today that the corporations governing body have made a decision after extensive discussions and consultations.

Diane Coyle from the partnership said that the new project “will deliver significant public value for license fee payers”.

The new service will include a new range of set top boxes that have access to on demand features such as the iPlayer and ITV player.

The director of the project Richard Halton is said to be “delighted” with the trusts decision to go ahead.

“This brings the benefits of next-generation TV to all consumers, including those who choose not to subscribe to pay-TV,” he said.

“We look forward to rising to that challenge.”

The Canvas project will have a series of positive results including a huge growth in interactive and on demand television.

“People with a broadband connection will be able to access a wide range of on-demand content including BBC iPlayer, free of charge, through their TV sets,” said Ms Coyle.

“We have however applied a number of conditions to the BBC’s involvement in the venture in recognition of the potential impacts on the market if Canvas is successful.”

There have been several conditions given to the BBC before the launch including:

-      Viewers cannot watch without a subscription.

-      The Trust will review the ability to have content and parental controls.

-      The Trust must overview technical specifications.

-      Other broadcasters can have access to the platform.

-      The product will be reviewed 12 months after launch.

“Exciting news for UK television viewers there are many exciting things in the pipeline.”