BBC looks to grab internet TV market
Project Canvas is go
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The BBC Trust has given the go-ahead for the corporation to push on with providing internet access to the TV, via a set-top box.
The project has already been heavily criticised by rival broadcasters like Sky, which of course has a decent-sized broadband internet access business of its own.
But it was further bolstered last week when Channel 4 and ISP Talk Talk joined up. The consortium of six firms is now looking for "expressions of interest" for other partners to join the platform.
Project Canvas is not home and dry yet, although a 2010 launch is still possible. It has been given a provisional pass by the BBC Trust, according to the FT.
Project Canvas Programme Director Richard Halton commented: "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.
Project Canvas now includes the BBC, ITV, BT, Five, Channel 4 and Talk Talk. Sky is likely to vocally object to the Trust's apparent approval - its press office was unavailable at press time.
The agreement could also attract attention from competition authorities concerned about unfair state aid. ®
COMMENTS
re: It's time for a lawsuit here!
Yep, because 5p a year is crazy isn't it?
Estimated costs from the BBC are £6m over 5 years out of an annual income of £3.5billion per year from tv licensing. So out of your £140, you'll be paying 5p towards Canvas. And given the popularity & effectiveness of iPlayer and the other IP services that they're delivering, seems like quite good value for money. But that's just me :)
Er... Excuse me?
Sky are objecting because someone has found a business model better than theirs?? REALLY??!! Sky did exactly the same thing when we were stuffing dirty great Astra dishes on the sides of our houses 20 years ago!
Sky ought to realise that folk will eventually object to having to pay again and again for content. ITV, Channel 4 and C5 all provide free* content, yet Sky want a subscription for the bulk tripe and a PREMIUM to watch good stuff! Ridiculous.
I'm with the Beeb on this one. Sky can go 'premium' itself right up its 'content'!
*Yep, I know, we still have to pay a 'licence' fee, etc...
s.pam
Well, although I'll probably not make personal use of it, I think it's a great idea.
The Beeb has always been about helping to further broadcast technology, and I think allowing non-techies an easy and cheap way to watch on-demand TV from every provider is a brilliant use of the licence fee.
Sky are just p*ssed off as usual because they know that their closed system will need to be opened or will eventually die.
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