broadband news

TV over broadband service in pipeline

The BBC, ITV and BT are hoping to deliver the next generation of on-demand TV over broadband.

The broadband boxes are to be subscription-free and will carry free-to-air channels as well as a wide variety of on-demand TV, films, and interactive content in both standard and high definition.

The TV over broadband project, known as Project Canvas, is part of the BBC Executive's partnership proposals, but still has to receive approval from the BBC Trust and a public consultation. However, the TV over broadband facility could be available to the public as early as 2010. It will be open to all broadcasters, device manufacturers and ISPs.

"Television and broadband are a compelling combination," said Ian Livingston, CEO of BT. He added that a TV over broadband service can offer live TV along with an unrivalled choice of on-demand content and interactive services. “It will mean that you can watch what you want, whenever you want, on your television," he said.

BT Vision, the on-demand broadband television service from BT already features a cut-down version of BBC iPlayer (the on-demand service from the BBC) known as BBC Replay.

"This proposal will bring catch-up from the PC to the TV set in your living room - and all for free," added Michael Grade, executive chairman of ITV.

How much of the TV over broadband service will be based on the current broadband technology used with the BBC, ITV and BT is uncertain at this stage.

10/12/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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