LONDON: The BBC is to join forces with ITV to produce a set-top box that will allow television viewers to watch programs on demand.
Until now, the BBC’s successful iPlayer has only allowed consumers to watch programs on their computers. But under the new scheme there is the potential for films, shows and interactive content from a range of other providers to be made available in standard and high definition — on television. Announcing the initiative, known as Project Canvas, the BBC’s director general, Mark Thompson, said it was an important step in bringing on-demand services to television. He added that it would be open to all public service broadcasters, device developers and other Internet service providers to get involved, and would include a wider group of partners by launch.
“Audiences tell us that they want more services through their television set,” he said. “I am pleased the BBC is working with industry partners such as device manufacturers, ISPs and other content providers on proposals that will bring real benefits for consumers.”
ITV’s executive chairman, Michael Grade, said the partnership would make “convergence a reality.” He said: “This proposal will bring catch-up from the PC to the TV set in your living room, and all for free. It will also future-proof our free-to-air platforms, Freeview and Freesat.”
But Channel 4’s chief executive, Andy Duncan, said he was not keen on getting involved as he did not believe it was commercially viable. “We don’t believe these proposals offer any tangible financial benefit for Channel 4,” he said. The proposals come during Ofcom’s review into how to plug the Public Service Broadcasting gap. Ofcom has set out an analysis suggesting that, by 2012, Channel 4 could need extra funding of up to £100 million to deliver its existing remit. It had been mooted by the regulator that one funding source for Channel 4 could be for it to take control of some or all of BBC Worldwide.
