Project Canvas could engage by September

THE OPEN Internet-connected TV platform Project Canvas could be ready to engage with content and service providers as soon as September.

According to Simon Pitts, controller of strategy at ITV, this all hinges on a timetable drawn up where Project Canvas requires regulatory approval from the BBC Trust by the end of June, partners will be found in July, and technical specifications for the scheme are to be shared in August.

The venture involves the BBC, BT, Talk Talk, ITV, Channel Four, Five and Arqiva, an attempt to upgrade Freeview and Freesat to an open and connected Internet TV service. If it comes to fruition, Project Canvas should be available to all ISPs that want it, offering a range of on-demand services through broadband Internet and a television set.

All content will be in one place without any subscription required, so in effect anybody with a broadband connection will be able to use it.

"We already have a target market. Freeview and Freesat upgraders who already predominantly have broadband who don’t want to pay for television," Pitts said. "Between six and seven million homes fall into that category at the moment."

"For Canvas to be successful it needs to be as open a platform as possible. Open in every sense - to ISPs, content providers and manufacturers."

Pitts said that Project Canvas could offer traditional TV services, but also catch-up services and web applications such as Facebook and Twitter.

Also speaking at the event was Bob Hannent, chief technologist at Humax, who said that Project Canvas is all about the seamless combination of broadcast and broadband, truly integrated with each other so that consumers don't have to worry about it.

He said, "This is what I love about Canvas. This is why I think Canvas separates itself from other hybrid architectures that are about."

Anthony Rose recently left his job as head of digital media technology at the BBC after the launch of the new Iplayer for the role of chief technology officer at Project Canvas. µ