Project Canvas is Now YouView

The U.K. broadcaster/operator consortium aimed at standardizing how interactive services are delivered to free-to-air television devices (set-top boxes and connected televisions, primarily), is now known as YouView. On September 16, the partners of the Project Canvas initiative announced the formation of YouView TV Ltd as well as the appointment of its new CEO, Richard Halton.

In 2011, viewers will have the choice of a subscription-free YouView set top box that will combine their favourite digital TV channels with the last seven days’ catch up TV, as well as bringing a full range of on-demand services and interactive extras straight to the living room.

I'll have the opportunity to introduce Anthony Rose, Chief Technology Officer, YouView, at next week's Connected Home World Summit in London.

Opposition to Project Canvas

As Project Canvas moves closer to reality, those that have the most to lose are mounting their opposition to the initiative. The Wall Street Journal today writes that Six TV, the largest holder of local TV licenses in the UK, has requested an investigation of Project Canvas by Ofcom. Six is not one of the member companies involved in Canvas and fears that the initiative will reinforce the dominance of the UK's traditional broadcasters.

Virgin Media and IP Vision have also lodged protests with Ofcom in hopes of slowing or derailing Canvas. Virgin is the UK's leading cable firm, and IP Vision currently sells its own Internet TV set top box. Reportedly BSkyB, the major DTH provider in the UK, may file a protest of their own.

In a very competitive market, opposition to Project Canvas is not surprising and will likely increase as we draw closer to the 2011 launch of Canvas-based boxes and services.