Channel Five Back with Project Canvas

LONDON: Following its recent acquisition by Northern & Shell, Channel Five is re-joining the proposed joint venture Project Canvas.

Project Canvas is already backed by the BBC, ITV, BT, Channel 4, Talk Talk and Arqiva. Project Canvas will see the creation of a standards-based, open Internet-connected TV environment to offer viewers access to both linear and VOD, web-based content, HD and interactive services over the Internet direct to the TV. The joint venture is ramp up its industry engagement to launch a consumer product in 2011.

Northern & Shell’s chairman, Richard Desmond, said: “Project Canvas is set to shape the future of broadcasting and open up new and exciting possibilities for viewers. This is important to the future of Channel Five and having an open internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans to bring brilliant new content and interactive services to viewers. We’re delighted to renew Channel Five’s commitment to supporting Project Canvas following a review of our digital strategy.”

Richard Halton, the director of Project Canvas, added: “Channel Five has already made a major contribution to Project Canvas and we’re delighted to have them back on board. This is great recognition of how important Canvas is to the future of television.”