Five Joins Project Canvas

LONDON: Five has joined the BBC, ITV and BT as a partner on Project Canvas, the British broadband initiative to deliver Internet content to television sets.

The proposed platform will bring broadband content to television sets for Freeview and Freesat customers via a next-generation set-top box. Five says it sees Canvas—which is still awaiting approval by the BBC Trust—as a "significant opportunity to provide next-generation services to viewers." Project Canvas’s EPG will offer access to both linear and VOD web-based content, HD, and potential commercial applications such as Internet-based advertising, micro-payments and subscription to pay-TV services. It will be a new distribution outlet for existing free-to-air channels and could carry pay services currently delivered by satellite or other cable operators.

Dawn Airey, the chairman and chief executive of Five, noted: “Project Canvas is an important step forward because it will extend choice and significantly improve the television experience for viewers. Its widespread adoption is central to driving Digital Britain. It’s vital for broadcasters and other industry stakeholders to form partnerships such as Canvas if they’re to open up new commercial opportunities and thrive in the digital world.”

Canvas’s project director, Richard Halton, speaking on behalf of partners BBC, ITV and BT, added: “Canvas aims to unlock the huge potential of internet-connected TV. By democratising access to the living room, we create real choice for consumers, a future for free-to-air broadcasting and important commercial opportunities for content providers.”