Project Canvas broadband TV expected to launch 2010

The BBC's Controller of Business Strategy, Richard Halton has hinted the broadband TV team effort between the BBC, ITV, Channel Five and BT (known as Project Canvas) looks sent for launch next year.

According to Digital Spy, the BBC Trust has set a deadline of 1 September for stakeholders to respond to a recently published report detailing specifications on the plans. However, it is thought there is a “real opportunity” that Canvas boxes will be available to consumers by 2010.

Speaking on the project's potential, the BBC programme director, Richard Halton, explained: “If Canvas is successful, then it represents a massive opportunity for content providers, particularly new players who will never get anywhere near the television because of the costs of doing something on a linear channel.”

Halton also told Digital Spy the development would potentially ease video on demand usage costs for internet service providers as it would offer viewers a way of playing back content from linear broadcast television rather than relying on internet streaming.