BBC will not U-turn on YouView
A BBC scheme to offer video on demand to viewers through a broadband connection may be challenged by the public sector broadcasters commercial rivals after its approval by the BBC Trust.
YouView is a collaboration between ITV, Channel 4, Five, Talk Talk and BT to offer content from BBC iPlayer, 4od and Lovefilm to peoples TV sets and could ultimately allow viewers to shop and download music. It is expected to go live in 2011.
Though a set top box and broadband connection would be required no monthly subscription is needed.
It is intended that this replicate the success of Freeview for the internet television market and kick start demand for television delivered via the net rather than through the air.
Virgin Media are not happy with the plans however, claiming that it is inappropriate for license fee payer’s money to be used in the creation of such a combined internet and television service. They believe that such a set up could fall foul of competition law.
BBC director general Mark Thompson describes YouView as “the holy grail” of television by merging broadcast with broadband. It offers advantages over “linear TV” by allowing users to watch content on demand, pause, rewind and record.
Users will also be able to access popular internet sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Flickr directly through their telly.