IPTV WORLD FORUM – LONDON. The man charged with leading the free-to-air broadcasters charge into IPTV has said the approach of Canvas is to be audience focused and the BBC will play a “mutual and benign role”.
Richard Halton, programme director, IPTV, BBC told delegates that existing standards had to be respected, Canvas was not interested in over-specifying an intended to bring a light touch. “This is not an attempt at a new standard. We want to bring together the standards bodies and the broadcast side.” Canvas would bring together the online on demand services BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and 4oD with public sector content such as NHS Direct. It would be delivered through HD compatible Freeview and Freesat receivers.
Halton said Canvas was about helping the free-to-air players catch up with the pay-TV sector, mentioning Sky, Virgin and Tiscali by name, adding that the benefits of IPTV should also be made available to those who either could not afford or did not want to subscribe to pay-TV.