Canvas has defended itself against yesterday’s criticisms from BSkyB over its perceived lack of clarity. At the same time the BBC-ITV backed IPTV project left the door open to co-operation with the satcaster.
“Freeview and Freesat transformed digital TV, and showed what standards-based platforms can do for audiences and the industry,” the organisation said in a statement. “Canvas has the potential to do the same for the next generation of TV, bringing content on-demand from a huge range of providers into the living room, all for a one-off fee. Access to the Canvas platform would be open to any third-party, including Sky.” It said the “enormous benefits” of internet-powered TV should not be restricted to paying customers.
“An open, standards-based platform, that enables a far greater range of content providers to enter the market, will be good for content owners and good for consumers – who gain a subscription-free alternative.”
In its response to the Canvas proposals, released yesterday, Sky said the BBC had failed to make it clear as to how the open environment desired by Canvas would be achieved.