Project Canvas has formally invited expressions of interest from manufacturers to develop Canvas-enable devices to market during 2011. The BBC-led hybrid television venture is looking to develop a broad base of manufacturers.
The initial focus will be a twin-tuner DTT IP-connected Digital Video Recorder (PVR/DVR), though Canvas is also seeking responses from device manufacturers proposing other device categories such as internet-enabled TV (IETV) and set-top boxes.
Listing its criteria, Canvas asks for experience of DVB-T/T2 Freeview TV and/or STBs; Freeview+ digital video recorders; DVB-S/S2, Freesat, Freesat+; Internet TV devices and Hybrid consumer devices, integrating IP delivery with DTT.
Already Cisco, Humax and Technicolor have been named as Innovation Partners from the manufacturing sector and have worked on the development of devices, expertise that can expect to be shared with new manufacturers, dubbed Device Partners. Nine manufacturers; ADB, Amino, Broadcom, Echostar, Intel, Sagem, ST, LG and TVonics have signed letters of intent.
“Canvas is stepping up its engagement with industry as we get closer to releasing the final set of technical documents to the DTG this month, and launching a consumer product next year,” said Project Canvas director Richard Halton. “Bringing on board further consumer equipment manufacturers will ensure people have the widest possible choice of devices and we remain focused on supporting the industry to stimulate a competitive market. We continue to work closely with the DTG to develop common standards for Connected TV”.
Canvas said that the number of Device Partners that will initially be appointed will reflect the resources available within the Project Canvas programme and engineering teams.
Those interested in developing devices should apply in writing to Project Canvas by 17.00 on August 25, 2010.