'YouView': The new £200 set-top box that lets you watch seven days of TV for free

 

 

By Niall Firth

Last updated at 5:58 PM on 16th September 2010

 

 

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A new web-connected television service will be launched next year combining Freeview channels with the internet and on-demand services.

YouView, which is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channels 4 and 5 and broadband providers including BT and TalkTalk, will offer access to Freeview channels as well as websites including BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

The service, previously known as Project Canvas, will work through set-top boxes that are expected to sell for around £200 and should be in shops by the first half of 2011.

 

Popular TV shows like EastEnders will be available on the new channel, as well as YouTube

 

Chief executive Richard Halton said it would make television a 'much more diverse, rich, interactive experience'.

But the BBC-backed project faces criticism from a number of companies and groups that argue it is anti-competitive.

Companies, including Virgin Media, have lodged official complaints with media regulator Ofcom.

 

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A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'There’s a pressing need for a thorough and independent examination of this closed, anti-competitive platform as it will restrict consumer choice and stifle innovation.

 

'We’re all already paying for this through the licence fee, whether we want it or not, so we urge Ofcom to bring some much needed transparency to the whole collaboration.'

And Sky's director of corporate affairs, Graham McWilliam, said the project is 'nothing short of BBC mission creep'.

 

What will be included in YouView?

 

 

• You will have to buy a YouView set-top box – expected to be in stores as early as July 2011.
  
• Prices will start at £200 and a range of models will be available.
  
• They set top boxes will replace any existing models you might have and will have built in Freeview, high definition and programme storage capability.
  
• Users will be able to watch TV, surf online and listen to the radio using single remote control.
  
• Viewers will be able to access the last seven days of programming from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five.
  
• It is up to the policy of each individual broadcaster how long a show is allowed to be stored once it has been accessed from the catch up service.
  
• A special programme guide the goes backwards as well as forwards is available which tells you what has been on the channels in the past week, and what is coming up.
  
• All set top boxes have a personal recorder so viewers can pause live TV or record an entire series at the touch of a button.
  
• Users will need broadband at home but the box will contain technology to connect the TV to the internet, either through wireless technology or a lead.
  
• All digital channels can be accessed on screen in addition to a menu of online services.
  

 

 

Viewers will be able to buy a box on its own or get it as part of a deal when they sign up to a broadband service.

They will be able to watch the last seven days’ catch-up television, record entire series, search for their favourite programmes and pause live television.

YouView will introduce a programme guide that goes backwards as well as forwards to let viewers see what is on now alongside everything they’ve missed in the last 7 days.

This will include programmes from broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and five, which already have an on demand offering.

 

Set top boxes will include a Personal Video recorder so viewers can pause live TV or record an entire series at the touch of a button.

 

Viewers will also be able to simply search for the kind of programmes they like by genre, interest or locality, including films, sports and new content from the internet.

 

Plans to offer an applications store will also give viewers new types of services and levels of interactivity with their favourite programmes.

 

YouView set top boxes will be available for a one-off fee, with no contract. They may be offered at special rates as part of new or improved broadband packages.

 

To get the full range of on-demand and interactive services, viewers will need a broadband connection from their chosen internet service provider.

 

Mr Halton said: 'It is really important to say YouView is for those 10 million people who decided not to pay, or decided they can’t pay, for subscription television.'

He said developers would be able to design dedicated apps which can be used on the service and will open it up to arts groups and media organisations.

Dame Liz Forgan, chairwoman of Arts Council England, said: 'The convergence of television and the internet is a huge step forward for audiences.

'We look forward to working with all the Project Canvas partners, and with arts organisations across the country, to deliver our fantastic theatre, dance, music and visual arts directly into even more people’s homes through this exciting new medium.'

can't wait :dozey:

You would need a decentish broadband connection for it

You would need a decentish broadband connection for it

 

And decent programmes to go with it!:P