Freeview video-on-demand service YouView delayed until 2012
The consumer launch of BBC-backed video-on-demand service YouView has been delayed until 2012, due to technical issues. BBC, and backers BT, ITV, TalkTalk, Channel 4, Channel Five and Arqiva had hoped to launch the service, formerly known as Project Canvas, this June.
‘Creating a truly open TV platform that will bring consumers increased choice has required significant technological innovation, YouView CEO Richard Halton told the Guardian. ‘Our timings for the launch reflect the scale and complexity of this project.’
Once launched, YouView will offer viewers seven days worth of catch-up TV, plus archive shows, apps and widgets, through an internet-connected set-top box.
While bad news for BBC, BSkyB and Virgin Media have reasons to welcome the news. Both companies have developed rival services and this will give them more time to win over customers.
