Digital TV News

Channel 4 and TalkTalk join TV on-demand project

Thursday 17 December, 2009

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Consumers are one step closer to receiving free, online on-demand content in their living rooms after TalkTalk and Channel 4 join Project Canvas.

Channel 4 and home phone and broadband giant TalkTalk have both become partners of Project Canvas - a digital TV venture that will bring subscription-free, on-demand content to UK homes.

TalkTalk and Channel 4 have committed to the project which will, subject to approval by the BBC Trust, create an internet-connected TV (IPTV) platform for Freeview and Freesat households.

The BBC, ITV, Channel Five and telecommunications provider BT are already signed up for the project.

Gill Pritchard, director of strategy at Channel 4, said: “IPTV is set to become the next generation of TV, and if Channel 4 is to continue to enhance its importance in a fully converged world, it is key to be part of driving Project Canvas.”

Channel 4 was the first broadcaster to make its content available on-demand when it launched 4oD in December 2006.

Pritchard added: “We believe that Project Canvas is an important development that will bring considerable benefits to all viewers, increasing the accessibility of on-demand content for everyone, not just the technologically savvy.”