Just weeks after walking away from the BBC led IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) initiative, Channel 5 has signaled its intention to rejoin the project.
The move by Channel Five follows its transfer of ownership to the media tycoon Richard Desmond who has high hopes for the new platform, believing the venture will "shape the future of TV".
Channel five pulled out of project canvas in July when it failed to reach an agreement with the other parties concerning its financial contribution.
Project Canvas, is a joint venture between Arqiva, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Talk Talk and BT aimed at establishing an open standard for IPTV (Internet Protocol TV). The service has recently been given the go ahead by the BBC's governing body, the BBC trust.
The venture will actually combine linear broadcast content, including schedules currently available via Freeview and Freesat, digital radio, along with broadband content. It is envisaged that this content will be optimized for the TV.
The interesting aspect of the Canvas initiative is that the 'open' nature of the platform will allow any online content service such as LoveFilm, Hulu or even the likes of Twitter or NHS Direct to participate. The platform will also be open to pay-per-view providers.
Richard Desmond commenting on Five's new commitment to project canvas stated: "This is important to the future of Channel Five and having an open internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans".
Although project canvas has received approval from OFCOM the media regulator, Virgin Media have called for an enquiry now that Five have rejoined the initiative.
Virgin Media view such a concentration of programming in one place as anti competitive. With OFCOM and BBC trust approval in place, it will be interesting to see how both bodies react to Five's re-inclusion.
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