Project Canvas under fire

Project Canvas is a joint venture between the beeb, ITV and BT. The service, currently set for a 2010 launch, offers on-demand TV, as well as web and email access on your TV using special set-top boxes.

In April 2009, trade body Intellect Technology Association, as well as regulator Ofcom, both raised concerns about the plans for Canvas. Both parties have warned Canvas that it needs to be based on open standards, and available to all parties in the UK TV arena.

If it’s not, Canvas could find itself subject to a Competition Commission review, possibly along the lines of the one that killed off video-on-demand service Project Kangaroo.

The BBC Trust is set to deliver it’s verdict on a review of Canvas by the end of July 2009