BBC's Internet TV venture gains approval

Project Canvas, the BBC-led move to integrate online video and traditional television, passed its final major hurdle on June 25 when it was approved by the corporation's governing body.

The BBC Trust said that subject to certain conditions including granting access to content rights holders and Internet service providers, the BBC could participate. The trust said the BBC must publish within 20 working days the core technical specification of Canvas, which is likely to be launched early next year under the brand name YouView. It wants all those involved "to engage with industry on these and future elements of the technical specification." The final technical specification will be published within eight months and before the sale of the first set-top boxes.