Canvas still blank
March 27, 2009
From Nick Snow at IPTV World Forum
A common question here is "what do you think of Canvas?" or, as often, "what do you think Canvas is?" It's a good question but not one that was entirely answered by Richard Halton, Programme Director IPTV for BBC, when he addressed the plenary session.
When the Canvas flag was first raised at Mipcom last year, it was referred to as a potential 'standard.' Halton said Project Canvas is not about setting a new technological standard for TV-over-internet. He said it is about developing existing standards under an industry-wide brand name. This won't necessarily assuage the fears of those who see it as a de facto platform that will use the existing de facto standard for online video: iPlayer.
In other words a bit like Kangaroo but perhaps without the partners. Asked if commercial players could join the (standard? / platform? / industry wide brand name?) Halton said he was keen to talk to all industry players but went on to make it clear Canvas would be about widening access to IPTV and its functionality for the FTA/PSB audience who didn't want to subscribe to pay television.
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