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Channel 4, TalkTalk join Project Canvas Channel 4 and TalkTalk have come on board the BBC's proposed Project Canvas joint venture to develop an open standard for IPTV. The UK broadcaster and The Carphone Warehouse-owned broadband and telephone provider join ITV, Five and BT as members of the Canvas consortium, which is being steered by the BBC. With the addition of the two new partners, the BBC has achieved its target of having at least six members in the Canvas consortium – a move which crucially will cut the projected cost to each party to £16.4m (US$26.8m) over a four-year period, rather than the £24.7m that was envisaged with just four founders.  "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," said C4 director of strategy Gill Pritchard."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." The development comes a month after C4 director of future media and technology Jon Gisby told C21's FutureMedia conference that the broadcaster had cash in the bank for Canvas and had not been put off another joint venture by its experiences with Project Kangaroo – the failed VoD collaboration with the BBC and ITV. Canvas – a plan to essentially upgrade the UK's existing Freeview DTT platform with a host of internet-based content including catch-up TV – has faced strong opposition from companies including BSkyB. The proposal is still subject to approval from the BBC Trust, which is aiming to make a decision by year-end. "Project Canvas can help secure the future of free-to-air broadcasting, as well as create an opportunity for a wide range of public services and new commercial models to thrive through an open platform. We're delighted that Channel 4 and TalkTalk have joined the project," said Project Canvas project director Richard Halton today. Jonathan Webdale 16 Dec 2009 © C21 Media 2009 
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