The on line video on demand, Project canvass has been given a provisional seal of approval by one of the BBC's governing bodies, BBC Trust.

Project Canvas is being led by the BBC and intended as a hybrid service consisting of programmes from the major broadcasters, various broadband content along with platforms such as Freeview and Freesat.

The proposed service had been criticised by the likes of Sky and other pay TV providers in that it would unfairly distort a commercial market; the BBC's involvement effectively being a form of state aid. The BCC trust have responded by giving their provisional go ahead, citing a significant benefit to the public if Project Canvas is established.

Along with ITV, Five and BT, the BBC are aiming to create the next generation free-to-air open TV platform with associated protocols and equipment. It will embrace IPTV (internet protocol TV) for video provision but will also be looking at general website access and digital radio.

With the arrival of Channel 4 Project Canvas has the backing of the UK’s public service broadcasters; and as such will be central to the delivery of video on demand services such as the BBC's iPlayer, Channel 4’s 4oD and ITV’s ITV Player – via a new set-top box to the TV.

It is anticipated that consumers will also benefit from access to on line services such as Facebook, YouTube and Flickr via their televisions. Set-top boxes will cost around £200.

Project Canvas was being vetted by the BBC Trust to consider whether the project would compromise the corporation's integrity. Satisfied that this would not be the case, project Canvass should be up and running late 2010 and we could see set-top boxes in the shops by next Christmas.

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