Given the popularity of TV on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer, it was inevitable the technology might find its way into the arena of television set top boxes, for so long the home of inconsistent and manufacturer dependent firmware. Early in 2009, the BBC Trust launched a public consultation for Project Canvas to remedy the situation.

As the BBC Trust describe, the purpose of Project Canvas, is to “set and promote a common standard for delivering on-demand TV and other internet content through a broadband connected device such as a set top box” with one of the key features being HD-ready. This combined functionality could bring it close to competing, using Broadband, with the likes of Sky and Virgin who already have the Satellite and Cable services sewn up.

The services encompassed by devices born out of Project Canvas would include the usual television services, an electronic programme guide, internet connectivity, and on-demand services. If successful Project Canvas will likely feature the BBC iPlayer, as well as content players from a number of other broadcasters, including ITV, Five, and Channel 4, as well as online interactive entertainment services (including music and gaming) – looking forward to the future perhaps even an application store? The Project Canvas website has some indicative screenshots which show a number of possible Web Apps including Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Ebay, Gmail, LoveFilm, and The Guardian,

If successful Project Canvas could shake up the broadcast industry as much as the BBC Micro did with the home computing industry in the 1980’s.

To learn more visit the Project Canvas website.