Well here’s a turn up for the books. BSkyB, one of the BBC fiercest critics and a former protester against YouView, suddenly wants in on the action alongside other interested media companies. I think I’d tell Murdoch Jr. where to go, personally.
YouView
YouView is the connect TV platform and associated set-top box which was born at the BBC from the ashes of Project Kangaroo. Kangaroo was a joint venture between the main British television networks which would have seen their catch-up services rolled into one. It was killed off by the Competition Commission after complaints from rival broadcasters Virgin Media and BSkyB.
Those same companies also raised objections over YouView, but failed in their bid to see the project halted. And now one of them seems interested in coming on board…
YouView has officially been delayed until 2012, at least. The question is whether this is the final nail in the coffin of the BBC-backed connected device or whether it still stands a chance of succeeding.
On paper YouView looks like being a phenomenal product. But delays in launching, an argument over technical standards, and other factors appear to be ruining any chances of a successful launch.
Surprise, surprise. In the week that regulators were set to decide whether to launch an investigation into YouView, BSkyB launches a formal complaint. There is no reason for the timing, and it’s clearly only been done at the last minute in order to delay the launch.
I don’t think I’ll ever buy a 3DTV, certainly not until the need to wear glasses all the time is removed. However, I’m very interested in a TV which connects to the Internet. And it seems I’m not alone.
