News
UK Radioplayer for BBC and commercial networks
The BBC plans to team up with commercial radio stations to provide an online Radioplayer to offer the output of every licensed radio station in the United Kingdom. The aim is to launch the UK Radioplayer in the first half of 2010, although the involvement of the BBC is subject to approval by its Trust. There are parallels with other projects, such as the proposed Canvas television platform, although in this case the radio industry appears more united behind the initiative.
Mirada and SmarDTV put guide on conditional access module
A new electronic programme guide could come as a plug-in module for your television thanks to the new CI+ standard. As well as providing additional encryption, the enhancement of the Common Interface specification for a plug-in Conditional Access Module or CAM allows interactive applications to be embedded. Mirada is teaming up with SmarDTV to port the Nagravision Nagra Media Guide onto a CI Plus module to provide a custom branded EPG.
YouTube offers shows as full-length programmes
YouTube has created a new shows section for users in the United Kingdom, featuring full-length programming and clips from partners, mainly based around its recent deal with Channel 4. It follows the creation of the shows section for users in the United States back in April. Google has also announced that it will use automatic speech recognition to support the generation and timing of caption subtitles on YouTube. The availability of captions not only provides accessibility but improves discoverability through search.
BBC unfurls Canvas but faces opposition
The BBC has showed a demonstration of what its Canvas project could deliver as it awaits a decision from its Trust on whether it can proceed with the proposed joint venture platform. Described as a “game changer” by the BBC, it faces open opposition from pay-television operators. The BBC is meanwhile pushing ahead with its award-winning iPlayer, with a new version for the Nintendo Wii games console. The availability of the service on over 20 different devices is either a sign of a fragmented market or healthy competition, depending on your perspective.
YouTube offers full HD online video
YouTube will now offer full resolution high-definition video for the first time. The online video service is now delivering high-definition clips in 1080p as well as 720p line formats. YouTube says the improvement is a result of the increasing resolution of consumer cameras, many of which now offer full high-definition. However, the implications will not be lost on professional programme producers that YouTube is trying to attract.
Lack of awareness about interactive television
Nearly half the adults in the United Kingdom have never used any interactive television services. Although pressing the red button has passed into popular parlance as a result of constant on-screen repetition, many still seem unaware about interactive television. A survey suggests that 20 million adults, or 45% of all adults in the country, have never used interactive television. Just under 20%, around 9 million adults, avoid the red button for fear of costs, although most services are free of charge.