Project Canvas to launch as YouView

Brand name and CEO for internet TV service announced

Broadband TV service Project Canvas will be launched under the brand name YouView when it goes live next year.

The brand name for the subscription-free TV service was revealed today by the Project Canvas partners - Arqiva, the BBC, BT, Channel 4, Five, ITV and TalkTalk.

When the service launches in the first half of next year, it will enable users to stream or download the previous seven days' TV shows through a broadband connected set-top box that also connects to a TV.

How YouView's main menu will look
(Image credit: PA/Geoff Caddick)

Users of YouView will only have to pay to buy the set-top box as YouView will be a subscription-free service, and the box will also contain digital tuners and a PVR for recording broadcast television.

The appointment of Richard Halton as YouView's CEO was also announced today. Halton comes to YouView from the BBC, where he worked in roles including controller of TV strategy for the broadcaster and heading up the BBC's corporate strategy team.

To get the lowdown on the history of Project Canvas and other features that the service will offer check out silicon.com's Cheat Sheet.