UK TV networks the BBC, ITV network and Channel 4 although having their own on demand TV websites are collaborating in a joint venture to provide Broadband TV streaming to viewers TV sets.

The project, provisionally called ‘Kangaroo’ will start trials beginning January 2009. This beta phase of the service will initially allow a limited number of viewers to access the service for testing purposes.

This is a significant step toward acknowledgment that the future of television is via an on demand solution. The broadcasters have realised that they must adapt and look for new ways of hosting content beyond the traditional TV channels that are losing audience in a long term decline. Whereas the opposite is true for catch up tv viewing, with audience figures increasing.

Initially the service will be web based allowing users to stream TV shows or download them straight to PC. The main objective is however to deliver content directly to Television sets.

The new service will build upon the existing experience of the networks online service and media players. Currently the service is being investigated by the Competition Commission who are expected to publish the initial findings of its investigation into Project Kangaroo within the next month.

worldtvpc.com

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