Rachel_Sandford
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Originally scheduled to launch in the first half of 2011, YouView, the system that is set to bring TV and Internet under a single on-demand set-top box is now set for an early 2012 launch.
It seems that “EPG envy” has been one of the causes for the delay of the service. Content providers feared that the key members of the initiative, such as BT and TalkTalk, would be getting the prime slots in YouView's EPG (Electronic Programme Guide.) In response, YouView announced that they are considering following the Freeview Electronic Programme Guide channel order, which was issued by DMOL (Digital Multiplex Operators Ltd.). The guidelines of DMOL require that “public service broadcasters” (PSBs) be put on top followed by “general entertainment,” kids channels, news, adult, test-services, interactive services, and radio.
Following DMOL's system means that BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 will have the top five slots on YouView's EPG. DMOL, which is a joint effort between six DTT (digital terrestrial television) multiplexes in the UK, created this guide in order to manage all “Logical Channel Numbers” without bias. The system puts all the main terrestrial channels, which are all on-board with the YouView project and have provided funding, at the top of the list. Most broadcasters want to be placed as close to the top as possible because that could mean that their channel will get more viewers.
YouView's decision is not final, however. The policy has only just been drafted, and according to RegHardware, they are “asking stakeholders and interested parties for their tuppence worth in an industry consultation that runs to 4 November.”
The YouView initiative is set to have an open platform that will let providers get content out through their set-top box. Main partners BT and TalkTalk can use this type of service to strengthen their ability to provide quad-play bundles, allowing stronger competition between Sky and Virgin. Catch-up TV services will also be made available through their set-top box.
It seems that “EPG envy” has been one of the causes for the delay of the service. Content providers feared that the key members of the initiative, such as BT and TalkTalk, would be getting the prime slots in YouView's EPG (Electronic Programme Guide.) In response, YouView announced that they are considering following the Freeview Electronic Programme Guide channel order, which was issued by DMOL (Digital Multiplex Operators Ltd.). The guidelines of DMOL require that “public service broadcasters” (PSBs) be put on top followed by “general entertainment,” kids channels, news, adult, test-services, interactive services, and radio.
Following DMOL's system means that BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 will have the top five slots on YouView's EPG. DMOL, which is a joint effort between six DTT (digital terrestrial television) multiplexes in the UK, created this guide in order to manage all “Logical Channel Numbers” without bias. The system puts all the main terrestrial channels, which are all on-board with the YouView project and have provided funding, at the top of the list. Most broadcasters want to be placed as close to the top as possible because that could mean that their channel will get more viewers.
YouView's decision is not final, however. The policy has only just been drafted, and according to RegHardware, they are “asking stakeholders and interested parties for their tuppence worth in an industry consultation that runs to 4 November.”
The YouView initiative is set to have an open platform that will let providers get content out through their set-top box. Main partners BT and TalkTalk can use this type of service to strengthen their ability to provide quad-play bundles, allowing stronger competition between Sky and Virgin. Catch-up TV services will also be made available through their set-top box.