Screen Digest predicts Project Canvas’s future

Project Canvas is expected to be a serious rival to existing IPTV, cable and satellite by 2014, according to Screen Digest.

With the platform set to offer free broadband content alongside broadcast content, on digital TV, it isn’t surprising that it is expected to be a big hit with consumers.

Screen Digest forecasts that Canvas could be in 3.5 million homes by 2014, although this is just speculation at the moment as the platform still hasn’t been approved by regulators.

Concern that Canvas could destabilise the UK pay TV market could be a key factor in whether the platform is approved.

Ofcom is currently pushing for the wholesale price of BSkyB’s content to be restricted, bringing Sky’s premium sports and movie channels within the reach of Virgin Media and other rivals.

A major concern about Project Canvas is that Sky could potentially use the platform to sidestep the proposed wholesale regulations.