Project Canvas set-top boxes to launch December 2010

Project Canvas set-top boxes are scheduled to be available in shops by December 2010.

Richard Hilton, the BBC’s IPTV programme director, revealed the date yesterday, according to a report in MediaWeek.

Like Freeview, Project Canvas – the joint venture to bring catch-up from the PC to the TV by BBC, ITV and BT – lets manufacturers build their own set-top boxes that plug directly into the internet.

Halton also confirmed talks were underway with a number of content providers and potential commercial partners for the initiative, including LoveFilm, Blinkbox and the UK Film Council, said MediaWeek.

It is understood that Project Canvas set-top boxes will cost between £100-£200, including a common electronic programme guide (EPG).

Project Canvas is still being discussed by the BBC Trust, which will give its provisional findings later this autumn.