YouView which was previously referred to as Project Canvas is to expend its beta testing service to 2000 UK homes within the UK . It’s currently beta testing its service to 350 customers. The YouView service is expected to launch during the second half of the year. 

The YouView service was originally planned to launch in 2010, but it was delayed due to various technical problems and regulatory issues.  

Back in 2010 when it was due to launch it was thought to be revolutionary, but with there rivals, such as Sky and Virgin Media offering similar catch up and video on demand services, it’s launch might appear to be a less appealing than it once did.  But it’s backers such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, TalkTalk, BT and Arqiva are hoping that it’s service still has appeal to those who do not want to pay for a service.  

No exact details have been released to date that fully details what will be included in this service. So far we know that the set top box will have Freeview built into it and it will be able to act as a pvr too. The set top box will also be offering from the beginning all the UK on demand and catch up services such as the iplayer, itv player and 4oD. It’s also likely that other web services will come on board in the near future such as Facebook,YouTube, Love Film and Net Felix.

The set top boxes are likely to cost around the £200 mark but certain companies such as BT and TalkTalk  are likely to include the  set top boxes within their customer product bundles.

If your interested in joining YouViews trial  just click on this link to their website here.