BBC Makes TV and the Internet Platform Free
21st April 2009
The advent of digital production and distribution presents the opportunity for users to have more control over the way they view digital media, and at the same time access it through an increasing number of platforms. The introduction of Web 2.0 and social networking has transformed what users expect from online content by allowing them to share and discuss media with friends. This service changes not only the way that users currently access TV programmes by providing an on-demand service but also provides the ability to view and control a programme on a variety of different platforms and share comments and viewing recommendations with peer groups.
Currently the BBC are leading the way forward and looking to define and promote a standards based open environment for internet-connected television devices that would enable internet on-demand functionality for a range of new digital television devices. The proposed project is called ‘Project Canvas' and it is intended to provide consumers with subscription-free access to on-demand television services and other internet-based content, through a broadband connected digital device. The BBC intend to carry out a rigorous evidence-based public consultation inviting industry stakeholders, audience groups and licence fee payers to comment on proposals for this multiplatform device service.
It will be interesting to see how TV licence fee payers respond to such an advanced way of accessing TV content. A recent study carried out by User Vision researched a platform independent service that can be accessed on various platforms such as TV, iphone and the web. The service can be watched on demand and allow the user to search, access and share television schedules and programmes on multiple platforms, blending iTV with Web 2.0 and mobile technologies. The study uncovered a number of potential usability obstacles but the key points raised by the elderly user groups highlighted that they were more interested in watching a TV programme in a linear fashion as scheduled and defined by the BBC. It was felt that watching TV via the ‘new online world' was more like a deli, with rich but often bewildering choice that was not always relevant to their needs. On the other hand, the younger audience were comfortable with the ability to access TV programmes on-demand from a number of different platforms and equally comfortable with sharing their content and recommendations with their socially networked peer groups. There is enormous potential for a glorious era of an online service that can provide an opportunity to massively expand the flexibility and control over which content can be viewed, accessed and shared. The BBC is proactively trying to gain knowledge and understanding of on-demand digital distribution service and its users groups. For those who are interested in learning more, please refer to BBC's Public Consultation
.
In the not so distant future the television schedule (if it still exists) may just be a relic and the way the BBC can guide us gently from soap to documentary to news may disappear. But this will mean that we can find the shows at a time of our choosing and share out recommendations with our peer groups across an array of different devices. The BBC as a trusted aggregator should be charged with helping to ensure that the public service element that has already been paid for can successfully find an audience.
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This article was written by Donna Douglas. Donna is a usability and accessibility consultant at User Vision, helping clients to gain a competitive advantage through an improved user experience.
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