YouView explained

What is YouView?

YouView is a subscription-free service that combines the ability to receive digital TV channels with access to the last seven days' TV programmes via catch-up services. It'll also bring on-demand TV services and other interactive applications to your TV. Both standard and high-definition content will be available.

Set-top boxes and PVRs (personal video recorders) with YouView functionality will bring services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD, Demand Five and SeeSaw, previously available through a broadband-connected computer or subscription service such as Virgin Media, directly to your TV.

YouView plans to include an application (app) store so that other services can be downloaded and added as they become available. 

YouView will be subscription-free, so that those unable or unwilling to pay for content will not have to do so, though there will be the option to access pay-TV channels for those who want more choice.

Which? tests show the best LED, LCD and plasma TV sets to display YouView content and reveal Best Buy set-top boxes and PVRs.

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and catch-up TV 

Viewers will be able to go backwards as well as forwards in time through the on-screen programme guide (EPG) to view current programmes, to programme recorders for shows in the future, or to access programmes that they might have missed through services such as BBC iPlayer.

The idea is that the route by which the content is delivered (either over-the-air or via the internet) will be invisible to viewers, so that they can seamlessly access a greater range of content without having to think about how this is broadcast. Accessing catch-up TV services should feel as natural as changing channel. 

Who's involved in YouView?

YouView is a partnership between the BBC, ITV, BT, Channel 4, TalkTalk, Arqiva and Five.

When will YouView launch?

Initially it was scheduled to launch in 2011, but delays mean that a launch is now unlikely before early 2012.

How will I get YouView?

When it does launch, you will be able to buy a set-top box for a one-off fee from a high street retailer (just as with Freeview or Freesat) or, potentially, as part of a new or improved broadband package direct from an internet service provider (ISP). To view the service, you’ll need both this set-top-box and a broadband connection with a 2Mbps or faster speed from any ISP to access the on-demand content.

What are the other potential benefits of YouView?

YouView should provide viewers with an increased range of content available to them. YouView says that it'll also open up new opportunities for all types of content providers, including public bodies, arts organisations, charities and local TV providers, to reach television sets by lowering many of the barriers they previously faced.

Any manufacturer will be able to make a YouView device, and any content provider will have the opportunity to run a video-on-demand service. Also, different developers will be able to create applications which will help stimulate competition both for products, content and applications.

YouView hopes this new, low-cost platform will aid the growth of local news and TV services, which the UK Government is seeking to encourage. It'll also give access to websites such as Direct.gov through a TV set.

Which? and YouView

Which? will thoroughly lab-test YouView products as soon as they are available, to ensure that the products we recommend are the best on the market.