YouView, the much delayed TV service backed by the BBC, ITV TalkTalk and BT, has published the final version of its user interface and search policy.
The service operates similar to BT’s existing BT Vision product which it is expected to replace, offering broadband delivered on demand content in addition to the broadcast (linear) Freeview channels.
Content providers such as Netflix and Sky’s NOW TV will be able to offer their services to users on flexible terms.
The boxes will be able to record programmes and will feature a backwards EPG linked to catch-up services such as the BBC’s iPlayer.
Yesterday we reported that the service is now undergoing final trials in 350 homes ahead of a wider public roll-out.
Although YouView will offer access to Freeview channels it is not replacing the popular free TV service and existing Freeview boxes and TVs will continue to work.
The interface and search policy sets out how YouView will allocate channel numbers and display content.
Those channels broadcast over Freeview will retain their current channel numbers to ensure users moving to the new service are able to easily find their favourite programmes and channels.
YouView’s policy says its on-screen menus – known as a User Interface or UI – “is designed to allow viewers to navigate seamlessly from linear content to on demand content.”
To do this catch-up services and those channels which are delivered via broadband will also have channel numbers allocated to them.
This will allow the user to navigate between different types of content more easily.
Content will also be searchable via text and also by genre or category with recorded shows, reminders and details of future recording stored in a MyView section.
There will also be a section dedicated to content offered by broadband providers such as BT and TalkTalk who supply the box to their customers as part of a fully branded service.
Third party apps will also be available via a dedicated section of the UI.
The full document can be downloaded from the YouView website.