Broadcasters sign up for 'Project Kangaroo'

The BBC, Channel 4 and ITV are reportedly in talks about jointly developing a video downloads service that will "do for broadband what Freeview did for digital TV."

Named 'Project Kangaroo,' the idea is to have content from all the broadcasters available to view online on one platform. The broadcaster's are likely to view it as a way to make money on broadband downloads over and above what can be viewed for free on the broadcasters' individual online platforms.

The BBC's iPlayer, planned to launch this year, will provide a seven-day catch up on BBC programmes, and a simulcast and catch-up service on ITV.com is currently being rolled out. Channel 4 has launched a similar service, 4oD.

According to The Guardian, it is expected the service will deliver programming to initially to computers but ultimately the aim is to broadcast direct to televisions.

The platform is likely to open to other broadcasters in a similar model to internet TV platform, Joost. Five is not thought not to be involved yet, though the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are likely to create a structure for the on-demand TV service in a similar model to Freeview. All the terrestrial broadcasters all have a stake in Freeview.

The Digital Television Group, which has been involved in collaborating with broadcasters on the development of Freeview, It is understood to have been involved in talks about Project Kangaroo.