TV service YouView has begun contacting successful trialist applicants as it finally gears up for public launch.
Developed by the BBC, ITV TalkTalk and BT, YouView will use broadband to deliver 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 record programmes and will feature a backwards EPG linked to catch-up services such as the BBC’s iPlayer.
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.
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 advertised for trialists earlier this month.
The application form said participants were banned from posting information about the service online ahead of its formal launch but a number appear to have disregarded this restriction and posted news of their acceptance on social networking sites.
In a message on Twitter, a spokesperson for the company announced the first batch of successful applicants had been contacted but added that those not selected should not “panic” as there are “more trial places available”.
