YouView has published its UI and search policy consultation online.
The consultation will run for six weeks, and is a process to determine exactly how the user interface for the subscription-free streaming service will be crafted. One that will theoretically ensure that the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is fair and justified in its ordering.
Obviously it’s very important which channels get placed near the top of the EPG, as these are the most likely to snag viewers. Those towards the bottom will inevitably struggle a great deal more.
One concern is that given the fact that YouView is actually a joint venture involving the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, these stations will be able to give themselves priority.
The draft policy attempts to allay these fears by stipulating: “The allocation of listing positions and UI positions and the configuration of search results will be undertaken without regard to whether the Content Provider is a YouView shareholder.”
“Where a YouView shareholder, who is also a Content Provider, is awarded a listing or a UI position, the basis for such award will be objectively justifiable, having regard to the principles of fairness, reasonableness and non-discrimination on which all UI positions will be awarded.”
Although, of course, the YouView consortium members are likely to get those top spots, and are undeniably big UK channels. Well, except for Channel 5 (just kidding).
YouView recently welcomed an ex-Sky executive on board, Chris Bramley, who became Chief Technology Officer. The service is still apparently on track for an early 2012 launch (although it was supposed to launch early 2011).
