YouView, a new subscription-free internet-connected TV service for the UK, today confirmed that it will have a product in trial by the end of this year, with a full consumer launch planned in early 2012. YouView will bring digital TV combined with the last 7 days’ catch-up TV, on demand services and interactive applications straight to the television set – subscription free.

As an open TV platform, YouView will allow any manufacturer to build a device using its underlying technologies, regardless of whether they intend to do so under the YouView brand; and enable all types of content providers to reach the TV screen bringing consumers increased choice.

YouView also today confirmed that it will shortly publish its core technical specifications for launch which have required significant technological innovation as well as industry engagement to create a TV platform, based on common standards.

"Our focus has always been to deliver a product to consumers that is right, but not rushed. Creating a truly open TV platform that will bring consumers increased choice has required significant technological innovation. Our timings for the launch reflect the scale and complexity of this project," said Richard Halton, CEO, YouView.