BBC and Microsoft in European WebTV trial

NEWS The BBC has joined Microsoft's WebTV company to launch the first European trials of a digital television service designed to bring Internet access to TV screens. WebTV's Crossover Links software uses clickable icons, which will allow trial viewers to access Web pages relevant to the programme being watched. The Web page contents will be generated by the BBC's Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service. In April, WebTV's rival, NetChannel - now owned by telecoms company NTL - launched a hardware and software bundle that linked home users to PCs via the Internet. Although NetChannel has yet to make similar announcements with major broadcasters, the company supplies the broadcasting network for Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV in the UK which could lead to future developments in that vein. Mike Welsh of Inteco research group said: "Microsoft plus BBC is a powerful branding combination which could certainly boost WebTV product uptake". However, he said it remains to be seen whether consumers will be prepared to pay for services and products that get them onto the Internet at home. A BBC spokesman told Silicon News: "It's important the BBC investigates every route for technology, so it can deliver the license payer all the opportunities emerging from this digital revolution."