Project Kangaroo down but not under

A joint video-on-demand venture between BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 has been postponed until Summer 2009.

Project Kangaroo, which was to be launched in autumn this year, will let consumers browse and watch an online library of British TV comedy, drama and other material.

However, the service has been delayed following an investigation by the Competition Commission (CC) which was launched in July.

The Commission said it wanted to look into the "competitive effects" of the service. It is to investigate whether the planned Kangaroo service will cause competition issues in the online video market, as well as its possible impact on online advertising rates. It is "extending the timetable for the inquiry whilst it awaits important information on details of the joint venture, which is still being negotiated by the parties" involved.

When it does launch, Project Kangaroo will provide users with thousands of hours of current and older content. It will be available initially as a 'soft' beta launch, with the official roll-out following one month later.