New video-on-demand platform YouView has been delayed until next year, according to one of Pocket-lint's trusted sources. It was previously reported that the service, formerly called Project Canvas, had been pushed back to summertime, but we now understand that it is unlikely to surface until at least February 2012.

Our source, who works within the television broadcast industry, tells us that, while they believe YouView is still on the cards, the new venture will be pushed back by 12 months, rather than the six revealed by the Daily Mail back in January.

YouView has had a turbulent time in its short life, most notably when it was still dubbed Project Canvas. Both Virgin Media and BSkyB have previously filed complaints with Ofcom, and while the regulator turned down the opportunity to open investigations into concerns that the platform would be "incentivised to withhold content from competing platforms" and "restrict competition between TV platforms", they, and others, are continuing to lobby.

It is not known as to whether these are partly to blame for the numerous delays for the platform, or whether Ofcom is further considering its stance, but such a massive postponement in YouView's launch will surely allow rival technologies and content providers the opportunity to capitalise.

With video-on-demand being a mainstay of Smart TVs, such as Samsung, Sony and LG's 2011 product ranges, and Virgin Media about to roll-out its Virgin Media TV powered by TiVo box on a larger scale, it's likely that YouView may find more and stronger competition than it planned for when it eventually arrives.

A spokesperson for YouView told Pocket-lint that the company can't comment on speculation: "We keep all timings under review and our priority is to ensure we get the product right. Development of YouView is progressing well and our shareholders are fully supportive of our strategy for delivery."

YouView (née Project Canvas) is a video-on-demand service developed by broadcasters BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV, as well as ISPs Arqiva, BT and TalkTalk. Its aim is to supply a one box solution that brings catch-up TV, Freeview, HD content and recording functionality, for a one-off payment, rather than monthly subscription.

More can be found out on its dedicated website at youview.com.

What do you think? Are you willing to wait until February next year for YouView, or has another TV platform caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below...