UKTV is a joint venture between the BBC and Flextech, the content arm of cable operator Telewest. At present, most of the UKTV channels are available only as part of subscription packages on cable, satellite and digital television.
The channels would become part of a digital coalition involving all the UK terrestrial broadcasters, which will see the development of a new cheaper set-top box. The box will retail at about £100 and will broadcast free digital channels.
If Dyke's talks are successful, the UKTV channels will join the three BBC digital channels which have already been approved by the government, as well as BBC3 if it is given the go-ahead by the government when it is resubmitted for consideration later this year. The platform could also include some ITV offerings, E4 and a reworked Sky One.
However, it is thought that talks to get the development of the set-top box under way are being hampered because it will be difficult to make a set-top box that could retail at a price as low as £100.
Meanwhile, ITV channels could launch on the Sky Digital platform as early as next Tuesday.
The channels, including the loss-making subscription offering ITV Sport, are currently undergoing trials on Sky and full service is said to be "imminent".
However, no agreement has been reached between ITV partners Carlton and Granada and BSkyB, which are said to be still haggling over price.
If a deal is struck, it would boost ITV audiences because the channel will be available on the Sky platform for the first time.
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