Formerly known as Project Canvas, YouView has courted plenty of controversy since it was announced back in 2009, and at one point had BBC iPlayer maestro Anthony Rose helping to make the Sky and Virgin Media-rivaling internet connected TV service a reality.

While Rose moved on to pastures new, Sir Alan Sugar has since been installed as Chairman and now YouView has officially been unveiled three years later than it had originally been slated for a release. The Apprentice star claims YouView can give Sky a run for its money, so what can we expect? Here's your guide to all things YouView.

How does it work?

The YouView service which runs through set top boxes provided by PVR makers Humax, work via a broadband connection and also requires a digital TV signal to deliver content on a pay-as-you-go type service, so you don't have to be tied up to yearly subscriptions as is the case with Sky and Virgin Media.

What can you watch?

From launch, there will be over 100 digital TV channels and radio channels including the likes of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. A seven day catch up and on demand service will also be available which means you'll have access to an entire week of Eastenders.

Additional content will also be on the way in the future which has been kicked off by Sky internet TV service NOW TV who has signed up to the YouView cause bringing content to the set top box with Sky Movies available from launch with sport and entertainment content to follow. You’ll be able to choose how you access the content whether it be unlimited access for a monthly charge or by renting single movies.

While YouView connects via a broadband connection, there has been no indication as yet whether you will be able to surf the web as well. Sorry to disappoint you ardent YouTube fans...

How can you search for content?

You’ll be able to flick and navigate both backwards and forwards through content via the electronic programme guide (EPG) designed by YouView where you will be able to record and watch HD content, as well as pause and rewind live TV. You can scroll back seven days of TV and search for content specific to certain actors with 500GB of capacity which is a decent amount of space, but not quite the 1TB storage that Sky currently offers with its premium set top box.

YouView UK price and release date

The YouView set top box will be available to buy before the end of the July and will be priced in at hefty £299. Prospective YouView customers can get their hands on the set top box from a host of retailers which include John Lewis, Currys, Comet, Argos and Amazon. Alternatively, you can get access to the service and set top box as part of a phone or broadband package with key YouView partners BT and internet service provider TalkTalk.

Are you sold on YouView or are you planning to give it a miss? Let us know in the comments section below.