YouView, the much-delayed Internet TV venture, will finally be put to the test by members of the public this week after three years in development – and should launch nationally this summer.

An initial trial of some 350 homes was confirmed by YouView’s board, which is chaired by Lord Alan Sugar.

While about 100 employees of YouView’s shareholders, which include the BBC, TalkTalk, BT and ITV, have been testing the set-top box, but the new testers will be demographically selected to reflect the broader viewing audience.

Test candidates have signed non-disclosure agreements preventing them discussing the set-top boxes, which allow users to watch and record both live TV and online video such as the iPlayer and Lovefilm.

If the test is successful, thousands more YouView boxes could make their way into homes after as little as four weeks, the company said.

If the trials are successful, YouView could be on sale through high street retailers before Christmas, priced at around £200 (€250).

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