BT announces next generation TV services

BT has announced its national next generation TV service will available for BT Broadband customers from this autumn.

Called BT Vision, the internet service provider (ISP) said the service to the TV combines access to digital-terrestrial channels through the aerial and set top box, as well as paid for programmes and film delivered via broadband.

BT customers will be able to choose from a wide range of digital terrestrial TV, on-demand film, music and television programming as well as interactive and communications service, via their TV sets.

BT's content deals include licensing programming and interactive content from TV production company Endemol as well as deals with the Cartoon Network, BBC Worldwide, Paramount and Warner Music Group and the National Geographic Channel. The ISP said it will unveil further big name deals throughout the year as it builds towards launch.

BT said there will be no mandatory monthly subscription as content such as films delivered via broadband will be on a pay as you go basis. Viewers' normal Freeview channels are delivered via the normal aerial.

The software for the platform is developed by Microsoft and the set top box which the ISP said will cost around £100, is made by Philips. This has a personal video recorder (PVR) with a 160GB capacity said a BT representative.

BT Vision will be enabled by the BT Hub, the device which is at the heart of BT’s strategy for the converged home. The hub will also allow wireless networking for the family’s PCs and laptops and up to five different calls to be made at the same time using voice over internet technology.

Customers will not be able to record paid for content but will be able to shift and pause it over the time period specified by the licence. They will be able to record normal Freeview channels via the PVR said a BT representative.

At the moment the service will only be available for BT Broadband customers but BT ISP didn't rule out widening the service to customers of other ISPs.

Dan Marks, chief executive of TV Services, said: “Our choice of the name BT Vision encapsulates the qualities needed to make this offering successful and underpins how important our next generation TV will be in the converged world.

“BT Vision will be offered nationwide and will be not restricted to metropolitan areas and as with Freeview there will be no mandatory subscription.”

BT Broadband customers who want to be first in line for the service can register their interest at BT's website.