BT Unveils Next Generation TV Service
BT has revealed that its national next generation TV service will be called BT Vision, with the world first service launching in the Autumn.
BT Vision combines digital TV with on-demand film, TV and music programming, as well as interactive services, with customers able to choose from a wide range of services, as well as a groundbreaking interactive and communications service all available through their TV sets.
The service will combine access to digital-terrestrial channels through the aerial with broadband-powered video on demand.
The combination will be delivered on a software platform powered by Microsoft and through a set-top box made by leading manufacturer Philips. Unlike other pay-TV services, there will be no monthly subscription charge.
BT Vision will be enabled by the BT Hub, with “the hub” also allowing wireless networking for separate PCs and laptops in the household and up to five different calls to be made at the same time using voice over internet technology.
Commenting on the initiative, 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.”
He continued: “BT Vision will be offered nation-wide and will be not restricted to metropolitan areas and as with Freeview there will be no mandatory subscription.”
BT recently signed a content licensing deal with programme maker Endemol, with the deal bringing the producer’s shows to BT Vision and providing users with Freeview services supplemented by premium on-demand content (see BT Signs Deals For TV Content And Mobile Platform).
Endemol’s tie up with BT follows several similar content deals announced at the end of last year, with BBC Worldwide, Paramount and Warner Music Group signing up to provide films and TV programmes to the broadband-based service (see BT Signs First Content Deals For IPTV Service).
BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.com