Video on demand arrives up North

Life

This service is designed to put the TV viewer in control by combining the appeal of TV with the interactivity of broadband. Users will be able to watch what they want when they want and not be tied to TV schedules. The service does not require a regular monthly subscription.

The service gives subscribers access to an extensive library of on-demand content via broadband, as well as over 40 Freeview channels through their aerial. The library is designed to enable people to watch programmes at a time that suits them rather than the schedulers.

BT Vision is delivered through a new set-top box, the V-box. This contains a personal video recorder (PVR) that can store up to 80 hours of content, pause or rewind live TV, and record programmes at the touch of a button. The box is also compatible with high definition content. BT Vision features a “Replay TV” service, allowing the viewer to catch up with some of the broadcast TV programmes they may have missed during the previous week.

BT Vision’s library of “on-demand” content is delivered over broadband and includes entertainment to suit all tastes. There will be current and library movies, music videos, concerts, kids’ programmes, recent and classic television including drama, comedy, documentaries and other genres.

In the summer of 2007 BT Vision will launch its new sports service. Following a recent deal with Setanta , BT Vision Sport customers will have access to the Setanta Sport channel and its 46 live FA Premiership games, 60 live games from the Scottish Premier League and a great deal of other sport. They will also have access to the 242 “near live” on-demand FA Premiership games secured by BT in 2006. That means three-quarters of all FA Premiership games will be available in full to BT Vision Sport customers.

Viewers have a choice of subscribing to content genres or paying for the content as they go. Movies will be available on a pay per view basis with current titles offered at lower prices than satellite, cable and high street video chains.

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