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BT Vision
Company typePay TV and Download Service
IndustryMedia & Telecoms
Founded2006
HeadquartersUnited Kingdom London
ProductsPay TV services
Programming
Websitebtvision.bt.com

BT Vision is a service provided in the United Kingdom supplied by BT Retail. It provides digital terrestrial television channels using a Freeview decoder and on demand film, TV, sport, kids and music programming delivered via broadband through a hybrid DTT/IP/PVR set top box and soon through Xbox 360 IPTV. BT Vision is an example of telecommunication convergence.

Launch of BT Vision

BT Vision was launched on 4 December 2006.[1] Initial reaction by the industry was positive although there was some criticism that set up costs were expensive and it was noted that BT Group were entering a competitive market.[2] In May 2007, BT Group launched a national advertising campaign for this service.[3] The aim was to attract "hundreds of thousands" of customers by the end of 2007 and 2-3 million in the medium term.[4] BT Vision provides digital TV channels using a Freeview decoder. A digital television recorder enables 80 hours television programmes to be recorded while films, TV programmes and sports events can be viewed on demand via broadband. The service is described as providing a range of on demand content without compulsory subscriptions. However, a BT broadband connection with a guaranteed line speed is required. A self-install version and a technician install version of BT Vision are available.[5]

In January 2008 it was announced that the Microsoft Xbox 360 will be able to download and view BT Vision video content, [6] and that Motorola would supply the next generation of BT Vision box. [7]

Content

BT Vision Music

BT has agreed deals with:

who provide a range of music videos, concerts and music documentaries on demand. The concert programming covers a wide variety of genres including rock, pop, urban and ‘alternative', jazz and opera.

The music line-up includes names such as Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, Duran Duran, Fatboy Slim, Oasis, Queen, Phil Collins.

BT Vision Film

BT Vision has signed deals with the following studios to provide classic movies and the latest blockbuster films:

All films are available on a pay-per-view basis.

BT Vision Sport

BT won the rights to carry 242 same-day (but not live) FA Premier League football matches per season. The three year deal covers the 2007-8, 2008-9 and 2009-10 seasons. BT has acquired the rights in a joint bid with BSkyB. BT Vision also have the right to offer on demand coverage of 125 matches each season from the Football League and Carling Cup. These matches are available from midnight the day after the game is played.

In addition to the football above, BT Vision is building an archive of classic sports events from classic Wimbledon tennis to World Title boxing.

All of this on demand sports content is available on a pay per view basis, without the need for an upfront television subscription. Alternatively, customers can take a monthly viewing package allowing them to watch as much content as they like.

As of August 2007 Setanta Sports joined the line up on BT Vision, using digital terrestrial through a smart card, offering Live Barclays Premiership and Clydesdale Bank Premier League games, as well as other sporting events such as US PGA Tour Golf and Magners League Rugby.

BT Vision Sport intends to encourage the inscription of customers who do not wish to pay a high monthly subscription for sports.[8]

BT Vision TV & BT Vision Kids

TV:

Kids:

On Demand

  • Channel 4 on Demand (4oD)
  • BBC on Demand. From late May 2008, BT discontinued free access to BBC TV replay, instead requiring Vision users to take out a £2.93 a month subscription.
  • Demand Five. From early October 2008, BT have added Five to their £3 Replay package.
  • ITV Catch Up, available from December 2008.

Background

When British Telecom (BT) was privatised in 1984 it was barred from providing television broadcasts over its telecommunication network, which meant that it was not possible for BT to provide a cable television service. The ban was designed to protect the new smaller telecommunications companies and the small cable television networks in the United Kingdom as it was felt that BT had an unfair advantage because its pre-privatisation monopoly meant that its equipment was already installed in virtually every home and business in the United Kingdom. In January 2001, the ban was lifted.[9]

Technical details

The BT Vision Box, technically known as STB (Set-Top Box) is a rebranded Philips DIT9719 operating Microsoft Mediaroom software, and requires access to a BT Broadband internet connection for normal function. Whilst it is only officially supported using BT's own router, the BT Home Hub, users have reported success using alternative equipment.

The set-top box is connected to the hub via an ethernet cable either connected directly to the BT Home Hub, or to one of a pair of Comtrend* UPA (Universal Powerline Association) compliant Ethernet adapters. The Comtrend UPA adaptors use the mains wiring in a house to create an ethernet network. A second adaptor is plugged into the mains and connected to the BT Home Hub via an ethernet cable. These plugs are provided as part of the BT Vision package. Additional Comtrend adaptors are available from BT so that a local area network can be created in the users home.

There have been official complaints being made to OFCOM concerning interference apparently caused by Comtrend UPA adaptors to the HF radio spectrum, with OFCOM able to investigate any formal complaints made by individuals or organisations suffering interference. In cases when it can be identified that the equipment is causing interference to licensed radio use, the equipment may have to be removed and its use ceased.

In addition to Freeview broadcasts, customers can choose from a variety of "paid-for" content, which is delivered on-demand via their broadband connection.

The Operating System in the STB (Set-Top Box) is Microsoft Windows CE

Only one Set-Top Box can be used at a time to connect to BT Vision using a single Home Hub / Broadband Line.

BT have agreed that the next version of the BT Vision decoder will be made by Motorola, instead of Philips.

See also

References

  1. ^ BT Vision - passing you the control, BT Group news release, 4 December 2006, retrieved on 2 June 2007
  2. ^ Hi-tech world assesses BT Vision, BBC new report, 6 December 2006, retrieved on 2 June 2007.
  3. ^ BT Vision unveils national advertising campaign, BT Group news release, 10 May 2007, retrieved on 2 June 2007.
  4. ^ Multi-million pound campaign to promote Britain's most flexible digital TV Service, BT Group new release, 10 May 2007, retrieved 2 June 2007.
  5. ^ Pay Per View TV | BT Vision
  6. ^ BBC NEWS | Technology | Xbox will host BT's TV service
  7. ^ Motorola secures deal with BT Vision
  8. ^ BT Vision to challenge Sky's grip on live football - Business News, Business - Independent.co.uk
  9. ^ BT to begin broadcasting, BBC news report, 27/5/2001, retrieved on 2 June 2007.
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