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BT Vision
The digital TV service for BT Total Broadband customers combines the latest technology with the ultimate in home entertainment bundling; an internet connection, home phone and Freeview digital television plus a mix of subscription and on-demand programming.
If you want to get BT Vision you will first have to be a BT Total Broadband customer. If you’re not, but still want BT Vision, click here to sign up for BT Broadband.
BT Vision differs from its digital TV rivals in that customer do not have to pay a monthly subscription. The philosophy is that “if you only watch one film this year you should only pay for one film this year”, so BT Vision works a bit like a pick and mix TV service - all over your broadband connection. Dan Marks, CEO of BT Television Services has said that BT Vision is “unlike many other current entertainment offerings.”
All customers in a Freeview area will have access to all the usual Freeview channels and digital radio stations. You then get the option of only ever paying for those extras that you want, such as films, music videos and television programmes - when you want them. Or you could opt for one of their subscription packages, starting from £6 a month, on a month by month basis so you can opt out again whenever you want.
You also get a V-Box that allows you to record up to 80 hours of Freeview programmes.
Why should I get it?
Digital TV allows you to take advantage of all the great free channels and digital radio stations that come with Freeview. BT Vision also lets you subscribe on a month by month basis which is great if you only want to watch a particular show for a series at a time or want a taster of what you get from their subscription service. And you can go back to the free service whenever you want, simply picking out the films and programmes you want to watch, when you want to watch them - all in a perfect digital picture.
Will it slow down my internet?
Because BT Vision runs through your broadband connection it does obviously take up some of your bandwidth. The on-demand service will reduce bandwidth but will always leave 500Kb which should be fine for surfing but wait until you’ve finished watching before downloading large files.
What do I need?
As mentioned above, you need to be a BT broadband customer to get BT Vision.
Firstly you need BT Total Broadband, then, if you want to access the Freeview channels you’ll need to be in a Freeview area - click here to check if you are.
If you’re not yet in a Freeview area then you’ll only be able to use the on-demand service and won’t be able to use the digital recorder or pause and rewind “live” TV until your area switches over to digital. Click here to find out when that is.
How much does it cost?
BT Total Broadband starts from £8.95 a month, and if you’re a new customer or willing to re-contract you can get your V-Box for free. Otherwise this will set you back £199.
Also, if you’re a new customer to BT broadband, you need to get a Home Hub. This is free for customers signing up to their Total Broadband options 2 or 3, but is £30 otherwise (buying online).
Connection costs £30, and you might also have to pay an installation fee, but once your BT Vision service is up and running you’ll only pay for what you use. Monthly subscriptions start from £4 a month, the on-demand service starts from 29p for a music video, 79p for a TV programme or £1.99 for a film. BT Vision also has a deal running with Setanta Sports which offers both Setanta and BT Vision’s Sport package for £12 a month.
