BT Vision - Digital TV.org.uk - Your Guide to Digital Television

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Review by SimonP - 21 June 2008
I've had BT Vision a few weeks now. Only had to pay £30 connection fee (and sign up for extra 12? months). I only wanted it as a cheap PVR since we already have BT broadband. The day I got it, I tried the on-demand content and it kept halting. Now it works OK. Apparently, this is common. On other forums, people have been told by BT support that it takes up to 10 days to settle down. The EPG is downloaded via the hub, but isn't updated in real-time. If a programme overruns, it will mess up your recordings.
SimonP's rating:

Review by Leanne Taylor - 6 March 2008
Read the review below, very confused as was told Vision had to be installed 9 days after my broadband! Have been up and running for 4 months now, loving it, ordered the TV pack for January as knew I would be in all month. Had no problems getting it or cancelling it. BT Staff very helpful, loving the recording!!
Leanne Taylor's rating:

Review by Phil - 22 February 2008
I'v had it about 1 month. I just went for the tv + replay. Was very easy to setup and start using. The ondemand content is good, loads to choose from. It's nice to have the BBC and C4 replay to hand. I'v watched the ondemand content now and then and have had no problems with it breaking up or stoping. I do know that BT need a min of 4mb downstream for btvision to start to work, I'm getting 7.8mb. Some people report streaming problem so i guess check that you have a min of 5-6 mb all in all not a bad service
Phil's rating:

Review by D Donaghy - 28 November 2007
Installed bt vision on sat past very easily done!pleased with it but not honestly sure what i'm paying £14 per mth for i thought freeview was free???Great picture record facility very convenient.
D Donaghy's rating:

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BT Vision

WHAT IS BT VISION?

This service, currently only available to BT Total Broadband customers in the UK, gives you the basic Freeview package (through your aerial as before), but it doesn't stop there.

It also offers interesting extras, such as a DTR, a digital television recorder (christened by BT as "the V box"), and the chance to view On-Demand content downloaded via the internet. The charge for the basic BT Broadband internet service (which starts at £8.95 a month for the first 6 months) is the only subscription charge you'd pay. As with the other services, you don't pay anything for the extra Freeview channels. However, if you take advantage of the On-Demand content, which is explained below, then you'll have to reach into your pocket again.

PROGRAMMES, GLORIOUS PROGRAMMES - ON DEMAND!

With the BT Vision package, the extra channels to which you get 24 hour access are the basic Freeview channels discussed here. Just to recap, that's 40 extra channels, plus the 25 digital radio stations. But the major addition to this package is the On-Demand content, which, according to other consumer reviews is extremely easy to use and navigate your way around. Programme prices vary between £0.79 and £0.99, and every TV genre is covered. They have teamed up with some great content providers, and can boast "Premium TV" such as the new series of Ugly Betty or Desperate Housewives. From August 2007, you should also be able to watch Premier League matches with this service, costing around £1.99 a game - cheaper than the pint you would have to buy during the match at the local pub. There are also movies, costing either £1.99 or £2.99 for a 24 rental period, which is highly favourable if you compare it to a DVD rental service. All of this is, quite unbelievably, delivered via the broadband internet, so there is no hanging around, no waiting, and also, absolutely no advertising breaks. The only thing you'll have to worry about is exactly when you'll have time to brew a cuppa...

But take a closer look, and even time to make a coffee has also been taken care of! The technology of the V-box (an integral part of the BT Vision package) gives you the ability to pause or rewind programmes, even if it is "live television." The recording facilities are also fantastically simple. So if you have something more important to do than make a cup of tea, like actually leave the house, then you still won't miss out on your favourite show. The V-box contains a hard disk which is capable of storing over 80 hours programming without tapes or discs. No more wiping over your old wedding video with an episode of Planet Earth.

Now, BT's website is highly unclear on the matter of the V-Box. They claim it is worth £199 but you "could get it for free". Well that sounds great, but with no indication of exactly how you qualify to "get it free", it's far from helpful. One to discuss with Customer Services. In theory it should be free for all who sign up to the service, but wait until you get confirmation of that before you sign up.

HOW DO I GET A PIECE OF THE ACTION?

First things first, to take advantage of this service you must be a broadband customer. If you are not already, then you must switch your internet provider to BT. See the website for details and prices. To be able to access the online On-Demand content, you'll need to specify that your connection speed is minimum 4Mb.

The installation costs for BT Vision are £30 according to the BT website, which includes a visit from a friendly technician to ensure that all goes smoothly. There may be other hidden activation costs, so make sure the small print is read carefully.

IS BT VISION FOR ME?

If you are a BT broadband customer, or in the market for a broadband internet provider, then this is undeniably a good option for you. Even if you have to switch to BT Broadband, it is still an attractive choice, given the access to the excellent library of On-Demand content. On-Demand television is likely to be the next big thing in terms of the small screen, and as its popularity grows, you can guarantee that the selection of programmes will too. The added advantages of the V-box (which should in theory be free to customers) are perfect for you if you simply can't bear to miss a programme, or even miss a second of the action. If you need to answer the telephone mid-Coronation street, you can simply hit pause. The technology offers you the very best, and most state-of-the- art ways of television viewing.