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BT takes another
major step towards next generation TV
BT takes another major step towards next
generation TV (26/10/05)
BT today set out its vision for nationwide
next generation TV as it announced that Europe’s largest electronics
company Philips has been selected to supply the set top box to deliver a range
of unique services. Every set top box will include a personal video recorder
(PVR) capable of storing up to 80 hours of programming and capable of
delivering High Definition content. The BT-Philips partnership builds on the
recently announced alliance with Microsoft, which will provide Microsoft TV
IPTV Edition as the software platform for BT’s TV over broadband
service.
BT’s service will be a world first combining access to
digital terrestrial channels, an extensive video on demand library,
“catch-up” TV and a range of interactive services. The unique
combination of these services will provide BT customers with choice,
convenience and control over their home entertainment.
BT is planning to
offer these services across the UK from late summer / autumn 2006. BT is the
only company in the UK committed to providing such a nationwide service and
trials will begin next spring / early summer.
BT’s next generation
TV service will be available to BT customers without the need for a
subscription fee. Services available at launch or shortly afterwards will
include:
- Entertainment on demand – an extensive
library of movies, TV and music all available instantly
- Catch-up TV – programmes from the
previous seven days broadcast schedule will be available on demand without the
need to record
- Flexible payment – no mandatory
subscriptions. Pay-per-view options
- Personal Video Recorder – simple to use
recording function capable of storing up to 80 hours of programming
- More than 30 digital terrestrial TV channels
- Communication services – instant
messaging, chat and video telephony on TV
- Interactive services – online games,
retail opportunities and community services
Ian Livingston, chief
executive BT Retail said today: “Our services will be a world first and
will place power in the hands of the viewer. No longer will BT customers be
reliant on TV schedules. From next year, they will be able to watch what they
like when they like. This is all about giving our customers choice, convenience
and control.
“We see next generation TV as a vital element of our
vision for home entertainment. In an increasingly converged world, BT customers
will be able to benefit from the combination of television, communications and
the internet. For example, football fans across the country will be able to
chat using video telephony while watching a match. Our catch-up TV offering
will also allow people to watch programmes they may have missed but wanted to
see.
“This partnership confirms BT’s position as a world
leader in the delivery of Broadband TV. Philips are a superb partner to have
and we look forward to working with both them and Microsoft in the delivery of
the home entertainment of the future.”
Rudy Provoost, CEO Philips
Consumer Electronics said “Philips is very excited to partner with BT to
introduce this innovative new digital TV service to the UK market. This
cooperation is an important proof-point of our strategy providing consumers
access to information and entertainment anywhere anytime, while preparing the
road for HDTV. It is all about bringing innovation and ease-of-use to the
consumer. This agreement – when formally signed will even further extend
the leading position achieved by both BT and Philips in digital TV”.
"Microsoft is very pleased to be working with BT and Philips to realize
an exciting new vision," said Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.
"With BT service, Philips set-top boxes and Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software,
the integrated entertainment and communications capabilities offered to UK
consumers will be among the richest and most advanced in the
world."
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