29 November 2006
BT's venture into digital television finally has a launch date, as the telecommunication giant announced that its combined television and broadband service, Vision, will go live on Monday December 4th, 2006.
Technical issues with Microsoft were often cited as the reasons behind the constant delays. A spokesman told Reuters that the rollout would be a measured one, with momentum picking up in the spring.
Vision's main selling point for consumers is the fact that it offers customers a chance to watch Freeview channels without a monthly subscription fee in addition to providing its on-demand content of sports, films and 'catch-ups'.
BT Vision has ensured that it is competitive in the broadband market by offering cable, broadcast television, on-demand services and a hard drive to allow consumers to record and save their favourite programmes or films.
Designed to rival competitors like BSkyB and ntl Telewest, BT has confirmed 20 content packages but has, as of going to press, declined to issue a price for the service.
BT Vision received a boost recently with the news that Channel 4 had agreed to make its programming available, giving consumers access to TV favourites like Queer as Folk and Jamie Oliver's School Dinners, as well as being able to view Film4 classics like East is East, Room With A View and Secrets and Lies, all of which will be available on launch night.
Dan Marks, chief executive officer of BT Vision, said at the time: "We are delighted to be working with Channel 4, one of the most creative broadcasters in the world, to launch its new on-demand service on our platform."
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