HD Providers - BT Vision
You can pay to download and watch movies and documentaries in HD through the BT Vision+ Box and Home Hub, which power BT's broadband based TV package. The HD service itself is subscription free and is on a pay-per-view basis.What channels can you watch?
There are no dedicated HD channels available through BT Vision, only a limited selection of on demand HD films and documentaries. Customers can download a film to rent for 24 hours for between £2.88 and £4.84. Documentaries cost 96p per programme.
What equipment do you need?
You'll need an HD ready TV and HDMI cable, a BT Vision+ Box and BT Vision Home Hub wireless router, and subscribe to BT Total Broadband.
The BT Vision+ Box
Your BT Vision+ Box simultaneously connects to your TV aerial and BT Broadband line via the Home Hub. The aerial connection allows you to watch Freeview TV channels, while the broadband connection gives access to a library of on demand films, music and other programmes. Other features of the V-box include:
- Record and playback up to 80 hours of television
- Pause and rewind live TV
- Interactive games
How much does BT Vision cost?
You pay to access the programmes you want, when you want. Choose between Bronze, Silver or Gold Value Packs at £14.68, £17.61 and £19.57 a month respectively if you take out a 12 month subscription. Alternatively build your own package based on your viewing preferences - individual viewing packs start from £2.93 a month or choose a pay per view, subscription-free option. These may involve higher set upcharges.
Value Packs are currently on offer at the following prices: Bronze £7.34, Silver £10.27 and Gold £12.23.
In order to get BT Vision you need to subscribe to BT Total Broadband from £15.65 a month (assuming you take a 12 month contract). You'll also need a BT phone line - prices start at £11.25 a month.
The BT Vision+ box is £45 to customers signing up to a value pack for 12 months or £90 without subscription. If customers cease their broadband service within 12 months, a £194.76 charge for the BT Vision+ Box applies.
What about installation?
A BT engineer will install BT Broadband and the Home Hub and connect your Vision+ Box costing up to £107.66. If you're confident in setting up technical equipment you can opt for the self installation option to complete the job yourself.
BT Vision says...
"From early September, you can experience movies in glorious high definition (HD)..."2
1 All pricing and channels current and correct as of 01/09/09
2 http://www.btvision.bt.com/film/hd-arrives-movies-now-look-even-better-on-vision-film/