BT Vision

BT Vision is a combination of Freeview, a hard disk recorder and download on demand. BT Vision has been around since December 2006 but it appears that it is now being marketed in a more determined way.

There are a couple of problems with BT Vision as far as we are concerned. The first is that you need to have a broadband package from BT and you need to have a BT Home Hub installed. The second problem is that the Vision+ set top box comes with Freeview built in; this means that you need a TV Licence.

Why is download on demand not available without Freeview? Probably for two reasons. Firstly BT are trying to grow thier subscriber base without overloading the network. It makes sense for them to reduce the load on the backhaul network where possible. Secondly, and this is possibly more important, they want to source content from the BBC and need to keep them sweet. The library of existing content which the BBC already own is a very powerful weapon for them in controlling what people can do. The other channels are also scared of upsetting the status quo.

As we know Hulu tried and so far have been unable to make the right agreements. Eventually someone will break the mould. The UK broadcasters will eventually have to face reality even if they are currently being successful in avoiding it.