BT Vision

[undyingking]

Does anyone have BT Vision? How does it differ (if at all) from ordinary Freeview?

Comments

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Presumably you're asking here about which programmes are available at no charge over and above the cost of the required broadband package?

(I'm puzzled, because I don't see the remotest connection between TV-over-IP services and Freeview.)

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

My impression is that, although BT Vision does indeed come to you via IP, it's basically a standard Freeview feed, requiring a decoder box in the same way as if you receive Freeview by other means. (Plus on-demand films, etc.) But I don't know if that's correct or not.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

The fact that it isn't free? ;o)

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

It requires a box, but they have their own one.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

It would be for me, as I'm already on their broadband ;-)

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Useful site, thanks! So it actually gets Freeview from the TV aerial in the normal way, not via IP. But it has to be physically connected to the Home Hub, which is rather sub-optimal. OTOH it's a better spec PVR than our current one... hmm.

[dr-bob.livejournal.com]

Just 'cos their PVR has better spec, doesn't mean it's nicer to use. On the flip side, the advantage of it being (effectively) free, is that you can try it out and see if it's bobbins or not.

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

It's a freeview PVR with internet connected on demand. Not sure of regular pricing as I will be on a deal. Arriving this week here.

One interesting thing: apparently the on-demand is now sent over power cables so you don't need ethernet (or all your wireless bandwidth) between home hub and PVR

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

It's only 30 quid, true, but potentially a bit of hassle making appointments for delivery, getting it set up -- although what fractalgeek says below about connection is a lot more encouraging than having to run an Ethernet cable halfway across the house.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

That is indeed an interesting thing, as having to string an Ethernet cable halfway across the house was definitely one of the things putting me off.

The other potential down I guess would be if the programme guide etc software is clunky. Hope you find that it's OK!

[floralaetifica.livejournal.com]

I had a horrible experience with BT Vision. I called to arrange it as soon as I moved in, but 9 months later when Imoved out they still hadn´t been able to get it to work. And BT have the most horrendous ´support´ system - every phone call involves ringing round ten numbers before you find the right one, and even then all they can do is say they´ll get someone to cal you back (but they don´t). In the interests of stress free life I highly recommend noone doesanything with bt ever!