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BT Vision joins forces with the Xbox 360
(07-01-08) - Microsoft and BT Vision have announced that from mid-2008 Xbox 360 customers will be able to access the BT Vision television service through their games console.
As well as access to BT Vision’s standard, free service of Freeview channels via the V-Box, the new initiative will allow any BT Vision customer with an Xbox 360 to watch from a second point, and use the Xbox Live social network, send text and voice messages and shop on the Xbox Live market place.
“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver a truly compelling connected entertainment experience to our customers,” said Dan Marks, CEO of BT Vision. “For the first time consumers in the UK will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next-generation gaming. Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms - giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”
The partnership is revealed as BT announces that Motorola has been chosen to supply its range of second generation V-Box set-top boxes.
The HD-capable V-Box digital TV recorders, to be made available in 2009, will provide access to up to 40 Freeview TV channels and 30 radio channels, the ability to record an average of 80 hours of content, on-demand access to a huge library of films, TV shows, music videos and sport and a range of interactive applications, as well as boasting a new look and improved energy efficiency.
Mr Marks said: “Motorola has extensive experience in IPTV and particularly in working with our platform partner Microsoft on deployments of Microsoft Mediaroom around the world. Today’s announcement underpins our medium-term goal of securing two-three million customers for BT Vision.”
Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “BT is stepping up its game as the digital switchover gets rolling and yet more broadband providers seek to enter the digital TV market. By offering an essentially free service, with very competitive month-by-month subscription add-ons and next generation hardware, it is hoping to put itself ahead of the pack.
“However, it still has a long way to go in order to compete on numbers against established digital television providers such as Sky (www.Sky.com) and Virgin Media (www.VirginMedia.com), and even relative newcomer to the DTV market Tiscali (www.Tiscali.co.uk) - all of whom undercut BT on price when it comes to popular packages including broadband and home phone.”
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