BT launches DTV service

net1

BT is launching its own digital set-top box in conjunction with Freeview. 'BT Freeview Plus' will provide customers with digital TV through a conventional TV aerial and video-on-demand through a broadband internet connection. It is believed the device will be priced slightly higher than existing Freeview boxes, which retail at around £50. BT has been in discussions with a number of makers of Freeview receivers, including Netgem and SetPal, to develop the boxes.

Andrew Burke, the director of value-added services at BT, said: "BT absolutely understands that broadband services are the future ... This is the next step in the delivery of broadband Britain. It is right up our street in terms of the technology and the relationship with the consumer."

Customers will be able to pay to download films and thousands of programmes using their BT broadband internet connection. BT is reported to have secured the support of the BBC and a number of other broadcasters for the service.

Trials of BT Freeview Plus will begin this week in hundreds of homes around the country with a full commercial launch initially scheduled for next summer.