BT Vision film service launches in HD

by Maisie McCabe, Media Week 17-Sep-08, 16:05

LONDON - Viewers will be able to watch high-definition films on BT's digital TV service, BT Vision, for the first time from today.

BT Vision has struck a deal with NBC Universal to show a range of its current and library high-definition films including The Incredible Hulk, Charlie Wilson's War, E.T. and Miami Vice.

There is no monthly subscription for the service: current films on BT Vision will be £4.95 and library titles will cost £2.95 for 48 hours.

A BT Vision spokesman said the company is in talks with other content providers to show a wider range of HD films.

Customers without HD-ready TV sets will still be able to watch the NBC Universal films, but in standard definition. Some titles will be available with Dolby 5:1 surround sound for customers who have it.

The NBC Universal titles will download automatically to BT Vision set-top boxes and can be watched as many times as the viewer wants during 24 hours.