BT Vision signs up Universal movies

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 26 Jul 2006 at 16:36

Launching at the end of July, the deal will allow both video-on-demand and download-to-own services. The latter is an extension of a service announced by Universal in March: movies are available simultaneously with the DVD release.

For your money, you get the movie download, which can be watched on a PC or transferred to a portable device (but not burned to disc), as well as a DVD in the post. Costs range from £7.99 for promotional offers and £9.99 for classics, to £16.99 for the latest releases.

The on-demand service will stream a movie down your Internet connection: BT Vision users will be able to watch it on their TV via the BT set-top box. Prices have yet to be confirmed. The company claims a 2Mb connection is sufficient to handle the streams, although none are in high definition.

Unlike other BT Vision services, the download-to-own and on-demand offerings are available to all, regardless of whether or not they are a BT broadband customer.

Other content deals lined up for BT Vision include the likes of Endemol, responsible for Big Brother. You will also be able to get Freeview channels and use the catch-up TV service.

Dan Marks, CEO, BT Vision, said: 'This is a very exciting deal that breaks new ground in the entertainment industry. Customers increasingly expect to enjoy entertainment when, where and how they want it and this agreement will help to make that possible.'

More information is available at the BT Vision website.