Well, Sky are trying to become an internet service provider, so why shouldn't BT become a TV company? (Actually, it's probably the other way round - ie the reason BSkyB bought an ISP is because of BT's ambitions in the TV world, but let's worry about that). Anyway, BT have entered a deal with Philips which will see the phone company offering customers a video / music / TV on demand type thing, all via the phone line. The service will come via a Philips made set top box, using Microsoft's web TV software. Users will have on demand access to libraries of movies, TV shows and music videos, as well as standard access to thirty odd digital channels. It all sounds exactly like what Homechoice have been doing for years, which is possibly why everyone reckons BSkyB are about to take them over as part of its bid to compete with BT in this space.
Oct 27, 2005
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1 min read
BT confirm technology deal with Philips for TV on demand service
BT has agreed a deal with Philips to offer on demand films, TV and music videos over the phone line via a Philips set top box using Microsoft software.