In the UK, BT is to launch on demand television via a broadband connection, thanks to a special set-top box created in partnership with electronics giant Philips.
Every set top box will include a personal video recorder (PVR) capable of storing up to 80 hours of programming and capable of delivering High Definition content. The BT-Philips partnership builds on the recently announced alliance with Microsoft, which will provide Microsoft TV IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) Edition as the software platform for BT's TV over broadband service.
These services should be available in the UK some time towards the middle to end of next year, and will be available to BT customers without the need for a subscription fee.