Not bad, but a lot of pretty fundamental problems. (BT Vision)

Member Name: sirjamesp

Product:	BT Vision
Date:	01/08/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Same as any other PVR.

Disadvantages: Lots of glitches and problems.

I've now had BT Vision for about 18 months, so I feel like I know the service inside out. It's a good product, but has many irritating glitches.

The service is basically a Freeview digibox with a hard disc, meaning that you can record programmes or set up "series links" for your favourite shows. You can also access additional channels (the "Top up TV" ones you can get on other digiboxes) or access to specific "On Demand" content by paying a subscription. "On Demand" services are also available on a "pay-as-you-go" basis - i.e. you pay for what you watch.

The range of On Demand services is very good - hundreds of films, including the latest blockbusters, and loads of TV series.

There are quite a few niggles though:

1. The "red button" service is very poor. Most of the time, it won't work without a reboot (which takes *ages*). This means no access to interactive services, and no teletext - a pretty fundamental problem.

2. Subtitles are unreliable. Again, this is pretty fundamental.

3. Recording programmes is a bit hit-and-miss. You will frequently miss the start of programmes (although automatic 5 minute padding at the end means at least you don't miss the finish). Also, BT's programme guide doesn't get updated continuously (unlike normal freeview boxes), so if a programme is running early or late, then you won't get to record it.

4. Virtually no HD content. The service is advertised as HD, but this only means you get access to about three HD movies (generally old films) on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. A very poor offering!

If you have no subscriptions, then the basic service is essentially free (you only "pay-as-you-go" if you want to watch on-demand films), so you can live with the many problems.

If, however, you are subscribing to one of the packages (all new customers have to), then you might feel a bit short-changed in terms of what you get for your money.

In summary: not bad, but lots of problems.

Summary: Okay if it's free.