Called BT Vision, the new service will allow broadband customers to watch existing free channels and store as much as 80 hours of programming from the previous week, but will not initially carry adult content due to age verification difficulties.
“BT is still working on secure age verification technology in order to provide 18-certificate content rather than anything more top shelf,” a BT spokesman told The Guardian.
The new system will be unveiled Monday, but will not be available to customers until next spring.
BT Vision will supply viewers with a set-top box that will cost less than $195, according to a company spokesman. In addition to its 80-hour storage space, the box can be programmed to record an entire series or type of program. The system also will offer on demand content such as films, sporting events and TV shows.
Once BT Vision solves its age verification problems, adult content will be offered on its pay-TV tier, where customers can purchase programming by both “one-off” and subscription billing formats.
BT is the dominant fixed line telecommunications provider in the U.K. The firm operates the U.K. telephone exchanges, but one third of its revenue now comes from its Global Services division, which operates in more than 170 countries.
Analysts see BT Vision as a defensive move against Sky Network, which recently launched its own residential broadband service.
BT has been planning this push into TV for more than a year, according to a company spokesperson.