BT Group launched an IP TV service for customers of its broadband Internet access service on Monday, allowing them to view and record TV shows or order music videos, TV programs and movies on demand over their telephone line.The service, BT Vision, delivers the TV programs to set-top boxes supplied by Koninklijke Philips Electronics, and uses Microsoft’s TV Internet Protocol Television Edition software. BT said Microsoft’s platform will eventually allow for the addition of voice, instant-messaging and presence capabilities.To receive the IPTV service, customers must first subscribe to BT’s asymmetric DSL (ADSL) Internet access service, for a fee ranging from 18 pounds (US$36) to 27 pounds a month. Installation and connection charges are 90 pounds. BT then offers packages of TV channels, such as children’s shows or music videos, for 6 pounds per month. All viewers have access to a bundle of 40 digital terrestrial TV channels, called Freeview.Microsoft has aggressively marketed its IPTV platform to carriers. A number have commercially deployed Microsoft’s IPTV services, including AT&T, Verizon Communications, Swisscom, Deutsche Telekom and Telecom Italia. The IPTV market is forecast to grow, but faces tough competition from cable, satellite TV and free-to-air terrestrial TV operators. Market research firm Gartner predicts IPTV subscribers in Western Europe will number 3.3 million households this year, and increase to 16.7 million by 2010.-Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service (London Bureau) Related Links: BT Touts All-IP Network Benefits to Businesses BT Connects First Customers to All-IP NetworkCheck out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Why data virtualization is critical for business success Data is your most valuable resource—but only if you can access it fast enough to address present challenges. Data virtualization is the key. By Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The hybrid approach: Get the best of both mainframe and cloud Cloud computing and modernization often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the mainframe should be left behind. A hybrid approach offers the most value, enabling businesses to get the best of both worlds. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street Dear Oracle Cloud…I need my own space Access results from a recent Rimini Street survey about why enterprises are rethinking their Oracle relationship and cloud strategy. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cloud Computing brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street How to evolve IT systems into innovation engines Today’s IT leaders are more than eager to modernize with best-fit cloud solutions that drive innovation and rapid business impact, but they need to do so with ROI-based solutions. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 4 mins IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe