Bt vision major update

samiul765 · 19-12-2011, 19:17

looks like a new update
http://bt.com/vision/changes

SimonBlackham · 19-12-2011, 21:35

This sounds like Marketing speak for we have redesigned the system and got rid of some features that cost us - and have hidden this fact by giving you stuff that "everyone said they wanted".

Do you remember filling in a questionaire?

I wonder what features that I rely on will be deleted? - its bad enough that they have removed RFout from the Black box.
I would be 'unhappy' if recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports is prevented.

Still - if they don't watch it then a PVR with catch-up (or YouView) and an internet TV will do all that is required and we will march off !

I suspect that they are not making enough money from VOD and need to push it harder.

stewM · 19-12-2011, 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonBlackham

This sounds like Marketing speak for we have redesigned the system and got rid of some features that cost us - and have hidden this fact by giving you stuff that "everyone said they wanted".

Do you remember filling in a questionaire?

I wonder what features that I rely on will be deleted? - its bad enough that they have removed RFout from the Black box.
I would be 'unhappy' if recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports is prevented.

Still - if they don't watch it then a PVR with catch-up (or YouView) and an internet TV will do all that is required and we will march off !

I suspect that they are not making enough money from VOD and need to push it harder.

Some of these suggestions have been on the BT Community web page.

I am intrigued why you think BT would stop the recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports?

drgeoff · 19-12-2011, 22:51

This sounds like the rumoured move from Microsoft Media Room to something else (Linux based?) is about to happen.

Though the BT answer to the "Why do I lose my recordings" question blames DRM, I think that is a smokescreen. More likely the hard disk is going to be reformatted with a different file system.

samiul765 · 20-12-2011, 12:46

I agree with drgeoff.Bt are probably doing this to prepare for youview

MostynDS · 20-12-2011, 18:00

Very interesting and exciting for BTV users. I agree, I would suppose that this is being done to give BTV the look and feel of YouView.

But the explanation why recordings cannot be carried across the upgrade due to DRM seems a bit unconvincing.

Still, nice to have something new to talk about.

Andi Gasking · 20-12-2011, 20:09

I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word.

She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them.

samiul765 · 20-12-2011, 20:49

Nice.so this confirms that the Vision+ box will have a new OS?

MGF · 20-12-2011, 21:15

Anyone know when this kicks in? Or how the communication of the date will take place? I'll be cheesed off to loose all those episodes of Merlin that I haven't caught up with yet....

MostynDS · 20-12-2011, 22:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGF

Anyone know when this kicks in? Or how the communication of the date will take place? I'll be cheesed off to loose all those episodes of Merlin that I haven't caught up with yet....

It's all in the link the OP posted.

noise747 · 21-12-2011, 01:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by MostynDS

Very interesting and exciting for BTV users. I agree, I would suppose that this is being done to give BTV the look and feel of YouView.

But the explanation why recordings cannot be carried across the upgrade due to DRM seems a bit unconvincing.

Still, nice to have something new to talk about.

Not exciting for people who got a load of recordings and still not watched them.

My PVr have got hours of stuff recorded, if I was on Btvision and they vanished, then I would not be happy.

Never known that happen with a sky+ box unless you cancelled the contract

MGF · 21-12-2011, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by MostynDS

It's all in the link the OP posted.

Cheers, can see it in the link now I am using a full size screen...I guess it something that will happen during the next three months or so.

ta

wwwebber · 21-12-2011, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andi Gasking

I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word.

She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them.

Very informative and makes perfect sense. So its goodbye microsoft and hello youview! I wonder if my v1 silver box will be updated?. Also, if you have recordings like me then it seems you'll have plenty of time and numerous warnings before they go. So get watching / archiving.

MGF · 21-12-2011, 11:40

Does anyone think this may impact on why they havent offered a HD Freeview box? I havent cared too much previously about HD, but I get HD Freeview from next Feb, so am having a ponder1

cheers

noise747 · 21-12-2011, 11:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGF

Does anyone think this may impact on why they havent offered a HD Freeview box? I havent cared too much previously about HD, but I get HD Freeview from next Feb, so am having a ponder1

cheers

anyone can see that is the reason why Bt have not gone for a Hd box. No point if they are backing You View. How reliable and how well it doers is another thing.

wwwebber · 21-12-2011, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by noise747

anyone can see that is the reason why Bt have not gone for a Hd box. No point if they are backing You View. How reliable and how well it doers is another thing.

Not true. I still expect a new freeview hd box to accompany the launch of youview by BT. This will be agreat pull to new customers. Existing customers will no doubt have to re-contract or payfor the new box. This will maximise exposure for youview without giving a new box to all and sundry.

infinidim · 21-12-2011, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andi Gasking

I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word.

She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them.

This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted.

What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first.

Infinidim

Megadodo Publications
Ursa Minor Beta

stewM · 21-12-2011, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinidim

This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted.

What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first.

Infinidim

Megadodo Publications
Ursa Minor Beta

I would rather have the complete new software. If I lose some recordings then so be it!

I think BT have thought this through.

wwwebber · 21-12-2011, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinidim

This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted.

What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first.

Infinidim

Megadodo Publications
Ursa Minor Beta

You misunderstood digital rights and encryption. Blame microsoft not bt.

1andrew1 · 21-12-2011, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwwebber

Not true. I still expect a new freeview hd box to accompany the launch of youview by BT. This will be agreat pull to new customers. Existing customers will no doubt have to re-contract or payfor the new box. This will maximise exposure for youview without giving a new box to all and sundry.

Will this update pave the wave for a software update to YouView in 2012?

I appreciate the need to provide an HD YouView box though which I assume will replace the black box.

wwwebber · 21-12-2011, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Will this update pave the wave for a software update to YouView in 2012?

I appreciate the need to provide an HD YouView box though which I assume will replace the black box.

Just guesswork at the moment but I hope so for all boxes not just the black ones.

drgeoff · 22-12-2011, 00:42

I have reason to believe that the original silver BT Vision boxes do not have sufficient resources to run the new OS. Time will tell.

indiekid76 · 22-12-2011, 06:37

Silver boxes WILL get the update.

wwwebber · 22-12-2011, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by indiekid76

Silver boxes WILL get the update.

Source?

SimonBlackham · 24-12-2011, 17:25

I suspect that a change to open source will save a shed load of licensing money and then allow development in any direction that BT want. Personally I don't expect it to be a move towards YouView as this would be open for competitors on the BT box. They need a USP to keep custom when YouView arrives - but perhaps they will supply their VOD via YouView and move away from box supply - ie BTvision will be a subscription service available via YouView dramatically increasing their reach without up-front costs because the punters will buy the YouView boxes and BT will no longer have to provide them (and powerline) boxes 'free'. In the short term it will still be worthwhile to have BT broadband because of QoS and the exception to the download allocation.

Open Source is less hungry for resources than Micro$haft so I don't see a problem with the silver boxes - they seem to have been swapped out as (I suspect) the new boxes have uprated viewing card facilities to appease $ky. I asked why they were changing my box and was told that it was being done for everyone that has a $ky subscription as "$ky sports will stop working soon on the silver boxes".

19-12-2011, 19:17	#1
samiul765 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 27	Bt vision major update looks like a new update http://bt.com/vision/changes

19-12-2011, 21:35	#2
SimonBlackham Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NewForest (Free-View/Sat+19E) Posts: 7,719	This sounds like Marketing speak for we have redesigned the system and got rid of some features that cost us - and have hidden this fact by giving you stuff that "everyone said they wanted". Do you remember filling in a questionaire? I wonder what features that I rely on will be deleted? - its bad enough that they have removed RFout from the Black box. I would be 'unhappy' if recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports is prevented. Still - if they don't watch it then a PVR with catch-up (or YouView) and an internet TV will do all that is required and we will march off ! I suspect that they are not making enough money from VOD and need to push it harder.

19-12-2011, 22:30	#3
stewM Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Saddleworth Posts: 288	Quote: Originally Posted by SimonBlackham This sounds like Marketing speak for we have redesigned the system and got rid of some features that cost us - and have hidden this fact by giving you stuff that "everyone said they wanted". Do you remember filling in a questionaire? I wonder what features that I rely on will be deleted? - its bad enough that they have removed RFout from the Black box. I would be 'unhappy' if recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports is prevented. Still - if they don't watch it then a PVR with catch-up (or YouView) and an internet TV will do all that is required and we will march off ! I suspect that they are not making enough money from VOD and need to push it harder. Some of these suggestions have been on the BT Community web page. I am intrigued why you think BT would stop the recording of 301, ESPN and Sky Sports?

19-12-2011, 22:51	#4
drgeoff Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Felixstowe Posts: 258	This sounds like the rumoured move from Microsoft Media Room to something else (Linux based?) is about to happen. Though the BT answer to the "Why do I lose my recordings" question blames DRM, I think that is a smokescreen. More likely the hard disk is going to be reformatted with a different file system.

20-12-2011, 12:46	#5
samiul765 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 27	I agree with drgeoff.Bt are probably doing this to prepare for youview

20-12-2011, 18:00	#6
MostynDS Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 773	Very interesting and exciting for BTV users. I agree, I would suppose that this is being done to give BTV the look and feel of YouView. But the explanation why recordings cannot be carried across the upgrade due to DRM seems a bit unconvincing. Still, nice to have something new to talk about.

20-12-2011, 20:09	#7
Andi Gasking Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,636	I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word. She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them.

20-12-2011, 20:49	#8
samiul765 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 27	Nice.so this confirms that the Vision+ box will have a new OS?

20-12-2011, 21:15	#9
MGF Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Basingstoke or thereabouts Posts: 238	Anyone know when this kicks in? Or how the communication of the date will take place? I'll be cheesed off to loose all those episodes of Merlin that I haven't caught up with yet....

20-12-2011, 22:13	#10
MostynDS Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 773	Quote: Originally Posted by MGF Anyone know when this kicks in? Or how the communication of the date will take place? I'll be cheesed off to loose all those episodes of Merlin that I haven't caught up with yet.... It's all in the link the OP posted.

21-12-2011, 01:15	#11
noise747 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Herefordshire Posts: 22,810	Quote: Originally Posted by MostynDS Very interesting and exciting for BTV users. I agree, I would suppose that this is being done to give BTV the look and feel of YouView. But the explanation why recordings cannot be carried across the upgrade due to DRM seems a bit unconvincing. Still, nice to have something new to talk about. Not exciting for people who got a load of recordings and still not watched them. My PVr have got hours of stuff recorded, if I was on Btvision and they vanished, then I would not be happy. Never known that happen with a sky+ box unless you cancelled the contract

21-12-2011, 08:07	#12
MGF Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Basingstoke or thereabouts Posts: 238	Quote: Originally Posted by MostynDS It's all in the link the OP posted. Cheers, can see it in the link now I am using a full size screen...I guess it something that will happen during the next three months or so. ta

21-12-2011, 10:05	#13
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by Andi Gasking I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word. She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them. Very informative and makes perfect sense. So its goodbye microsoft and hello youview! I wonder if my v1 silver box will be updated?. Also, if you have recordings like me then it seems you'll have plenty of time and numerous warnings before they go. So get watching / archiving.

21-12-2011, 11:40	#14
MGF Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Basingstoke or thereabouts Posts: 238	Does anyone think this may impact on why they havent offered a HD Freeview box? I havent cared too much previously about HD, but I get HD Freeview from next Feb, so am having a ponder1 cheers

21-12-2011, 11:58	#15
noise747 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Herefordshire Posts: 22,810	Quote: Originally Posted by MGF Does anyone think this may impact on why they havent offered a HD Freeview box? I havent cared too much previously about HD, but I get HD Freeview from next Feb, so am having a ponder1 cheers anyone can see that is the reason why Bt have not gone for a Hd box. No point if they are backing You View. How reliable and how well it doers is another thing.

21-12-2011, 12:35	#16
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by noise747 anyone can see that is the reason why Bt have not gone for a Hd box. No point if they are backing You View. How reliable and how well it doers is another thing. Not true. I still expect a new freeview hd box to accompany the launch of youview by BT. This will be agreat pull to new customers. Existing customers will no doubt have to re-contract or payfor the new box. This will maximise exposure for youview without giving a new box to all and sundry.

21-12-2011, 16:52	#17
infinidim Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: FAREHAM, UK Posts: 341	Quote: Originally Posted by Andi Gasking I was curious about the recording issue too. I don't have vision anymore but still have a friend within their tech dept, so I had a word. She told me that it's mainly because recordings will use an entirely different format on the new software, therefore are incompatible. There are indeed also rights issues, due to a change from mediaroom. These rights to using the format expire once the agreement with Microsoft ends, therefore it's just not possible to keep them. This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted. What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first. Infinidim Megadodo Publications Ursa Minor Beta

21-12-2011, 18:19	#18
stewM Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Saddleworth Posts: 288	Quote: Originally Posted by infinidim This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted. What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first. Infinidim Megadodo Publications Ursa Minor Beta I would rather have the complete new software. If I lose some recordings then so be it! I think BT have thought this through.

21-12-2011, 21:40	#19
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by infinidim This is very logical and I fully understand why they are doing it this way but they could easily build into the update process a small utility that converts the existing saved recordings to the new format. In the end it's only "bits" that need to be converted. What I think is that BT have yet again not completely thought it through and are not putting the customer first. Infinidim Megadodo Publications Ursa Minor Beta You misunderstood digital rights and encryption. Blame microsoft not bt.

21-12-2011, 21:57	#20
1andrew1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,981	Quote: Originally Posted by wwwebber Not true. I still expect a new freeview hd box to accompany the launch of youview by BT. This will be agreat pull to new customers. Existing customers will no doubt have to re-contract or payfor the new box. This will maximise exposure for youview without giving a new box to all and sundry. Will this update pave the wave for a software update to YouView in 2012? I appreciate the need to provide an HD YouView box though which I assume will replace the black box.

21-12-2011, 22:07	#21
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by 1andrew1 Will this update pave the wave for a software update to YouView in 2012? I appreciate the need to provide an HD YouView box though which I assume will replace the black box. Just guesswork at the moment but I hope so for all boxes not just the black ones.

DS Forums

Bt vision major update

22-12-2011, 00:42	#22
drgeoff Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Felixstowe Posts: 258	I have reason to believe that the original silver BT Vision boxes do not have sufficient resources to run the new OS. Time will tell.

22-12-2011, 06:37	#23
indiekid76 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 299	Silver boxes WILL get the update.

22-12-2011, 09:01	#24
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by indiekid76 Silver boxes WILL get the update. Source?

24-12-2011, 17:25	#25
SimonBlackham Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NewForest (Free-View/Sat+19E) Posts: 7,719	I suspect that a change to open source will save a shed load of licensing money and then allow development in any direction that BT want. Personally I don't expect it to be a move towards YouView as this would be open for competitors on the BT box. They need a USP to keep custom when YouView arrives - but perhaps they will supply their VOD via YouView and move away from box supply - ie BTvision will be a subscription service available via YouView dramatically increasing their reach without up-front costs because the punters will buy the YouView boxes and BT will no longer have to provide them (and powerline) boxes 'free'. In the short term it will still be worthwhile to have BT broadband because of QoS and the exception to the download allocation. Open Source is less hungry for resources than Micro$haft so I don't see a problem with the silver boxes - they seem to have been swapped out as (I suspect) the new boxes have uprated viewing card facilities to appease $ky. I asked why they were changing my box and was told that it was being done for everyone that has a $ky subscription as "$ky sports will stop working soon on the silver boxes".