BT TV launches multiscreen buy-to-keep and TV everywhere

BT TV has begun offering buy-to-keep movies on multiple devices in addition to the set-top box, claiming to be the first UK TV platform operator to do so, and has launched its own TV everywhere service, making pay TV channels on the service available via multiple devices.

BT said that films purchased on a BT TV YouView or Vision+ set top box are automatically available for customers to watch on smartphones, tablets or PCs at no extra cost.

The TV everywhere service will be offered as a free add-on to BT’s extra box service, which costs £5 a month, and will allow customers to watch a selection of general entertainment, kids and BT Sport channels, on a range of devices including Apple and Android smartphones and tablets as well as laptops and PCs.

Using the new BT TV App for smartphones and tablets, customers can also record programmes from their TV guide on all of the TV channels on their YouView+ set-top box while they are out of the home.

BT TV’s buy-to-keep films include recent blockbusters and a selection of catalogue movies from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Entertainment One UK, NBCUniversal and Disney. Titles available for purchase in HD and SD include 12 Years a Slave, Divergent, Despicable Me 2, Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

“BT TV was the first TV platform to offer buy-to-keep movies.  Now we’re the first to offer these movies digitally on multiple devices.  We believe customers will increasingly choose digital ownership given its freedom and flexibility and the ability to create your own personal movie library. Meanwhile our TV Everywhere service allows families to enjoy some of their favourite channels around the home and on the move,” said Alex Green, director of BT TV.