BT launches Pre-Xmas Amazon Prime deal and expands 4K/HDR offer

Good Omens

UK telco BT is offering all new and re-contracting customers of its streaming platform BT TV the chance to watch Amazon Prime Video free for six months. The offer means users will be able to access hit shows such as The Grand Tour, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, Good Omens as well as Amazon’s Premier League coverage in the run up Christmas.

Additionally, BT TV customers will also benefit from the added convenience of being able to use their Amazon Alexa-enabled device to search for content for the first time. Customers can link BT TV to their Alexa account by enabling the BT TV skill via the Alexa app. Pete Oliver, managing director of marketing, BT Consumer, said: “With six months Amazon Prime Video on us, offering access to even more Premier League matches, all in one place with integrated search and one simple bill – there’s never been a better time to be on BT TV. Amazon Prime Video also offers great TV and film, so there really is something for everyone this festive season.”

In a separate announcement, BT Sport claimed to be delivering “a broadcasting first” by making its biggest live matches available in 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) and high dynamic range (HDR) picture quality on smart TVs, games consoles and streaming devices – a proposition the telco calls BT Sport Ultimate.

BT Sport Ultimate launched earlier in 2019 to BT TV and EE pay monthly customers. Now for £5 per month, the same features are available to customers with Samsung smart TVs, Xbox One consoles and Chromecast Ultra streaming devices. The offer also covers Sky customers who take BT Sport, and those who subscribe to BT Sport’s app. Upcoming events on BT Sport Ultimate in 4K UHD/HDR include UEFA Champions League action featuring Tottenham Hotspur v Olympiacos (Tuesday 26 November, 8pm) and Liverpool v Napoli (Wednesday 27 November, 8pm).

BT Sport claims it is the first broadcaster in Europe to offer live programming all year round in 4K UHD with HDR. Oliver said: “HDR transforms the sports viewing experience and with the expansion of BT Sport Ultimate, we’re providing more high quality broadcasts for our customers than any other broadcaster.”