Question
I have a BT Vision box and due to needing to save money, I have had to cancel my broadband subscription.
I was wondering if its possible to still use the bt vision box I have still got a few programs on I would like to watch before the broadband is cancelled.
Submitted online by James M
Our Answer
The BT Vision V+ box needs a BT Total Broadband connection to work. This is not only for the on-demand content, but also for the Electronic Programme Guide and the recording facilities. The programme guide, needed for recording, comes from the BT Vision servers, and without a connection over BT, this won’t work
If you cancel, you’ll no longer be able to record onto the BT Vision box. You’ll stop getting the Programme Guide and obviously no more on-demand content
Can I use the box for anything else
The box will function as a Freeview box, letting you watch Freeview channels.
Be warned though. If the BT Vision box gets rebooted, or loses power, when it starts up again, it tries to contact the BT Vision servers to check for updates. If there is no connection, the box will fail to start up, and you’re left with a dead box.
Can I still watch the content on the hard drive?
We’ve had mixed answers to this one. The consensus is “no” as the recordings list and EPG are held on the server. We’ve had reports that some Freeview recordings can still be viewed, but as above, if the box gets rebooted, the box needs a BT connection to boot up again.
We’d suggest that if there’s anything on the Vision box that you want to watch, you watch it (or copy it) before you lose your BT Broadband.
How do I copy stuff off?
One of the following ways:
- Connect the BT Vision box to a DVD Recorder or Video Recorder using a SCART lead and copy over your TV shows
- Connect the BT Vision box to a PC, and use video capture software to dub off TV shows to your computer hard drive. A product like the Dazzle, from Pinnacle, could help (Available from Maplin or PC World)
Any other thoughts?
You could always consider staying with BT, and getting the cost of your bills down. You could try:
- Scaling down to BT Option 1, the basic package
- If you’re paying a monthly fee for BT Vision, switch to the Pay-as-you-go option. The box stays functional, and you have to pay for any non-Freeview content that you watch
- Go paperless on your bill
- Pay by direct debit (cheaper)
- Check you’re on the best calls package
It also might be worth giving BT a call. Tell them they’re too expensive and you’re thinking of leaving. If they think you’re moving to a new provider, they may be inclined to try to keep your business and do you a deal! Never hurts to ask!
Hi,
I left BT and when my BT VIsion box rebooted (after about 30 days) it wouldn’t get beyond a error screen trying to locate an internet connection.
However I have found a simple work around which involved taking my BT Vision box round to a mates house who had a working BT Vision service. I simply plugged it in at my mate’s house and let it do it’s updates then when I brought it home again, I was able to skip another upgrade screen (i selected the ‘remind me in 3 hours’ option). I also had to skip the initial scan for TV channels screen by selecting the ‘BT Vision’ button and immediately got the full menus back again.
So far (about 2 weeks later) the BT vision box has been working with no problem using a different broadband provider. Stuff like I-player works, I can also record and watch previous recordings again. I just must remember not to turn the power off. Standby seemed to work ok.
So, if you know someone with BT VIsion then see if you can give your old Vision box a jump start again.
Hope this helps someone.
Thank you for the advice, now my problem is finding someone in the vilage with BT vision.