What happens when I cancel BT Vision?

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!