BT Reveals “Next Generation” YouView Broadband TV Service Features

UK ISP BT has announced that customers of their Youview based TV (IPTV) service will soon benefit from a major free upgrade, which will introduce a new “image-rich” user interface (UI) that should also make it easier to access channels / on-demand content and many other things.

Apparently the “next-generation” service will enable customers to manage their recordings and stream live and on demand programmes on mobile devices. BT has also confirmed that their BTSport channels will be getting improved audio via support for Dolby Atmos sound, although this particular feature will only be available to those on their Ultra HD (4K) service.

On top of that the provider intends to start showing boxing on Saturday nights (this reflects a new partnership with BoxNation), which will include at least 20 Saturday night events (i.e. World, European, British and Commonwealth title fights promoted by Frank Warren etc.).

Delia Bushell, BT TV’s Managing Director, said:

“BT’s mission has always been to provide a high quality, premium TV service at prices that give unbeatable value to UK consumers. We will keep driving the pace of innovation in content, broadcasting and our customers’ experience.

In 2017 we’re going to further shake up the market by releasing our new viewing experience across our TV guide and on demand, our new TV app and on our BT Sport channels, provided as a free upgrade for our customers.

And our expanding list of sports rights will now include BoxNation and access to boxing world title bouts, all included in the price of the BT Sport subscription. We are taking the fight to our rivals in 2017 and we’ll be in great shape.”

Apparently the new software upgrade and boxing content will begin during early 2017, while the audio enhancements are due to be introduced in January 2017.

However we understand that Dolby Atmos sound is only planned to be combined with Ultra HD for “select events … to deliver the most immersive experience possible.”