The BT Vision package was the only purchase I've ever made after being asked if I was interested in 'some information' on a product (usually code for 'at least 20 minutes of naff scripted sales pitch') and I'm so glad I did. Not only is the service a hell of a lot cheaper than it's competitors, but it's basic package alone offers more hours of entertainment than any other. I've been recommending this to family members and friends who are all on less reliable and more expensive packages with other companies.

The Package

With BT Vision you can either opt for one of the packages (Bronze, Silver or Gold) or you can 'build' your own package by picking the types of chanel that you would like. That way you can cut out the things you're not so interested in. Personally I prefer the Bronze/Silver/Gold options as I think you get a lot more for your money. With the DIY BT Vision the prices of each viewing pack vary from £2.93 to almost £7.00 per month. I'll discuss these packs in a moment.

I opted for the BT basic Bronze package, as previously I'd not owned a telly (yes, really) and only watched programmes from BBC iPlayer, so I assumed that I would want the bare minimum - just a bit of Friday evening stuff and something to ease the Sunday morning hangover... But I was to be more than pleasantly surprised, as even the basic package includes so many extras that I don't think I would have found the time to even use a Silver or Gold package!

Bronze BT Vision comes with the following basic features:

• Recorded television programmes (pretty much all programmes from the terestrial channels and then hundreds of others from various cable networks. Now I watch most of my telly from the recorded shows list).
• Pause and rewind live telly
• All freeview channels included

You basically get normal live television and then the choice of two packages from the following:

• Film
• Music
• Kids
• Sports

(Gold packages get all 4 and silver chose three of the above)

You'll get Setanta Sports free, which has live premier and FA Cup matches as well as World Cup qualifiers, boxing and golf....and I must admit the rest is a mystery as I've never watched anything on it. I certainly appears in the advert to be a great freebie.

Here are the packages I chose (obviously I can't really review the ones I've not got access to):

Film

Film includes a few features - you can opt for rentals through Film Four/Vision Films or Picture Box. The latter is the pack that will give you 7 free films a week (28 max in a month) and the former, the option to rent films for between £1.50 and £3.99 a pop. The rental films range from new and up to date to some good ol' classics. The free films are a completely mixed bunch - some are hilariously naff flicks (Cabin at the Lake and Housesitter to name a couple off the top of my head) and some box office hits from a couple of years back (King Kong, The Break-Up, The Holiday - that's from this week). It's usually more naff than good but it's still worth it for the rental option as well.

(note: you can also get Picture Box with Tiscali and Top Up TV)

Music

This pack allows you to watch music videos and concerts. There's a fairly extensive list, which mostly includes up to date pop videos. Also there's the option for kareoke as well which is quite fun if you're having a girly night in or if you've got kids who love sleepovers. Again, this is mostly a collection of pop songs - new ones and the classics. I have to say I've not used this much, other than for browsing but I chose the pack because my fiance is a musician and I thought he might find some things on there of interest (not realising how pop-centric it would be!)...I don't think he's bothered playing around with it yet. I think the next time I have the girls around it would be a good thing to start a night off with

Included In All Packages:

With all three packages (Bronze, Silver Gold) you get TV, Replay and pay per view (tv and films). Here's a bit more info about these...

TV

'TV' as it's listed on the On Demand Menu, is a collection of 300 series of programmes from various channels (UK and US). I've listed just a few of these as follows:

Discovery, Warner TV, ABC, Fox, History Channel, Comedy Central, Adult Swim (cartoons to you and me), BBC/C4 (classics that are no longer broadcast, comedy and documentary the latter being not very well stocked).

Personally, I really enjoy the 'TV' part of the package, it provides something a little bit different for when you've watched all your favourite programmes. Personally I use it when I'm waiting for someone or for background noise when I'm tidying up...

Pay Per View

I've discussed the film prices above, so this is just a brief mention on the pay per view for television. On the main terrestrial channels, there is only pay per view on Channel 4 and even this appears to be just Desperate Housewives and not much more. All other channels haven't bothered charging anything extra.

Pricing

Ok, so as mentioned above you can build your own package the cost for which varies. But the standard packages are as follows:

Gold - £12.23 a month for 3 months and then £19.57 a month, following that.
Silver - £10.27 a month for 3 months and then £17.61 a month, following that.
Bronze - £7.34 a month for 3 months and then £14.68 a month, following that.

Extras

So I got the Vision+ box for free as I was setting up a Broadband contact as well. I'd recommend calling BT to order the service, if you're interested because there may be offers or discounts that aren't available online. The internet does advertise that if you sign up online then the box costs £15.

Quality of Service

I've always been very happy with the quality of service, picture and signal for the Vision service have always been strong. In our case the Vision part of the package is sent through via an ethernet cable from the HomeHub, the broadband supporting the packages. We've got BT internet so havng the service come through this has never been a problem, but I would check compatibility with the operator you speak with. As far as I'm aware as long as you have the internet it will be fine.

Ease Of Use

The telly itself is nice and easy to use, the remote isn't complicated at all. All of the Replay/Extras features are found from one main menu, with several easy to understand (clearly defined) headings. It's just up or down with the remote or hit the blue button to search for a specific programme. Since using it I've never had a 'where on earth is that thing??!!?' moment.

Calling BT

I've had a jolly old time arguing my point with BT about the phone, or the internet but for some reason the people who deal with the telly have been competant and helpful. I've never had any trouble with them at all. Also, it's worth mentioning that if for any reason you're cut off (say like me you forgot to pay the bill), you are reconnected within 24 hours, usually a lot less.

So....

So that's it...In my experience BT Vision is a really great way to watch telly. They provide a lot of variety, plently of entertainment and a really easy to use product. I'd recommend it on the basis that it's lovely and cheap, has no hidden charges or extra costs, works quickly, is updated regularly and has never given me any problems.