Samenvatting persbericht
Londen, 13 februari 2006
BT heeft een contract gesloten met Endemol voor de programmering en ontwikkeling van interactieve content voor nieuwe generatie TV. Klanten van BT kunnen kiezen uit een brede collectie van on demand films, muziek en televisieprogramma's. Tevens krijgen ze de beschikking over een nieuwe interactieve communicatiedienst, deze is net als de voorgenoemde diensten volledig beschikbaar via de TV.
Het volledige, Engelstalige bericht vindt u hieronder.
# # # #
BT LINKS UP WITH ENDEMOL FOR NEXT-GENERATION TV
BT today announced a deal with leading TV production company Endemol to license programming and develop cutting-edge interactive content for its next-generation TV offering.
Endemol will work with BT to deliver its distinctive and high-quality programming and compelling interactive content, tailor-made for BT's next-generation TV service. The two companies intend to build on Endemol's experience at the forefront of developing interactive TV formats.
This agreement builds on the content deals already announced with some of the world's biggest entertainment companies including BBC Worldwide, Paramount and Warner Music Group, factual powerhouse National Geographic Channel and with kids' TV programming leaders HIT Entertainment and Nelvana.
BT will unveil further big name deals this year as it builds to a launch of the pioneering service in Autumn 2006.
Customers of the service will be able to choose from a huge range of on-demand film, music and television programming as well as a groundbreaking interactive and communications service, all available through their TV sets. The service will be a world-first, combining access to digital-terrestrial channels through the aerial with broadband-powered video on demand. This unique combination, delivered on a software platform powered by Microsoft and through a set-top box made by leading manufacturer Philips, will allow customers choice, control and convenience. Unlike other services, there will be no mandatory monthly subscriptions. Peter Cowley, director of digital media, Endemol UK comments: "This deal with BT underlines our commitment to remaining at the forefront of digital media and developing new ways of entertaining people."
Dan Marks, chief executive of TV Services, BT Retail, said: "We have already announced a number of content deals for next-generation TV and we are delighted to be working with Endemol. We intend to lead the way in the development of interactive services and we look forward to collaborating to bring their great programming to our customers and to add an interactive element enabled by our new and highly-advanced platform that we believe will extend its appeal and develop new commercial opportunities. "Significantly, our next-generation TV service will be offered nationwide and not restricted to metropolitan areas, and customers will not be required to commit to a monthly subscription."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
BT revealed on 26 October, 2005 that its next-generation TV service will be available to BT broadband customers without the need for a subscription fee and services available at launch or shortly afterwards will include entertainment on demand - an extensive library of movies, TV and music all available instantly; catch-up TV - programmes from the previous seven days broadcast schedule will be available on demand without the need to record; flexible payment - no mandatory subscriptions; pay-per-view options; a Personal Video Recorder capable of storing up to 80 hours of programming; more than 30 digital terrestrial TV channels; Communication services such as instant messaging, chat and video telephony on TV and interactive services such as online games, retail opportunities and community services. BT is the only company in the UK committed to providing such a nationwide service and trials will begin in spring / early summer.
About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 160 Countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's revenue was £18,623 million with profit before taxation of £2,354 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit
www.bt.com/aboutbt About Endemol UK
Endemol UK is one of the largest independent production companies in Britain. Its production brands - Endemol UK Productions, Initial, Brighter Pictures and Zeppotron - specialise in a broad range of genres including factual entertainment, reality series, live events, music entertainment, drama series, documentaries, youth shows and comedy.
The UK group is part of global independent content creator Endemol, which now has subsidiaries and joint ventures in 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in Latin America, South Africa, India and Australia. Endemol is a publicly traded company on Eurolist by Euronext Amsterdam.
For more information visit
www.endemoluk.com