BT Vision+ - User Manual

This document describes the BT TV (BT Vision+) set-top box, a device designed to provide digital television services, including live TV, on-demand content, and recording capabilities. It integrates with your existing home entertainment system and broadband connection to deliver a comprehensive viewing experience.

Function Description

The BT TV box serves as a central hub for your television entertainment. Its primary function is to receive and decode digital TV signals, allowing you to watch a wide range of channels. Beyond live broadcasting, it offers extensive on-demand programming, enabling you to watch shows and movies at your convenience. The box also features recording capabilities, allowing you to save live TV programmes to watch later. It supports high-definition (HD) content, provided your TV and broadband connection are compatible. The device is designed for indoor use and requires a digital TV aerial for receiving terrestrial channels and a BT Home Hub for broadband-dependent services like Extra TV channels and On Demand content.

Usage Features

Setup:

Setting up the BT TV box involves a few key steps. First, ensure your broadband is active and stable. The box connects to your BT Home Hub via an Ethernet cable. For optimal and reliable connection, it's recommended to connect the box directly to the Hub if they are in the same room. If the Hub is in another room and you haven't ordered Extra TV channels, Powerline adapters can be used to extend the network connection through your home's electrical wiring. Next, connect your digital TV aerial to the "RF In" socket on the BT TV box, and then connect the "RF Out" socket to your TV's "RF In" socket. For picture and sound, connect the BT TV box to your television using an HDMI cable for the best quality, especially for HD content. If your TV lacks an HDMI port, a SCART cable can be used for standard definition. Finally, plug the BT TV box into a mains power socket and turn it on. The initial startup may take up to 30 minutes, especially if a software update is required. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup, including channel scanning and remote control pairing.

Remote Control:

The BT TV remote control is intuitive and designed for easy navigation. It features dedicated buttons for accessing the main menu ("BT Vision"), TV Guide, On Demand content, and search functions. Arrow buttons allow you to move through menus and listings, while the "Select" button confirms your choices. Volume and channel controls are standard. Special buttons like "Record" (R) enable instant recording of live programmes or scheduling recordings from the TV Guide. The remote also includes "Pause" (II), "Rewind" (K), and "Fast Forward" (►) buttons for controlling playback of live TV and recorded content. Coloured buttons often correspond to on-screen prompts for specific actions. The "AD" button toggles Audio Description, and "SUB" toggles Subtitles, enhancing accessibility.

Finding Content:

You can find programmes through the "TV Guide" for a comprehensive listing of available digital and broadband channels. The "Search" function allows you to look for specific programmes, On Demand content, or help articles. "My TV" provides quick access to currently watching programmes, bookmarks, playlists, downloads, and messages. "Recordings" lists all recorded, recording, or scheduled programmes. "Catch Up" offers shows you might have missed, and "On Demand" provides a library of movies and series. "Favourites" allows you to keep track of your preferred channels for quick access.

Recording and Playback:

The BT TV box allows you to record live TV programmes. You can record a show you're currently watching with a single press of the "Record" button, or schedule recordings from the TV Guide. It also supports series recording. The box can record two live programmes simultaneously, or record one while you watch another live programme, a previously recorded show, or On Demand content. The box has sufficient storage for over 80 hours of programmes and will automatically manage space by deleting older recordings as needed. You can protect important recordings from automatic deletion. Live TV can be paused for up to 90 minutes, and you can rewind or fast-forward through paused or recorded content.

On Demand:

The "On Demand" section provides access to a vast library of shows and movies. Programmes without a price are included in your subscription, while others may require payment, which will be confirmed before purchase and appear on your bill. Free trailers are often available for films. For series, you can choose to "Play All" to watch episodes back-to-back. You can also create "Bookmarks" for programmes you want to watch later and organize content into "Playlists" (especially for Kids and Music content). The system also provides "Recommendations" based on your viewing habits.

Parental Controls:

To ensure a safe viewing environment, Parental Controls allow you to manage what children can watch. You can set a PIN during initial setup and modify it later. Age ratings can be applied to lock programmes based on their content, requiring a PIN for access. Channels can also be PIN-protected or hidden from the TV Guide.

Extra TV Channels:

If you've subscribed to Extra TV channels (e.g., Entertainment, Sky Sports, Sky Movies), these are delivered via your broadband connection. They are identified by a specific symbol in the TV Guide. For these channels, a direct Ethernet connection to your BT Home Hub is required; Powerline adapters are not supported.

Viewing Cards:

A viewing card is typically needed if you want to watch BT Sport through your aerial and cannot receive it via your broadband connection. The card needs to be inserted into the slot on the BT TV box with the arrow facing the box and the chip facing upwards.

Power Saving:

The BT TV box offers different power-saving modes. "Full power" (blue light) indicates the box is on and in use. "Standby" (purple light) allows for scheduled recordings and software updates. "Low power/Off mode" (red light) effectively turns the box off, preventing any recordings. To enter standby, press the power button on the remote or the box. To enter low power mode, press and hold the power button on the box until the light flashes red.

Troubleshooting and Help:

The device includes a "Help & Settings" menu with various options, including video guides, channel scanning, signal strength checks, and accessibility settings. For common issues like distorted sound or picture, it's recommended to check cable connections, aerial alignment, and signal strength. If problems persist, restarting the BT Home Hub and BT TV box can often resolve them. BT provides online help resources and customer support numbers for technical assistance.

Maintenance Features

Software Updates:

The BT TV box automatically detects and installs software updates from time to time. These updates ensure optimal performance and introduce new features. During an update, the box may restart several times, and it's important to allow the process to complete before continuing with setup or use.

Cleaning:

For cleaning the device, use a soft, damp (not wet) cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths and aerosol cleaners.

Battery Replacement (Remote Control):

The remote control requires two 1.5V AAA batteries. To replace them, remove the battery cover, insert new batteries with the correct polarity, and replace the cover.

General Safety and Care:

Ensure the mains supply voltage matches the device's requirements.
The receiver is for indoor use only and contains no user-serviceable parts; do not attempt to open it.
Periodically inspect the mains lead and receiver for damage.
Unplug the receiver during lightning storms.
Avoid exposing the equipment to rain or moisture to prevent fire or shock hazards.
Place the receiver on a firm surface and ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.
Keep the receiver away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Maintain approximately 2cm clearance around the receiver for proper air circulation to prevent overheating.
Ensure easy access to the mains lead for emergency shutdown.
Do not place combustible objects or liquid-filled items on the receiver.
Prevent children from inserting foreign objects into openings.
The batteries in the remote control should not be exposed to excessive heat.
The supplied mains plug is a non-rewireable type. If the fuse needs replacement, use an ASTA- or BSI-approved BS 1362 fuse, rated at 3 Amps.
If the mains plug is not suitable for your socket, do not plug it in. Remove the fuse, cut off the plug, and fit an appropriate mains plug.

Recycling:

The BT TV box, remote control, and Powerline adapters are classified as Electrical or Electronic Equipment and should not be disposed of with normal household waste. Consult your local council for proper recycling methods to minimize environmental impact and handle hazardous substances safely. The packaging cardboard is recyclable.

BT Vision+ Specifications

General

Hard Drive Size	160GB
Recording Capacity	Up to 80 hours
HDMI	Yes
SCART	Yes
Video Output	HDMI, SCART
Recording	Yes
Remote Control	Yes
Connectivity	Ethernet
Audio Output	Digital Optical
Storage	Internal Hard Drive
On-demand Services	BT Vision (later BT TV)
Catch-up TV	Via BT Vision (later BT TV)