Further details have emerged on BT's plans for its broadband television service, now aiming to launch by summer 2006. BT will offer a hybrid broadband and broadcast system, combining a digital terrestrial television receiver with an Ethernet network connection.

Interestingly, they promise the ability to catch up with television programs from the previous week. Industry reports suggest that it will include an electronic guide featuring programs for fourteen days in advance and seven days previous. The ability to go back in time by up to a week is seen as the killer application.

BT says it has a license to cover all BBC programs for up to seven days, while negotiations are ongoing with other channels. Whether a blanket arrangement can be negotiated remains to be seen.

I have some news for content owners: wake up and smell the BitTorrent. Your content already is available for subsequent viewing -- and not just last week's copy!

Video Networks already offers the ability to 'catch-up' on particular programs with its HomeChoice service in the London area. Cable operator Telewest is planning a similar service that it calls Teleport Replay. This autumn the BBC will run a public trial of its IMP web-based peer-to-peer media player, which will offer a similar seven day window to view programs after they are first broadcast.