BT Vision info and technical help

[mjt]

This is a heads up for anyone thinking about getting BT Vision or anyone who has it and is having problems.
Our sincere thanks to DLM user andyb7274 for pulling it together.


Before we start, remember that the best place to get all the main, key information is from http://www.btvision.com

Useful numbers
BT Vision helpdesk - 0800 111 4567
As long as Vision is showing on your account then you will automatically be routed to the UK based helpdesks

What you need:
You need a subscription to BT Broadband (normally on an 18 month contract).

On the Option 1 package you would normally be expected to have a router already (normally the 220v router supplied), however this is inadequate if you don't have a wireless connection. If that's the case, you'll need more than the one supplied ethernet port on the 220v, which is why the Hub is the recommended choice as it comes with 2 (one for your existing connection and the other for the Vision box).

If you find you need the 2 connections (as most people invariably do) then your options are limited to either trying to beg for a hub or purchase a switch, or upgrade to Option 2 or 3 (you get a free hub on these).

The other thing neglected by sales is the fact you need, let me stress that again NEED is a tv aerial (a SKY dish doesn't work as an aerial), despite what you are told about all services running through the broadband.

In short the Vision Box is a freeview box with a harddisk.


What Vision is about
Vision is about getting digital TV into your home through your broadband connection.

This does come with some limitations: you need a minimum of a 2Mbit connection - the reason behind this is the On Demand service utilises 1.6 Mbits to download the program and leave enough left over for any internet connections.Vision relies on your broadband connection to get the digital TV to your TV – its main selling point is the fact you can watch on demand unlike SKY where you have to watch when they schedule.


What you get:
You get the BT Homehub (as far as I know the only two port router - normal routers have four). The two ports are meant for the Vision box and the other for your pc connection. Although it is sort of assumed that you will be connecting with a wireless connection from your PC.

The other obvious freebie you get is the Vision Box (currently made by Phillips but soon to be made by Motorola.) On top of this, if you opt for the self install pack is a pair of Comtrend Powerline adapters which when working utilise your electrical wiring as part of your broadband circuit. Alternately you can opt for the engineer to install your Vision equipment, although there is a charge involved (£60).


Speed and quality:
On the boxes I have tested it is very good, the features such as On Demand films which download and play when you want them is a good idea. Speed wise you need a minimum of 2Mbits (hub sync rate of 2272 minimum and be able to support a QoS session of 1.6 Mbits). Apparently you don't have to use the BT supplied hub, I know personally of one person who uses a 220v and never has any problems.


Downsides:
Ok, the bit you really want to know. The key operating feature of BT Vision is the broadband connection. You'll need a minimum guaranteed connection of 2Mbits. That normally means not so much living close to the exchange, but being closer in terms of loop length, (ie., you could live in a brand new house right next door to the exchange, but the 80 year old house up the road could possible have been wired up first, therefore is first in the queue).

Even for recording you need to have an active internet connection, as the recording facility relies on connecting to the Vision account (Geneva and Nevoss accounts) in order to record and even to display the TV guide.

For On Demand there needs to be QoS (Quality of Service) applied to the line in order for the On Demand to work, if not then you will get problems when trying to watch On Demand content. (See below for things to try before calling the helpdesk)


Powerlines:
These are designed to take away the ugliness of running an ethernet cable between the hub and the Vbox especially if there is any real distance between the two. You should always have the following light sequences:

Adapter 1) There should be 3 LEDs lit - the top 2 green and the bottom orange
Adapter 2) There will be only 2 LEDs - both green.

If the top lights are amber or red it doesn't mean the adapters aren't working it means the bandwidth between the two adapters is less than 4Mbits (amber) and 2Mbits (red). If the top lights aren't green then you may get problems with the On Demand content.


Things to try on certain error messages (Not all messages are shown, more will be added later):

NR01 - This is a normal startup screen, the bar should fill up from the left hand side. If it doesn’t, check your internet connection and the connection between the hub and Vbox.

NR02 - This has 2 cogs and another bar, there is no NR02 actually displayed on the screen. Again this is normal to see, and the bar will fill erratically, dependant on the speed of your internet connection.

C01 - There may be a problem with your internet connection. Check connectivity and/or connection between hub and Vbox

C02 - There is a problem connecting to your account. Again, check connectivity and/or connection between hub and Vbox

C03 - If this appears on a first time startup, select TRY AGAIN. To date, this has worked 100% for me as long as the account is present. If not then call the helpdesk

BE01 - Again check all connections. This error means the box can't connect to the hub or obtain an IP address.

andyb7274