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What do I need to get BT TV?

If you don’t have any BT service today for your TV or broadband, then this will explain what you need.....

For information on our packages and how to order, check out the BT TV Bundles page >

If you don’t have any BT service today for your TV or broadband, then this will explain what you need.

What you'll need to have:

✓ A TV - you can’t watch without one!
✓ You’ll also need an aerial unless you plan to watch TV using internet mode on our wi-fi enabled BT TV Box Pro (more about aerials below).

What you’ll get from us:

✓ BT Broadband
✓ BT TV service, including a TV box
✓ A BT hub

Find out more below...

To get BT TV you need to have BT Broadband.

BT TV combines Free-to-air channels via your aerial, with premium channels and Video On Demand via your broadband connection.

There's a minimum line speed for BT TV. When you're placing your order we'll tell you the broadband speed. This will affect which packages you can have with BT TV.

Place your order for BT TV >

The best way to connect your BT TV box  is with a direct Ethernet cable. This will give you the most stable connection, as premium channels and Video On Demand content are brought to you via the broadband connection.  Follow these steps to find out more >

If you have our BT TV Box Pro, you’ll also be able to connect wirelessly from your box to your Smart Hub using wi-fi.

Mini-connectors will work too, though we recommend an ethernet cable or wi-fi connection where possible. 
You can find out more about Mini Connectors here >

If you need some help setting up, we can also arrange an engineer visit to get you up and running. 

BT TV provides Free-to-air channels through your aerial, and premium channels via broadband.

To get Free-to-air channels which are available in your area, you'll need a working rooftop TV aerial with the right cabling to plug into the BT TV box. You won't be able to use the cables installed for Sky or Virgin.

If you need a new rooftop aerial, you can add this as part of your order. If you've already placed your order, please contact us >

Aerial types
Aerial connection types

You’ll need a TV with an HDMI port. If you want to order BT Sport Ultimate, then you’ll need an Ultra HD TV.

Make sure you use the HDMI cable included in your box for the best connection. 

In order to watch 4K HDR on the BT TV Box Pro, you'll need a high-speed HDMI cable. This is also included in your box.
 

HDMI ports and cable

There are four types of BT TV box you can have. They are:

BT TV Box Pro

Our latest Wi-Fi enabled box. Connect your TV box wirelessly to your Smart Hub. Record up to 600 hours of content, pause and rewind live TV and in watch 4K HDR.

4K Recordable TV Box

Pause and rewind live TV, record up to 300 hours of content and watch in Ultra HD.

Recordable TV Box

Pause and rewind live TV and record up to 300 hours of content.

BT TV Box

Not bothered about recording? The BT TV Box is right for you. You can still pause and rewind live TV.

YouView box

Find out more about our TV boxes here >

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