This throws a spanner in the works, although it doesn't mention NTL, and it
doesn't go so far as to mention dates.



National launch for Britain's first high definition TV service
Telewest's personal video recorder offers new level of picture quality
Britain's first high definition (HD) TV service is now available to over
four and a half million homes, as Telewest launches its new personal video
recorder (PVR), called TVDrive.

Crystal clear
Consumers can now subscribe to the TVDrive set-top box and watch free HD
programmes from BBC Worldwide with stunning picture quality, with
pay-per-view movies expected soon.

The HD programmes are offered via the cable company's TV-on-demand service,
called Teleport, which provides instant access to a huge library of viewing
at the touch of a button. HD programmes have four times as many pixels as
standard TV broadcasts, meaning crystal clear pictures, even on the biggest
plasma and LCD TVs.

For the record
TVDrive makes recording programmes easy and also enables viewers to pause
live TV and then resume watching from where they left off. With hard drive
storage for around 80 hours of TV, viewers simply press one record button to
save their favourite shows. And three tuners mean more flexibility than with
a Sky+ box, as up to two channels can be recorded whilst watching a third.

TV Drive costs £10 per month for customers taking the company's top digital
TV package, or £15 per month otherwise. Unlike existing PVRs, there are no
large purchasing costs and maintenance is included in the monthly fee. The
service enables viewers to:

.. Receive all of Telewest's existing digital TV services, including
TV-on-demand
.. Easily record and store around 80 hours of standard definition programmes
.. Pause and rewind live TV
.. Watch and record programmes in high definition
.. Automatically record all or part of a series, or record by programme
category (e.g. sports)
.. Plan viewing and recordings with an eight-day, on-screen programme guide
.. Watch one channel and record up to two others at the same time

Philip Snalune, managing director consumer products, ntl Telewest said:
"HDTV takes the viewing experience a significant step beyond standard
digital television and has to be seen to be believed. It's set to become
this year's must-have home entertainment experience and Telewest customers
are the first in the UK to get access to it.

"We'll add more choice of high definition viewing this year and combining
TVDrive with our existing on-demand service we're giving customers TV on
their terms. Viewers no longer need be tied to the schedule and can now
watch what they want, when they want, with unparalleled picture quality."

Telewest became the first company to launch an HDTV service in the UK, with
a commercial pilot of TVDrive in December 2005. The company has partnered
with the Dixons Store Group to enable consumers to order TVDrive in Dixons
and Currys stores within Telewest areas. For more information about
Telewest's bundle of digital TV, broadband and phone services, or to check
availability, consumers can call 0800 953 5353 or visit www.telewest.co.uk.
Ends

Notes to Editors
Customers will require an HD-ready TV set in addition to the set-top box in
order to watch HD programmes. HDTV sets should have the HD Ready logo on
them and should have an HDMI port to access to all high definition content.