BT & TalkTalk to offer subsidised YouView boxes

Internet providers BT and TalkTalk could sell set-top boxes for the YouView broadband TV service for as little as £80.
YouView, which will mix Freeview HD and Freesat HD PVRs with free and paid-for video-on-demand services, is planning to launch in early 2012.
BT and TalkTalk are partners in the service, along with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Freeview transmitter operator Arqiva.
TV industry trade newspaper Broadcast reports that the two ISPs are expected to slash the cost of YouView boxes for customers who sign up to their broadband packages.

YouView chairman Lord Sugar is believed to be keen to keep the cost low to compete with the subsidised set-top boxes from Sky and Virgin.
Unsubsidised YouView boxes will also be available from retailers without a subscription, but are expected to cost around the £200 price of today’s Freeview and Freesat hi-def recorders.