Comparison of BT Vision to Freeview

I was hornswaggled by BT into trying BT Vision.  They are tricksy. 

Last week, the equipment was delivered.  Yesterday, I got the letter thanking me for ordering BT Vision - despite the fact I didn't.

Called them yesterday afternoon and was told that I ordered it on 13 March, and they'd look into the mistake.  In the meantime, they would offer me half price (about 7 quid) for a 12 month contract, and that I have until 30 March to cancel.

I finally got it installed today, and it looks exactly like Freeview (worse picture quality) - the only difference being On Demand movies and the ability to record programs (which I can't imagine wanting to do, except on the rarest of occasions).

Am I missing something?  Anyone able to explain to me why I should pay 7 quid per month for it?  So far, "On Demand" looks like the "Old Release" section of the video store. 

I'm at home a lot and watch a lot of TV, but mostly just for background while I'm on the internet or working on school stuff.  I really enjoyed Netflix, but after two years was hard pressed to come up with interesting choices.

TIA 

I pay £4 per month for it for 12 months and after that period of the time the box is mine. They gave me that rate by me refusing to have it unless they knocked money off the rest of my BT items, so they reduced my line rental by £3. The picture quality should not be effected, mine is crystal clear 

If you go to the New Releases section of on demand, you will see films that you can currently get at the video shop.  It is cheaper by a couple of pence than a shop and obviously you don't have the hassle of having to return them late.

I use it mainly for the recording facility as hubby works nights and so he likes to have his fave progs for when he is at home in the day. You can record up to two channels at a time and watch another. I also use it because they have rewind.  Lots of free extra documentaries and so fourth and they occasionally do free reruns of recent series.  The had all the "Lost" episodes from the first series to present day., Touch of Frost, 24 and so on and son on.  They also have free comedy stand up shows.  It also has a "record series" function which saves faffing about like I did with my old Hard drive recorder having to programme each show.

I like it..its cheap and I am happy with it.  I don't think I would pay £7 a month for it tho.  From what you say about how you just use your telly for background noise, then perhaps its not worth it for you, but I enjoy watching films and documentaries so I am happy with it. 

Thanks DF   

I can only find Lost seasons 1-4.  If I could find season 5, I'd be on it like hot on cakes.

So after selecting On Demand, there are <Downloads>, <Film>, <TV>, etc.  On the TV menu is New, Must See TV, Browse Vision TV, etc.  Lost season 5 is in neither New or Browse Vision TV.   

It could be that I don't pay much attention because so many shows don't require full attention (AI, reruns of Scrubs) - but if I'm watching something I really want to see (30 Rock, Skins, CSI Vegas) I tend to focus.

I've got a few days to decide, so I want to see the best side of it.  And if I could watch Lost 5, I'd be a happy camper!

I haven't tried it myself, but I know there are still some substantial technical problems with the service, as a read through some of the threads here will indicate:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=168