Pace wins BT box contract

11:39am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Saltaire-based Pace Group, the world's third largest maker of digital TV boxes, has scooped a major contract with BT which will bring advanced viewing options to around three million viewers.

Pace, which employs 400 staff at its Salts Mill headquarters, has been awarded a new contract by BT to produce its next-generation V-box that will provide access for up to 40 Freeview TV channels and 30 radio channels.

The high definition box will also give viewers the ability to record around 80 hours of programmes, along with access to a huge library of films, TV shows, music videos and sport and a range of interactive applications.

The contract follows BT's previous contract with the set-top box division of Royal Philips Electronics, which was recently acquired by Pace for £63m and now operates as Pace France.

Pace will supply advanced second-generation hybrid personal video recorders for the BT Vision IPTV service.

The latest V-Box features a new design, improved energy efficiency and a more powerful processor to power more advanced interactive applications.

Dan Marks, BT Vision chief executive said: "We are pleased to announce this contract, working with the team that launched the first-generation V-Box.

"Our medium-term goal is to secure two to three million subscribers for our BT Vision service and we are looking forward to making this vision a reality in co-operation with Pace."

Neil Gaydon, Pace chief executive, said: "The hybrid model of providing the latest interactive services, alongside digital terrestrial programming, is a very compelling one. We are excited to be working with BT to bring this advanced product to market."

Deliveries are expected to start in 2009.

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