BT does not see smart TVs as being a competitor to set-top boxes at the moment.
Furthermore, it embraces such services as Netflix and consumer choice in general, according to Alex Green, director, TV, BT Retail.
Green said that although BT is still a small player in the UK TV marketplace with only around three-quarters of a million customers, it was ahead of its time in introducing an only on-demand service.
While the reality is that on demand is still a difficult thing for viewers to understand, this is gradually changing thanks to awareness of services such as Netflix.
Green said that BT is “extremely excited” by YouView, which as a product is going down very well and making its customers “sticky” and is “our strategic platform for the future”.
YouView, along with fibre rollout –BT is now also offering linear channels – and sport are all coming together.
Green also said there would be interactive elements in its TV offer, introduced over time on a number of platforms, but was unable to provide any more information at this stage.
Separately, it has been announced that Red Bee Media will provide playout, channel and media management services for BT’s new live sports offering, BT Sport.