BT's 'Net TV to include menu of extras

LONDON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Britain's BT will reportedly offer personalized schedules and group messaging with the broadband television it will launch in about a year.

Media Web site "Digital Lifestyles" said BT Entertainment CEO Andrew Burke told a London conference this week viewers of the Internet Protocol Television would be able to use their television to make Voice over Internet Protocol calls to their mates while watching a soccer match on the screen.

Such value-added bells and whistles should provide a steady revenue stream from the overall IPTV system. The service will be available through either wireless transmissions or landline DSL.