ntl is currently running two separate digital TV systems, the so-called "original" system based at Langley, and the former Cable and Wireless ConsumerCo system based in Bromley. Due to the different architecture of these two systems, software versions - and in some cases functionality - are by no means uniform across ntl's many franchises. Moves are however underway to unify these systems, aided by the introduction of the Pace Di4010 set-top-box, which is able to function on both "original" and ex-CWC systems.

"Original" ntl/Langley
The software used in ntl's "original" franchises is known as the ntl Platform. This consists of:
  • An underlying real-time operating system layer, VxWorks
  • An EPG system written in C
  • A java-based interactive application provided by Liberate Technologies
The system in former Cable and Wireless ConsumerCo franchises is slightly different. Both the EPG and the interactive application are based on Liberate Technologies' 1.2 version of the software.

"Platform" version numbers
Since launch, the ntl Platform has gone through a variety of small point upgrades, with two larger ones; the emergence of version 4.xx software saw interactivity launch, while version 5 software concentrates on improvements to the EPG application. Versions after v5.30 concentrate on making the "original" system more compatible with the ex-CWC system.

The dates listed below are those of the initial release in one or more franchises.

v3.28 [screenshots]
  • basic EPG and browse functionality
  • basic reminder system
  • composite-only output
v3.32
  • improved EPG data caching
  • support for widescreen display options
    • support for S-Video/RGB output
  • reminder management screen
  • auto-tune reminders
v3.34
  • improved return path re-connection
v3.36
  • widescreen TV display fixes
v3.37
  • improved SI processing
v4.05
  • first interactive version
  • TV email, selected interactive sites
v4.06
  • as 3.36, widescreen TV display fixes
v4.07
  • as 3.37, improved SI processing
v5.13 [screenshots]
  • interactive link available by pressing red while watching TV
  • EPG remodelled
  • new colour scheme
  • page up/down to jump channels in 100s in browse
  • functionality included for ntl Ireland
  • subtitles support enabled
v5.14
  • Open internet access. Revision A boxes
v5.16
  • As 5.14, open internet access. Revision B boxes
v5.20 [screenshots]
  • new ntl corporate colour scheme
  • volume controls
  • favourites feature
  • channel locking via PIN
  • remodelled EPG
  • enhanced TV
  • widescreen switching fixes
  • improved return-path connectivity
  • improved reminder facility
v5.25
  • Ireland: Guide option 6 is ‘news & documentaries’ in UK and ‘news & education’ in Ireland.
  • Ireland: On demand menu now dynamic according to network region: UK - "All Events", Ireland - "PPV Events"
  • Ireland: new menu screen that will appear when 'menu' key is pressed
  • Software update: On demand menu will reduce if there are no near-video-on-demand services available
  • Software update: Help edited to contain details on Ireland functionality
  • Software update: Purchasing procedure of near-video-on-demand events improved.
  • Software update: Where radio channels are present, listings for these can be obtained from guide.
  • Software update: STB ID split into 3, space separated, blocks of 4 digits when displayed to viewer.
  • Bug fix: When copy protect has been implemented on a specific event and the following event does not require copy protection it was not disabled. This has now been fixed.
  • Bug fix: In program list view when no events are available, 'no information' is displayed
  • Bug fix: EPG was locking up when there were no normal channel entitlements but NVOD channels were available; this is fixed.
  • Bug fix: Volume icon flashed on and off on audio channels - fixed.
  • Bug fix: Events that have not yet started can be purchased.
v5.26
  • Bug fix: Programme listview titles corrected.
  • Bug fix: Auto tune reminders now work with audio channels.
  • Bug fix: Buy reminders are triggered when the buy window opens, not when the event starts.
v5.27
  • STB Code Base: Source library for di4010 and di4001 merged - EPG can be built for either STB with using a build option.
  • Software update: Error text changed, as specified by ntl.
  • Software update: Browse re-structured so that viewer can browse with later times selected.
  • Software update: 'i' keyboard button will give more info when this option is available.
  • Software update: Minor changes to some guidance text.
  • Software update: Programme listview page down functionality is now only enacted when there are more than 7 channels in the list.
  • Bug fix: Fixes implemented to problems that occur when an access change notification is received when the STB is tuned or tuning to a purchased non-near-video-on-demand PPV event.
  • Bug fix: When pressing 'browse' from within the guide or EPG area, the viewer is now returned to the current channel with the browse bar displayed.
  • Bug fix: Multiple consecutive attempts to buy the same event ignored, preventing STB from crashing.
v5.28
  • Ireland: Price of pay-per-view events in Ireland now displays in Euros.
  • Bug fix: Pay Per View events now tune to the event when the purchase is made, and do not tune away randomly later.
v5.29
  • Bug fix
    • : The bug, introduced in version 5.28, whereby the STB would lock-up when a new NIT or SDT is received, while the STB is on an unpurchased near-video-on-demand channel not in preview, is fixed.
v5.30
  • Bug fix: User settings format converted for EPG versions 5.20 and v5.26 - version 5.28 & 5.29 only correctly converted version 5.26.
v5.30
  • Fix: Video freezing is now fixed.
  • Fix: Video blanking is now fixed.
  • Fix: Cable modem fixes.
  • Fix: Widescreen switching code fixed.
v5.33
  • Contains measures to make Langley SI (System Information) more compatible with Bromley SI
  • Enables Pace Di4001 set-top-boxes to receive standard teletext
CR3 v3_1_P12, iEPG version 4.0 b4 5
  • Upgrades Langley platform to Liberate v1.2 codebase
  • Enables enhanced interactive applications, synchronised to broadcast signal
  • New 'iEPG' - no longer MCNS powered, instead drawing data from the interactive service
  • New mini guide replaces browse functionality
  • Numerous UI upgrades, including new horizontal, time-grid EPG layout


ex-CWC/Bromley
Customers in former Cable and Wireless ConsumerCo areas have had three main iterations of code; the first enabled basic functionality in similar fashion to v3.28 in original ntl areas. The second added support for interactive services, and is based upon version 1.1 of middleware from interactive television software developers, Liberate. The third, current release, contains much more new functionality, and adds support for "enhanced" interactive services that can be synchronised with a live television broadcast.

CR1
  • Basic functionality
CR2 [screenshots]
  • Support for use of DOCSIS return path
  • Activation of "walled garden" interactive system, making around 40 content partner sites available
CR3 [screenshots]
  • First beta release of CR3 - withdrawn following trials in Wessex and a subsequent one in York
  • EPG transferred from MCNS to web-based
  • STB requires constant return-path connection
  • Based on Liberate version 1.2
  • UI adjustments, closer to Langley system
  • iEPG search function
  • Diary function
  • Audio reminders
  • Interactive services loaded upon boot
  • Enhanced TV support
CR3 Rollout [screenshots]
  • Various bug fixes
  • Reliability improvements
Updates
Updates usually occur sometime in the early morning. To check that you have the latest version available in your franchise, you can power cycle the box. If you find that your box has been updated, please let us know by email or by posting in our forums.