Full launch for Telewest's HDTV TV Drive

Telewest confirmed to Digital Spy today that its TV Drive personal video recorder service has now been fully launched.

The TV Drive set-top-box also enables access to the cable operator's high definition television service. HD content is now available to the 4.5m homes in Telewest's service area through the Teleport video on demand service. Currently free programming from BBC Worldwide is available but an expansion in the range of content available is expected to take place throughout the year.

"HDTV takes the viewing experience a significant step beyond standard digital television and has to be seen to be believed," said Philip Snalune, managing director of consumer products at NTL Telewest. "It’s set to become this year’s must-have home entertainment experience and Telewest customers are the first in the UK to get access to it.

"We’ll add more choice of high definition viewing this year and combining TVDrive with our existing on-demand service we're giving customers TV on their terms. Viewers no longer need be tied to the schedule and can now watch what they want, when they want, with unparalleled picture quality."

Telewest was the first provider in the UK to launch HDTV services, rolling out a pilot of the TV Drive service back in December 2005. TV Drive costs £10 per month on top of Telewest's top TV package, or £15 per month on top of lower tiers.