[MovedGoalPosts]

As far as I'm aware a Sky box just needs a phone line, brand doesn't matter. However you can pay a premium to Sky and do away with the phone line bit.

As for comparing the differences between Sky and ntl:telewest TV services, both have good and bad points. If you need a PVR (SKY+) then Telewest areas can do the same, but ntl areas is "coming soon". HD services are partly available on Telewest areas, not at all on ntl so Sky again gets the thumbs up, for now. However ntl:telewest generally has VOD, Sky doesn't have an equivalent. All main channels Sports, Movies etc you can get on Sky you can get on ntl, but the package bundles may not directly compare between the two so budgeting may be awkward. Interactive theoretically should be better on cable, due to the direct connection, rather than Sky's need for a phone line, but I don't think either platform has really got to grips with it.