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Tag: hd-dvr

  • NDS Chosen For Germany's First Cable HD DVR Service


    Germany’s two largest independent cable operators, Tele Columbus and PrimaCom, have selected NDS’ DVR solution XTV to launch the country’s first cable HD DVR service across their networks.

    The two operators serve some 3.5 million cable-connected households and operate a large number of independent networks.

    They had previously deployed UK-based NDS’ VideoGuard content protection and its MediaHighway middleware.

    Markus Schmid, CEO of Tele Columbus and PrimaCom, said they had decided to also select NDS’ XTV DVR technology as the logical complement.

    He said this maximised the capability of their infrastructure and service options for subscribers.

    The technology infrastructure will also allow Tele Columbus and PrimaCom to launch new integrated service enhancements across all existing and future devices.

    This could include Video on Demand (VOD) or push VOD.

  • HD Uptake Drives ZON's Q1 Figures


    Portugal’s leading cable provider ZON has doubled the take-up of its HD DVR.

    Called the ZON Box, it was installed in 93,000 homes in the first quarter of 2009, pushing total installations up to 184,000 – 12 per cent of the total customer base.

    ZON has attributed the success of the high-def product to an increase in per subscriber RGUs to 1.94, as ARPU grew by 3.5 per cent year-on-year to EUROS 32.7.

    The total number of subscribers receiving digital extended basic increased from 399,800 to 539,600.

    Premium pay-TV subscribers increased slightly to 835,300.

    Operating Revenues increased to EUROS 201.5 million in 1Q09, a year on year growth of 7.1 per cent giving an EBITDA increased to EUROS 64.3 million.

  • DISH first to broadcast live Blu-ray quality video

    Satellite broadcaster becomes first the TV broadcaster to offer video in a full 1080p resolution

    Subscribers to America’s DISH Network who have its MPEG-4 HD DVR boxes are to be offered full 1080p (1920×1080 progressive) resolution wherever content is available.

    Starting on August 1 with a Video On Demand option for the movie I Am Legend, the new high resolution programming will supercede the 1080i (interlaced) or 720p which until now was usual HD fare for DISH and other services.

    The satellite company claims it is giving subscribers Blu-ray quality images for a lower price than renting a disc.
    It is also launching a new set of channel bundles known as TurboHD that are claimed to be the first in the market to offer customers a package that only contains HD stations.

    Charlie Ergen, CEO of DISH Network, said the upgraded resolution was possible as a result of its new satellite, Echo XI.
    This will also allow the broadcaster to extend its current 114 HD channels to 150 by the autumn.

    He said that by early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will be able to view 1080p content.

    “This marks the first time in history a pay-TV provider offers movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts,” he said.

    “Our latest system upgrade, coupled with the introduction of TurboHD, further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television, platforms we look forward to enhancing even more with mobile and portable options.”