|
CABLE WORLD STAFF
PVDRs might be coming, but that doesn't mean video-on-demand companies are going to cede the personal video digital recording niche to the TiVos and ReplayTVs of the world.
Concurrent Computer is unveiling its anti-PVDR weapon at the Western Show this week. The new product will give viewers VCR functionality on live broadcasts. For the moment, copyright restrictions mean Concurrent's play will be limited to pay-per-view programming, but the company believes once those issues are ironed out, its VOD customers will be able to pause, rewind or fast-forward through Friends the way they can with a PVDR.
At the CTAM Broadband Conference in October, Jonathan Taplin, the president/CEO of VOD service provider Intertainer, suggested PVDRs might have a short shelf-life until VOD can scale up to its fullest capabilities.
Concurrent will demonstrate a new version of its flagship VOD product, MediaHawk 2000, at the show. Time Warner Cable is using MediaHawk for its VOD launches in Honolulu and Tampa Bay, Fla.
Other VOD companies such as Diva Systems, SeaChange and nCube will also exhibit at the show.
nCube, for example, will demonstrate VOD products that integrate with Motorola's 2000 and 5000 series digital set-top boxes and Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer 2000 digital set-top platform.
nCUBE will also exhibit a VOD solution for IP (Internet Protocol) networks with RealNetworks.
SeaChange will announce third-quarter earnings on the eve of the show Tuesday on the heels of its VOD deal with Cablevision Systems. At the show the company will put the spotlight on more than 30 interactive television demonstrations, including cable headend-based personal video recording, interactive advertising and Internet VOD streaming.
Diva comes to the show two months after AT&T Broadband announced plans to trial its VOD solution in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. AT&T is already testing Diva in Atlanta.
Intertainer is also exhibiting at the show.
Back to this issue
|
