March 29, 2006

Cablevision Begins Testing of "Remote Access" DVR

Have I ever mentioned my love for my DVR? Oh yeah, I think I did Once! Anyway, it looks like the push to do away with the conventional DVR has started. According to RedHerring.com:

Cablevision Systems said Monday it will begin testing digital video recorder technology as a service that stores shows on Cablevision’s own servers.
DVR technology typically allows cable and satellite service subscribers to store programs on hardware devices that are usually incorporated into the set-top boxes in their homes.

But Cablevision will offer its 2 million digital cable subscribers the option of storing the programs in Cablevision’s facilities at the point where the TV signal originates.

The option, which the Bethpage, New York-based cable operator is calling remote-access digital video recorder service (RS-DVR), will allow customers with traditional set-top boxes to get all of the benefits of hardware DVRs without the additional monthly expense of an upgraded box.

I got no qualms about this type of cable service. As it is now, if my cable service goes out, my DVR is useless anyway. What would really be cool about the new service is if you can watch your recorded shows on any TV in the house, something that's impossible with the standard DVR service.

If anyone is in the Cablevision market and testing this service let us know.

At RedHerring.com