Taiwan Broadband Communications Takes the Lead in Launching DVR

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan Broadband Communications (TBC) once again takes the lead in digital TV services as the first operator in Taiwan to launch the Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

In March this year, TBC launched a brand new digital TV platform boasting HDTV and a complete suite of digital features including the electronic program guide (EPG), video mosaic, in-built video games etc. In June, it strengthened the content offerings on this platform with the Taiwan premiere of AETN All Asia Networks’ 4 channels, History HD, History Channel, Crime and Investigation Network and The Biography Channel.

Today, the company once again makes good on its promise to continually enhance its digital service to better enrich the home entertainment experience of its customers. The DVR service is a key feature of the digital TV experience and has already enjoyed significant growth and penetration in other pay TV markets.

TBC’s DVR service has two main features – control live TV and smart recording functions. With the DVR, customers can, at a touch of a button, pause and rewind live TV as its being broadcast. TV viewing will never be the same once you are able to pause a live TV show to pick up the phone or answer the doorbell, and pick up exactly where you’ve left off when you are ready.

In addition, TBC’s DVR also offers a wide range of smart recording features. These include one-touch instant recording, time-based recording as well as reservation recording via the EPG. The DVR also provides the series recording feature so customers will never miss a single episode of their favourite TV series again.

TBC’s DVR service is also the first in Asia to be deployed using an external DVR device which is connected to its existing HD set top boxes via a USB port. With the flexibility of an external DVR device as opposed to using another set top box with a built-in DVR, TBC’s solution makes it really easy for customers to upgrade to the DVR. All they need to do is “plug and play” the DVR device to the set top box in their home and they’re ready to go, without the hassle of arranging for set top installation appointments.

TBC’s DVR service will premiere at a promotional rate of NT$60 per month (Regular price of NT$80 per month). To enjoy the DVR, customers must first be a subscriber to TBC’s Digital Basic Pack at NT200 per month. What’s more, customers can enjoy a bundled deal of TBC’s 10Mbps broadband access service with its DTV and DVR service for only NT $899 per month.

TBC President Loke Kheng Tham said, “TBC is focused on adding value to our customers and driving digital adoption in Taiwan. Since Day One when we embarked on our new digital TV service, we had planned for the DVR as one of the main pillars. This is because Taiwanese households already have access to a wide variety of channels on their Cable TV service. The DVR will allow them to experience the content that they love on a whole new level so we are confident that our customers will be won over to the new DVR service quickly.”