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-   -   [Merged] PVR for NTL (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=3435)

Salu 15-10-2003 14:30
[Merged] PVR for NTL
 
Has anyone heard of any plans by NTL to launch a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) hard drive recorder, like TIVO or Sky+? Are there any off-the-shelf alteratives?

Chris 15-10-2003 15:14
Re: PVR for NTL
 
ummm ... two threads on one topic? I think there must be an echo in here .. in here .. in here .. in here .. ;)

handyman 15-10-2003 15:24
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Nigel S has stated previously that ntl are considering one.

link to his post here

Undisputedtruth 15-10-2003 20:39
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by handyman
Nigel S has stated previously that ntl are considering one.

link to his post here

I can seet it coming - PVR coming soon. Not bleedin' likely IMO.

dialanothernumb 15-10-2003 23:11
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Undisputedtruth
I can seet it coming - PVR coming soon. Not bleedin' likely IMO.
I agree, it's unlikely, from the various posts. I asked a CSR in disconnections ( ;)) and he gave me a very waffly rely about bringing it down to the right price level.

Frankly if you want PVR go to ebay and buy a TiVo. You won't get much better.

Jerrek 15-10-2003 23:19
Re: PVR for NTL
 
TiVo rocks. :)

dialanothernumb 15-10-2003 23:20
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerrek
TiVo rocks. :)
Ah

A canadian tivo user. How do you get yr listings?

Jerrek 15-10-2003 23:48
Re: PVR for NTL
 
You subscribe?

Martin 16-10-2003 01:14
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerrek
TiVo rocks. :)
Indeed it does.:)

I can't see NTL doing PVR but they should start looking into it. PVR is the future of TV.

testcard 14-10-2005 20:54
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I spent 10 minutes searching for pvr on the forum with no luck and found it on google. I didn't want risk a slapped hand for a duplicate post or wrong forum.

This is post two years old, has there been any changes to the possiblity of pvr on ntl.

quadplay 14-10-2005 21:28
Re: PVR for NTL
 
The good news is that ntl have moved on from thinking about it - the requirements are actually being drafted at the moment, and it's in the road map.

The bad news is that it's still many months from fruition.

icanadvise 14-10-2005 22:10
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Nige who is mentioned above posts on ChetNet now and there is some discussion in the Trials Forums there

Rillington 15-10-2005 02:18
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I can tsee them launching a PVR for a few years yet. I can't see it appearing until after VOD has appeared in all areas and then they will probably do HDTV.

Remember ntl has made it almost impossible for people to record TV and Sky+ makes it easy to record TV if you are lucky enough to be able to have Sky. So for that arguement alone don't expect a PVR from ntl for a long time.

rogerdraig 15-10-2005 02:48
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Well i might think to much of myself but i was the one who persuaded many of my family and friends on to ntl

along with a lot of other who did similar

thier lack of advancment in this field now has me telling them to go to sky if they actualy watch the many chanels or free view if they dont

because as they all start to ask about dvd recorders ( most are not very tech savy and i think that aplies to the majotity of all suscribers ) and hd recorders

i tell them that if they want easy of use ntl is not the way to go

quadplay 15-10-2005 11:38
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rillington
I can tsee them launching a PVR for a few years yet. I can't see it appearing until after VOD has appeared in all areas and then they will probably do HDTV.

Remember ntl has made it almost impossible for people to record TV and Sky+ makes it easy to record TV if you are lucky enough to be able to have Sky. So for that arguement alone don't expect a PVR from ntl for a long time.
Oh, what a load of billhooks. I can't reveal exact plans for obvious reasons, but as presented publicly many times recently, we're talking months, not years for VoD rollout completion and a PVR appearing (which will be HD-capable). HDTV itself, I believe, will follow toward the end of 2006.

Bill C 15-10-2005 13:23
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Oh, what a load of billhooks. I can't reveal exact plans for obvious reasons, but as presented publicly many times recently, we're talking months, not years for VoD rollout completion and a PVR appearing (which will be HD-capable). HDTV itself, I believe, will follow toward the end of 2006.
Jimbo

Your wasting your breath with that one mate. Black is white and the moon is the sun. :LOL:

testcard 15-10-2005 16:28
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Years ago I'd was happy to sit and watch tv at scheduled times.
Live television no longer fits my needs or expectations.

As recorders are basically pointless with ntl, television has become irrelevant to me.

The way ntl offers tv today it not sustainable for the future.

garyparson 15-10-2005 20:32
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Oh, what a load of billhooks. I can't reveal exact plans for obvious reasons, but as presented publicly many times recently, we're talking months, not years for VoD rollout completion and a PVR appearing (which will be HD-capable). HDTV itself, I believe, will follow toward the end of 2006.
Surely you meant 2016? We are talking about NTL here.

Coming soon.

What does Ricky Tomlinson's character say in the Royle Family again?

Bill C 15-10-2005 20:44
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by garyparson
Surely you meant 2016? We are talking about NTL here.

Coming soon.

What does Ricky Tomlinson's character say in the Royle Family again?
Want to put your money where you mouth is :mad:

Charity of your choice.

Or will you just spout your **** as you normaly do ?

Bob 15-10-2005 21:58
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by garyparson
What does Ricky Tomlinson's character say in the Royle Family again?
Alot of things... don't have scripts to hand

Paul 16-10-2005 00:09
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by testcard
Years ago I'd was happy to sit and watch tv at scheduled times.
Live television no longer fits my needs or expectations.

As recorders are basically pointless with ntl, television has become irrelevant to me.

The way ntl offers tv today it not sustainable for the future.
Please do enlighten us, why is it "not sustainable" ?

Bill C 16-10-2005 09:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul M
Please do enlighten us, why is it "not sustainable" ?
It will be the same crap that another poster in this thread comes out with. Big words with no proof what so ever. Lets see NTL's digital TV unsustainable. Now what proof do you think he will come out with. Answers on a post card to this address.

No 1
Pia in the sky statements
The land of make believe statements
The Troll cave under the bridge


:LOL:

testcard 16-10-2005 10:42
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul M
Please do enlighten us, why is it "not sustainable" ?
I'm looking forward-

Consumers will expect their entertainment to be on demand.

Sky+. epg recording on Freeview, podcasts are here now plus many developments starting online and on mobiles.

People who have money to spend will have less time to spend it and will require entertainment when it suits not by a schedule.

ntl offers a shed load of channels but by schedule. Quantity is no longer a substitute for choice.

quadplay 16-10-2005 16:21
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by testcard
I'm looking forward-

Consumers will expect their entertainment to be on demand.
http://www.home.ntl.com/page/ondemand :)
Rollout completing in 2006.

Quote:
Sky+. epg recording on Freeview, podcasts are here now plus many developments starting online and on mobiles.
PVR launching in 2006. Not sure what relevance podcasts have to TV packages?

Quote:
People who have money to spend will have less time to spend it and will require entertainment when it suits not by a schedule.
Completely agree. Hence ntl on demand.

Quote:
ntl offers a shed load of channels but by schedule. Quantity is no longer a substitute for choice.
See above. :)

testcard 16-10-2005 17:45
Re: PVR for NTL
 
[QUOTE=jimbo]http://www.home.ntl.com/page/ondemand :)
Rollout completing in 2006.

On demand yes but it is only selective.

We already pay for the tv service and I don't know how much free content there will be.
I'm happy to pay to watch the latest film but I do not want to be charged again for watching standard content.

PVR launching in 2006. Not sure what relevance podcasts have to TV packages?

Well that is news to me. Sign me up. Any more details?

I used podcasts as a generic term for instant demand viewing. The new ipod
offers content and the BBC is developing this area. It was an example of what will be out there in the coming year.


ntl has a limited customer base, faces massive competition from many areas above all increasing consumer expectations.

If ntl were just to continue offer buckets of channels with little customer control this would be unstainable in the coming years.

But if pvr is coming & works like sky+ and VOD are generally 'free bonus channels' well the future is purple.

quadplay 16-10-2005 21:19
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I'm not sure how many details have been publicly released on the ntl PVR, but from what I've seen, it could be awesome, and leave the current Sky+ standing - although I'm sure Sky have got something new in development!

There's a mix of content currently available via ntl on demand - including the pick of the last week's BBC programmes (chosen by the BBC), which is free. There's a wide selection of movies, from classics for £1.95 to the latest releases (often before they're on Sky Box Office) mostly priced at £3.50. There's also a wide range of Adult content, at £5.00 each, music videos at 20-50p each and kids shows at 25-75p each. Also recently launched is 'TV Hits', which has a number of series of programmes like Red Dwarf, Two Pints..., Cracker, Cutting It, Blue Planet and Walking With Dinosaurs - with episodes generally priced at 50p, or two or three episodes for 75p. Most series have one free episode (usually the first in the series). There's also weekly special offers, where programmes/files/music videos are offered free or at a discount.

testcard 16-10-2005 21:45
Re: PVR for NTL
 
VOD appeals.
But the pricing structure does not.
Nothing is free but charging per view would mount up. Most already pay around £30 for their tv service. The shock of a months VOD charges may deter people from using it in the future.
It is early days, I'm sure the will be a 'VOD Pack'

Thanks for the info
Speaking of Sky they are in the market for BB ISP!

KenK 16-10-2005 21:51
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
I'm not sure how many details have been publicly released on the ntl PVR, but from what I've seen, it could be awesome, ...
Investor briefings posted on the web have mentioned a PVR, but nothing has been announced directly to the customers. Given how heavily sky+ is being pushed, you have to wonder if ntl's marketing dept. is awake. I'm not too worried about it being awesome, I'm more interested in it being available!
Quote:
There's a mix of content currently available via ntl on demand...
... all of it chosen by someone else, and much of it I'd have to pay for. VOD is no substitute for a PVR, it's a totally different market. Just look at the sky+ advertising - "pause live TV", "rewind live sports" - how does VOD meet that market? It doesn't even meet the time-shifting function that 1980's VCR technology provides.

quadplay 16-10-2005 21:53
Re: PVR for NTL
 
There are indeed plans for subscription-based VoD services, but I don't know much about them.

The marketing department can't start promoting a PVR until it's ready to be installed for customers.

KenK 16-10-2005 22:10
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
The marketing department can't start promoting a PVR until it's ready to be installed for customers.
Maybe not, but they can influence product development plans and priorities. The first mention of PVR to investors said "2H05" but the latest posts say launching in 2006, so it seems it's not a priority. When in 2006? January? 31st December? Or will it slip into another year?

quadplay 16-10-2005 22:12
Re: PVR for NTL
 
It wasn't a priority - VoD was, as that's a unique selling point over satellite/freeview. However, now that VoD's gone live, the PVR project is gathering momentum.

I can't discuss exact release dates for obvious reasons.

Derek 16-10-2005 22:16
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by garyparson
Surely you meant 2016? We are talking about NTL here.

Coming soon.
Yep like the VOD rollout (which is progressing nicely) oh and the 3MB cable upgrades (done) and the new software for the STB's (again being rolled out)

Yep Ntl haven't been able to do anything right for a long time :rolleyes:

ian@huth 17-10-2005 12:52
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
I'm not sure how many details have been publicly released on the ntl PVR, but from what I've seen, it could be awesome, and leave the current Sky+ standing - although I'm sure Sky have got something new in development!

There's a mix of content currently available via ntl on demand - including the pick of the last week's BBC programmes (chosen by the BBC), which is free. There's a wide selection of movies, from classics for £1.95 to the latest releases (often before they're on Sky Box Office) mostly priced at £3.50. There's also a wide range of Adult content, at £5.00 each, music videos at 20-50p each and kids shows at 25-75p each. Also recently launched is 'TV Hits', which has a number of series of programmes like Red Dwarf, Two Pints..., Cracker, Cutting It, Blue Planet and Walking With Dinosaurs - with episodes generally priced at 50p, or two or three episodes for 75p. Most series have one free episode (usually the first in the series). There's also weekly special offers, where programmes/files/music videos are offered free or at a discount.
I have just had my second Sky+ box installed at a cost of £49 with free installation. That means that I can now record up to four programmes simultaneously and watch them at leisure at a time to suit myself. I can select what I want to record from all the channel in the Sky Family pack, Sky Movies and Sky Sports, not from just a very restricted list such as is available on NTL VOD. All of this content that I can record is FREE if it is part of the very extensive package that I subscribe to. I can record a dozen movies from Sky Box Office and have them available to view at a time suitable for me and don't have to pay a penny for them unless I actually go in and watch them. I can select what programmes go in my On Demand list, not have to accept a very limited selection of programmes that I may not have any interest in at all. Today I can go into the Sky EPG and set up recordings for all of the coming weekends sports programmes that I wish to watch and not even be bothered by the fact that four of these may be broadcast at the same time. With NTL I couldn't go into their EPG and select even a single programme to record for this coming weekend. Let's face it, the NTL VOD system is a joke at the side of Sky+. The sooner that NTL get a PVR system off the ground the better the chance that they will win new customers and retain existing customers. NTL VOD in itself is not a customer winning/retaining feature.

lippy 17-10-2005 13:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Now i know why there is a record button on my new keyboard from ntl.

Bill C 17-10-2005 13:37
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lippy
Now i know why there is a record button on my new keyboard from ntl.

:tu: you got it :)

dextercat 17-10-2005 17:04
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Is this going to be the new PVR from NTL?

http://www.telewestinfo.co.uk/TWPVR.shtml

Multi-room?

HDTV Ready?

3 Tuners?

160GB HD?

Sounds Fantastic!!

testcard 17-10-2005 20:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
PVR or DVR with all its features is the future.
The only solid info I can find is--
"NTL said it had not ruled out the possibility of offering a PVR but for the moment is concentrating on video-on-demand. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4184479.stm

VOD is a complimentary product to PVR not a substitute for it.

The longer ntl keeps us in the dark about pvr, the more customers will leave to the services which have it.

quadplay 17-10-2005 20:03
Re: PVR for NTL
 
That's old info. If you look at recent investor briefings, they show timescales for TV development, including a PVR for 2006.

I completely agree that VoD is complimentary to PVR, rather than a replacement though.

testcard 17-10-2005 20:26
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
That's old info. If you look at recent investor briefings, they show timescales for TV development, including a PVR for 2006.
That's good but not in the mainstream of news. Mr J Public will not be aware.

The main question is -- For ntl to provide a service as good as/better than Sky+ are the systems in place to do this or does it need an big infra-structure change?

quadplay 17-10-2005 20:29
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Mr Public won't be aware because we can't be sure of the shipping date yet. Once the product is finalised, then the marketing will begin.

A lot of work will be taking place to enable the PVR product to be an attractive offering.

testcard 17-10-2005 20:48
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I going to make some assumptions about ntl pvr

1. It will be a 'free' upgrade'
2. Subs will be low <£5.0 0
3. There will deals to make it free.
4. It will do something that sky can't

The deal has to right, pvr is not unique to ntl but essential for its future.

quadplay 17-10-2005 20:54
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Pricing details have yet to be finalised.

KenK 17-10-2005 22:37
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
If you look at recent investor briefings, they show timescales for TV development, including a PVR for 2006.
If you looked at older investor briefings, they showed a PVR for 2H2005! So, the pvr has slipped already, and "for 2006" could mean it's still 14 months away; with ntl's coming soon record, is there much confidence that it won't slip again, into 2007.

Anyway, us Mr Publics don't receive investor briefings; we see heavy sky+ advertising everywhere, and high street retailers flogging Freeview pvrs for £120. Meanwhile, there's not the slightest public suggestion that ntl are even thinking about providing something similar. It may be awesome if it finally does appear; it may also be too late.

Edit: found a cheaper freeview pvr

dextercat 17-10-2005 22:40
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Well Said,:disturbd:
I think NTL need to react quickly on this one.

quadplay 17-10-2005 23:45
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I would very much like them to react quickly. The problem is that quick throwing together of projects causes far too many issues. I'd rather we got it half-right than got a practically unusable box out next month.

homealone 18-10-2005 00:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
I would very much like them to react quickly. The problem is that quick throwing together of projects causes far too many issues. I'd rather we got it half-right than got a practically unusable box out next month.
couldn't agree more, too many things going on 'all at once' is a problem - HDTV, anyone ? :)

dextercat 18-10-2005 08:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
HDTV is covered in the Telewest box, I don't think waiting till HDTV is sorted or sorting HDTV instead is an option for PVR. It seems to be a very fashionable thing at the moment to want a PVR and NTL restricts this concept so much that I fear people will walk, rather than buy one and have very limited usage from it.

pedg 18-10-2005 08:56
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dextercat
Multi-room?
Anyone got any idea how the multiroom works? i.e. what is the connection mechanism between the PVR and the 'remote' TV?

handyman 18-10-2005 09:01
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pedg
Anyone got any idea how the multiroom works? i.e. what is the connection mechanism between the PVR and the 'remote' TV?
Not sure but the proposed stb has 3 tuners but only 2 decoders. Maybe the tuner from the 1st stb passes the signal to the multiroom box which simply contains a decoder and can remotly change the channel the main stb is tuned to. that way you would be able to get away with only 1 matched stb/smart card per account making things very simple.

Just an idea?

bob_builder 18-10-2005 10:13
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by handyman
Not sure but the proposed stb has 3 tuners but only 2 decoders. Maybe the tuner from the 1st stb passes the signal to the multiroom box which simply contains a decoder and can remotly change the channel the main stb is tuned to. that way you would be able to get away with only 1 matched stb/smart card per account making things very simple.

Just an idea?
Or it could be even simpler, by having two Scart outputs it could send different channels to 2 rooms!
__________________

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
I would very much like them to react quickly. The problem is that quick throwing together of projects causes far too many issues. I'd rather we got it half-right than got a practically unusable box out next month.
I do not think that any sensible company would launch a major new product a couple of months before they are due to merge.

I would expect new-NTL to have to settle down before launching a new product across its whole network (orig-NTL, ex-C&W and ex-Telewest).

testcard 18-10-2005 18:59
Re: PVR for NTL
 
ntl choice of vod over pvr is about revenue not customer choice.

I'm sure they think that vod is an instant cash cow. In every home and one click they have some cash. Even the most naive ntl customer will soon realise vod costs serious money. Your monthly bill can double with just moderate use. This will give a good product a negative image.This may turn vod into a dead cow.

Pvr requires investment and pay back will long term.

With sky+ coming upto 900,000 users and freeview pvr costing less than
4 months ntl subs time is running out for ntl.

We customers need a firm time scale for cable pvr.

As pvr gains notice, the average Mr J Public will feel unhappy with his ntl services and may leave.

KenK 18-10-2005 23:16
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bob_builder
I would expect new-NTL to have to settle down before launching a new product across its whole network (orig-NTL, ex-C&W and ex-Telewest).
2008, then? :rolleyes:

Quote:
Originally Posted by testcard
ntl choice of vod over pvr is about revenue not customer choice.
<snip>
Pvr requires investment and pay back will long term.
Partly agree, I think there was also an element of having something - anything - that neither of the other systems have (yet). vod will take a while to pay back as well. As I understand it from a post a while ago, it requires a substantial investment in equipment in each area, on top of the development cost. It's not guaranteed revenue, either; vod started here in Glasgow, and I think we've watched one item on it - and that was free!
Quote:
With sky+ coming upto 900,000 users and freeview pvr costing less than
4 months ntl subs time is running out for ntl.
We customers need a firm time scale for cable pvr.
Totally agree. Trouble is, if they say it'll be another year, that might scare away more customers than would have left otherwise.

testcard 19-10-2005 00:46
Re: PVR for NTL
 
ntl TV homes connected
1,960,000 1st quarter 2005
1,961,800 2nd quarter 2005

ntl gained an extra 1,800 customers in the first six months of this year.
Sky gained 75,000 and there were over 700,000 Freeview boxes sold.

With ntl growth slower than other sectors, they need us- the customers
and many of these will want a pvr service.

Rillington 21-10-2005 00:03
Re: PVR for NTL
 
but I bet if they do introduce a PVR it will cost a load of money regardless of the package you are on whereas with Sky if you take ANY premium channel you get the PVR service as a freebie.

Tristan 21-10-2005 00:08
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rillington
but I bet if they do introduce a PVR it will cost a load of money regardless of the package you are on whereas with Sky if you take ANY premium channel you get the PVR service as a freebie.
Well there's nothing like judging in advance, is there... why not just wait until there are some details before damning them?

And I thought you had to take both Sports and Movies for 12 months on Sky?

SMHarman 21-10-2005 00:18
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rillington
but I bet if they do introduce a PVR it will cost a load of money regardless of the package you are on whereas with Sky if you take ANY premium channel you get the PVR service as a freebie.
And pay ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£ÃƒÆ ’â€šÃ‚Â£Ãƒà €šÃ‚£ to buy it in the first place

Rillington 21-10-2005 00:18
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I am 99% sure that you only have to take EITHER sports or movies (or both) to qualify for free Sky+ as some1 I know has just the movies and they have Sky+.

dextercat 21-10-2005 00:23
Re: PVR for NTL
 
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/pro...020&ID=5209818:angel:

WoW ! , looks good, hope the HD is a big bigger though for HDTV! and hope it's sooner rather than later!
;)

Tristan 21-10-2005 02:01
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dextercat
looks good, hope the HD is a big bigger though for HDTV!
;)
Why?

As everybody seems to be forgetting (on DS too), the HD stuff will be MPEG4, and therefore use roughly the same disk space as an SD programme in standard MPEG2.

The box specs look fantastic.... let's hope NTL get this one out the door quickly.

Bill C 21-10-2005 08:51
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dexter cat
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/pro...020&ID=5209818:angel:

Wow ! , looks good, hope the HD is a big bigger though for HDTV! and hope it's sooner rather than later!
;)
Bill C <--------------- Waits for the Victor Meldrews in this thread to say that page was made up or they just Don't believe it. :)
__________________

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill C
Quote:
Originally Posted by garyparson
Surely you meant 2016? We are talking about NTL here.

Coming soon.





Want to put your money where you mouth is :mad:

Charity of your choice.

Or will you just spout your **** as you normally do ?

And here was little ole me thinking you would have at least had the guts to answer this or take up the challenge. But i have come to expect this of the "wild and wacky statement brigade"

Paul 21-10-2005 18:04
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill C
Bill C <--------------- Waits for the Victor Meldrews in this thread to say that page was made up or they just Don't believe it. :)
Not very likely, it's on the Scientific Atlanta website as well.

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/new.../05Oct20-1.htm

Bill C 21-10-2005 18:32
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul M
Not very likely, it's on the Scientific Atlanta website as well.

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/new.../05Oct20-1.htm
Paul

That means nothing. They could be slaped in the face with a wet flannel and then they would say it was a haddock. :) :LOL:

handyman 21-10-2005 18:54
Re: PVR for NTL
 
And it can do this.

It can record programs and share them over ethernet with the other box's :eek:

If thats what ntl eventually release its way better than sky plus.

Tristan 21-10-2005 19:00
Re: PVR for NTL
 
If NTL are *allowed* to use the functionality, of course. Many content providers, having seen what network-enabled Tivos can do, are reluctant to allow broadcast-quality recordings to fly across private networks.

After all, if you (shock horror) actually want to keep a show you've recorded, you're not going to buy the DVD box-set, are you...

kronas 21-10-2005 19:40
Re: PVR for NTL
 
woah three tuners :eek: it looks like ill be ditching skyplus if its out by the time my contracts up :D and its HD enabled, yet it doesent say if its going to be 720 I or P or 1080 I or P

i wonder if NTL will be providing this as a rental like the existing contracts or merely having to pay more upfront :p:

atlantis 21-10-2005 19:52
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kronas
woah three tuners :eek: it looks like ill be ditching skyplus if its out by the time my contracts up :D and its HD enabled, yet it doesent say if its going to be 720 I or P or 1080 I or P

i wonder if NTL will be providing this as a rental like the existing contracts or merely having to pay more upfront :p:
I'm getting in line, hope it's going to be a rental thing (but with those specs, wouldn't mind paying upfront to get or own it whatever).

quadplay 21-10-2005 19:55
Re: PVR for NTL
 
It'll be capable of 720p or 1080i - it's up to the broadcasters which format they use. :)

As for the pricing, I can't give any specifics but it will compare very favourably to Sky's current offering.

kronas 21-10-2005 19:59
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
It'll be capable of 720p or 1080i - it's up to the broadcasters which format they use. :)

As for the pricing, I can't give any specifics but it will compare very favourably to Sky's current offering.
thats good news, however i thought progressive was a much better way of broadcasting content as interlacing can cause flicker on larger screens ?

also i read HDTV in the US is MPEG-2 whilst we will be getting MPEG-4, so which is best ?

Tristan 21-10-2005 20:02
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kronas
thats good news, however i thought progressive was a much better way of broadcasting content as interlacing can cause flicker on larger screens ?

also i read HDTV in the US is MPEG-2 whilst we will be getting MPEG-4, so which is best ?
MPEG4. It's a better compression scheme, along the lines of DivX or WMV. It means that you can send an HD picture using the same bandwidth (and disk space, as the Digital Spy idiots seem to be forgetting) as an MPEG2 encoded SD picture.

Interestingly however, Telewest's PVR -- if they're going to go ahead with it still -- is HD capable, but only using MPEG2.

kronas 21-10-2005 20:07
Re: PVR for NTL
 
thanks Tristan! also do we yet know how the watch feature on the single box will be used, as it says three tuners, but does that mean we can watch one, record two, and so on ?

quadplay 21-10-2005 20:13
Re: PVR for NTL
 
As in the press release:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scientific Atlanta
The new HD PVR, introduced at IBC 2005, will enable ntl to take advantage of the bandwidth maximization and video storage benefits of MPEG-4 part 10/H.264 compression as it launches high-definition (HD) television and personal video recorder services. Additionally, three video tuners in the set-top will allow customers to record three shows simultaneously.
:)

daz300 21-10-2005 22:05
Re: PVR for NTL
 
i want it now !!!!!!!

quadplay 21-10-2005 22:08
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Patience, young grasshopper. I'm sure you'd rather have it when it works. ;)

SMHarman 22-10-2005 11:25
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kronas
woah three tuners :eek: it looks like ill be ditching skyplus if its out by the time my contracts up :D and its HD enabled, yet it doesent say if its going to be 720 I or P or 1080 I or P

i wonder if NTL will be providing this as a rental like the existing contracts or merely having to pay more upfront :p:
The US pricing model increases your rental, after all it's their equipment and they are responsible if it fails (unlike sky after 12 months).

garyparson 22-10-2005 17:20
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tristan
The box specs look fantastic.... let's hope NTL get this one out the door quickly.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahaha....

NTL and the word QUICKLY in the same sentance...

PMSL.

Dream on.

Coming soon.

Quickly hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ...

Must go and have a lie down, jeez, that was bloody funny.

simpsonsFAN 22-10-2005 17:36
Re: PVR for NTL
 
garyperson, I dont know what your hooked on... but let me have some;)

-Chris

quadplay 22-10-2005 17:36
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Since the deal between ntl and SA has just been announced, what would count as a quick launch? When do you think it will actually launch (sensible answers, please)?

jtwn 22-10-2005 17:38
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Booya!!! Will be interesting how Sky compete/fail to with this behemoth.

Derek 22-10-2005 17:43
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Since the deal between ntl and SA has just been announced, what would count as a quick launch? When do you think it will actually launch (sensible answers, please)?
I would think very close to Sky's launch date for HD, which seems to be slipping further and further away each month.

Andy C 22-10-2005 17:57
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Since the deal between ntl and SA has just been announced, what would count as a quick launch? When do you think it will actually launch (sensible answers, please)?
It depends. As far as I am aware the PVR project has been going on for some time which brings some questions...

1. Have ntl had development hardware from SA to work on prior to the announcement?

2. If so, would the code and EPG be ready to upload to the boxes as soon as they are retail ready?

3. will ntl have access to boxes for field testing prior to retail?

If the answers to the above are yes, then I could see testing beginning early next year with a roll out starting as early as March/April, or whenever SA can actually begin shipping the boxes.

If the answer to question 3 is a no, then testing could not begin until SA begin shipping which could be March or later. Then there would be internal testing, followed by field tests which could see a roll out no sooner than the second half of next year.

Personally, I am hoping for the March/April option. ;)


Andy.

simpsonsFAN 22-10-2005 17:57
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Since the deal between ntl and SA has just been announced, what would count as a quick launch? When do you think it will actually launch?
Telewest announced there SA PVR in january, put it in private employee testing over a month ago and will have it ready for us "before christmas".

NTL have only just announced there SA PVR to us, so at a reasonable guess I would say another year - however, if they do take that long they will really be testing there customour bases loyalty! there customours are not going to just sit around while sky+ hd is launching!

Im well aware of the technical benefits of MPEG4, but why delay the PVR to wait for MPEG4 decoder chipsets to become readily avalible?? - The mind boggles at the ignorance:Yikes:
-Chris

Jonathan David 22-10-2005 18:21
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Its a shame NTL are not like Apple, who have there products on sale the moment they are announced.

C_Cube 22-10-2005 20:09
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tristan
MPEG4. It's a better compression scheme, along the lines of DivX or WMV. It means that you can send an HD picture using the same bandwidth (and disk space, as the Digital Spy idiots seem to be forgetting) as an MPEG2 encoded SD picture.

Interestingly however, Telewest's PVR -- if they're going to go ahead with it still -- is HD capable, but only using MPEG2.
Your calculation is a bit off. You have to compare a HD picture transmitted using MPEG2. HD transmission in MPEG2 needs to be 12 -14 Mb/s and in MPEG4 about 6 - 8 Mb/s, where as SD MPEG2 would be 2 - 6 Mb/s and so in MPEG4 about 1.5 - 3 Mb/s.

Still nice to see a PVR from NTL ;)

testcard 22-10-2005 21:33
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Great stuff

Cable share of the tv market is declining, moreover the number of homes connected to ntl tv has fallen.The overall churn rate for ntl has increased.

To reverse this, they need a killer product, which it seems they have!

Launch within 4 months with attractive deals and prices please.

Otherwise the decline will continue

jtwn 22-10-2005 21:54
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Yes but ntl never market things well. I get bombarded with Sky advertising (tv, flyers, boards etc.) compared to ntl. If it weren't for those black filled trenches on every road and green boxes everywhere I could forget they were there.

monkey2468 22-10-2005 22:19
Re: PVR for NTL
 
NTL don't advertise much. Very rarely see an advert on TV.

Chris W 22-10-2005 22:24
Re: PVR for NTL
 
I've never seen an ntl advery on tv, however they do keep sending me stuff asking me to sign up... even though i tried to and after an install team, a network tech, and a construction team they decided it wasn't servicable :rolleyes:

anyway... lets keep to the PVR topic please :)

quadplay 23-10-2005 01:07
Re: PVR for NTL
 
There's a reason ntl don't advertise - they know they can't deliver in many cases. Despite what most people think, ntl's marketing team aren't TOTALLY inept... Just mostly. ;)

I predect we'll begin to see a lot more advertising after the merger goes through.

Dave E 23-10-2005 11:17
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by testcard
Great stuff

Cable share of the tv market is declining, moreover the number of homes connected to ntl tv has fallen.The overall churn rate for ntl has increased.

To reverse this, they need a killer product, which it seems they have!

Launch within 4 months with attractive deals and prices please.

Otherwise the decline will continue
Sounds great but if it takes as long as VOD we could be waiting a long time!

KenK 23-10-2005 21:20
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
There's a reason ntl don't advertise - they know they can't deliver in many cases. Despite what most people think, ntl's marketing team aren't TOTALLY inept... Just mostly. ;)

I predect we'll begin to see a lot more advertising after the merger goes through.
Telewest have been advertising quite heavily on radio here for several months, despite the fact that a large portion of the station's audience are in an ntl area. At least it gets their name into potential customer's minds.

As for inept: my last 6 ntl bills have asked "How would you like to enjoy super-fast Broadband? Call ... to find out about our fantastic offers"; two pages later, it lists the £24.99 charge for 2MB broadband. I would have thought that a basic rule of marketing is not to push offers to your customers on something they're already paying for.

daz300 23-10-2005 21:30
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenK
.
my last 6 ntl bills have asked "How would you like to enjoy super-fast Broadband? Call ... to find out about our fantastic offers"; two pages later, it lists the £24.99 charge for 2MB broadband. I would have thought that a basic rule of marketing is not to push offers to your customers on something they're already paying for.
i have had BB and tv and phone and i still get bill asking me to call for the "fantastic offers " one day i will ring up to see what can can do for me . lol

do you think we will have to pay for this new box to have it like you have to do with sky+ ???

jamiefrost 24-10-2005 09:59
Re: PVR for NTL
 
For me it will all come done to functionality. I have a pc based PVR at the moment. Nextworked clients etc. but the best things are the Intelligent recording and the favortite options.

Intelligent recording looks at your viewing history and starts to record this you migt like. The favorite options are great use keywords such as actors / genres or simply enter a program title such as simpsons and it wil record everything with simpsons in the title - great.

Sky+ comes now where near this. If NTL's pvr comes close I would consider swaping


JJ

bob_builder 24-10-2005 10:50
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamiefrost
For me it will all come done to functionality. I have a pc based PVR at the moment. Nextworked clients etc. but the best things are the Intelligent recording and the favortite options.

Intelligent recording looks at your viewing history and starts to record this you migt like. The favorite options are great use keywords such as actors / genres or simply enter a program title such as simpsons and it wil record everything with simpsons in the title - great.

Sky+ comes now where near this. If NTL's pvr comes close I would consider swaping
The main functional difference that the NTL PVR will offer over what you already have is the ability to record two or three NTL channels at the same time.

Martin 24-10-2005 12:11
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Hmmm just thinking about this... if it ever does come about that is!! I wonder if the PVR will have a built in modem like my STB or will it mean having to get a cable modem sorted out!!

quadplay 24-10-2005 12:30
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Cable Modem built in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scientific Atlanta
The innovative video services featured in the Scientific-Atlanta PVR, along with its Euro-DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem capabilities, will make this set-top a significant addition to ntlââ‚ ¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s triple play of digital TV, broadband Internet and telephone services offered to cable customers.
:)

SMHarman 24-10-2005 12:39
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Is it not worth posting the whole of that press release?

or linking to the news article...

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/article/...tas-mpeg-4-pvr

Mods - do as you please to this long post, but IMHO it is all relevant to this thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scientific Atlanta press release
Release date: October 20, 2005

Scientific-Atlantaââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s First European MPEG-4 PVR Selected by ntl for Personal Video Recorder Service
KORTRIJK, BELGIUM/ATLANTA, GA, USA †“ Scientific-Atlantaââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s first MPEG-4 personal video recorder (PVR) for European cable operators has been selected by ntl for the launch of its PVR service in the United Kingdom.

The new HD PVR, introduced at IBC 2005, will enable ntl to take advantage of the bandwidth maximization and video storage benefits of MPEG-4 part 10/H.264 compression as it launches high-definition (HD) television and personal video recorder services. Additionally, three video tuners in the set-top will allow customers to record three shows simultaneously.

†œWe look forward to offering cable customers the combination of MPEG-4 PVR and high quality Video on Demand services in 2006,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šà ¬Ã‚Â said Shai Weiss, managing director of ntlââ‚ ¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s Consumer Products division. †œWe wanted to leverage both this new technology and Scientific-Atlantaââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s extensive PVR experience to enable us to deploy a first-of-its-kind MPEG-4 PVR platform for the UK cable customers.ââ ¬Â

The innovative video services featured in the Scientific-Atlanta PVR, along with its Euro-DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem capabilities, will make this set-top a significant addition to ntlââ‚ ¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s triple play of digital TV, broadband Internet and telephone services offered to cable customers. ntl, with more than 3.3 million residential customers, is the United Kingdom's largest cable operator. Its 10,857kilometer broadband network passes one-third of all homes in the United Kingdom.

The Explorer ® 8450DVBââ€à …¾Ã‚¢ HD PVR helps service providers maximize bandwidth by supporting MPEG-4 advanced video compression decoding to enable them to launch HD services over existing networks.

The new European set-top platform will deliver the most compact PVR Scientific-Atlanta has created, and will have three video tuners, be Multi-Roomâ ¾Ã‚¢ capable, and have USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity. With a substantial 160Gb hard drive, the device will be able to store up to 80 hours of content.

†œIn every market where we have helped operators launch PVR service, consumers have quickly embraced the choice, convenience and control delivered by this exciting technology,ââ ¡Ã‚¬Ã‚ said George Stromeyer, vice president and managing director at Scientific-Atlanta Europe NV. †œIncorporating three video tuners into the Explorer 8450DVB HD PVR will further differentiate ntlââ‚ ¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s PVR offering in the market and enhance the experience of PVR service for ntlââ‚ ¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s customers.ââ ¬Â



Notes for Editors:

About ntl
ntl Incorporated offers a wide range of communications and content distribution services to residential and business customers throughout the UK.
ntl is the UKâ₠¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s largest cable company with 3.3 million residential customers, and the UKâ₠¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s leading supplier of broadband services to consumers with 1.6 million customers. Information on ntl and its products can be obtained at www.ntl.com.

About Scientific-Atlanta
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE: SFA) is a leading supplier of digital content contribution and distribution systems, video backbones, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops, modems and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support.

Scientific-Atlanta Europe NV http://www.saeurope.com
Scientific-Atlanta Corporate http://www.scientificatlanta.com

"Forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may be included in this news release. A variety of factors could cause Scientific-Atlanta's actual results to differ from the anticipated results expressed in such forward-looking statements. Investors are referred to Scientific-Atlanta's Cautionary Statements (Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's most recent Form 10-K), which statements are incorporated into this news release by reference.

For more information visit http://www.scientificatlanta.com. Writers and editors may access a variety of information on the company and its products, as well as downloadable images, by selecting News Center from the home page. Scientific-Atlanta, the Scientific-Atlanta logo and Explorer are registered trademarks and 8450DVB and Multi-Room are trademarks of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.

For more editorial information please contact:
Chevaan Seresinhe at Emmett & Smith on +44 207 819 4806 via email at chevaan.seresinhe@emmettandsmith.com or Peggy Ballard at Scientific-Atlanta on +1.770.236.7871 or via email at peggy.ballard@sciatl.com

Malcolm Padley, ntl, +44 207 746 4094 or 07788 978 199
http://www.sciatl.com/newscenter/new.../05Oct20-1.htm

quadplay 24-10-2005 12:40
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Umm, not really - it's already been linked to, and is in the story on the front page...

Martin 24-10-2005 12:44
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Cable Modem built in.
Phew! Thank goodness for that! Cheers Jimbo :)

jamiefrost 24-10-2005 12:54
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bob_builder
The main functional difference that the NTL PVR will offer over what you already have is the ability to record two or three NTL channels at the same time.
You could always use 2 normal STBs, off course this will proberbly be about the same cost as the PVR and you need room for 2 STBs. At the moment because of repeats in the early hours of the morning I never usually miss anything.

JJ

bob_builder 24-10-2005 14:26
Re: PVR for NTL
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamiefrost
You could always use 2 normal STBs, off course this will proberbly be about the same cost as the PVR and you need room for 2 STBs. At the moment because of repeats in the early hours of the morning I never usually miss anything.
One would hope that the PVR would be less than £15 a month extra - but then you never know with NTL!


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