Telewest First To Launch HDTV Services
Cable operator Telewest has become the first of the country’s broadcasters to launch high definition (HD) services, rolling out several channels of vastly improved quality to an initial audience of around 400 customers.
The company now offers free HD programmes from BBC Worldwide, including Pride, The Blue Planet and Wild Weather. Movies will also be made available during the commercial pilot, thanks to Telewest’s existing relationship with Filmflex (see Cable Giants Launch On-Demand TV And Movie Services).
The company’s HD content is delivered via its existing on-demand TV service, Teleport, offering instant access to a huge library of TV programmes and films. The use of Teleport means that DVD-style functionality is also added to the HD content, allowing users to pause, rewind and fast-forward through programmes.
HD programmes sport greatly increased quality, with four times as many pixels as standard TV broadcasts, meaning crystal clear pictures and stunning detail even on larger plasma and LCD TVs.
The new service is being launched in conjunction with Telewest’s unveiling of its own-branded PVR, dubbed the TV Drive.
The device, featuring similar functionality to that of satellite rival Sky+, allows Telewest customers to record programmes at the touch of a button, as well as giving the option to ‘timeshift’ live programmes. With hard drive storage for around 80 hours of programmes, viewers can save their favourite shows without the need for bulky video tapes, and can record up to two channels while watching a third.
TV Drive is expected to launch nation-wide early next year, costing £10 per month for customers taking the company’s top digital TV package, or £15 per month otherwise. Unlike Sky+, Telewest does not charge a one-off purchase cost for the box, potentially improving the system’s attractiveness to consumers.
Commenting on the new products, Eric Tveter, president and chief operating officer of Telewest said: “Our new PVR is streets ahead; with generous storage, the flexibility of being able to record up to two channels while watching a third, and breath-taking HDTV.
“With both TVDrive and Teleport, our customers will have complete control, freedom and choice with their TV viewing. Combined with HDTV, it’s the ultimate TV experience and leaves the current Sky+ box on the starting line.”
Sky is expected to launch its HD television service early next year, with customers requiring a new set top box to receive the signals. The new box will feature PVR features as standard, and rumours persist that a network connection will enable on-demand content to be delivered via an internet connection (see New Sky Box To Pack Broadband For On-Demand TV).
Telewest: 0845 142 0000 www.telewest.co.uk