AOL Time Warner has confirmed that it has devised a new service, akin to TiVo, that will enable subscribers to skip through TV programming without the need to install new hardware.
It was first revealed last month that AOL was testing a digital recording service, called Mystro TV, that would be available to cable subscribers (see
PVR Uptake Gives Ad Industry Food For Thought). Viewers will be able to watch programming in their own time and can fast-forward and rewind at leisure.
“Mystro TV will store video content at a cable operator’s facilities and allow subscribers to access these stored programmes through the operator’s cable system at any time,” the company said in its SEC filing.
Testing is ongoing and no details have been disclosed on the timescale for the launch of the product or its proposed price.
InStat/MDR predicts that worldwide unit shipments of personal video recorder (PVR) products will increase from 1.5 million this year to more than 11 million in 2005 (see Manufacturers Remain Committed To Personal Video Recorders).
