Sky Gives Due Date For Integrated Digibox And Personal TV Recorder

BSkyB will launch an integrated set-top decoder and personal television recorder in the first quarter of next year. The device will allow viewers to control live digital satellite programmes as if they were VCR recordings, choosing to ‘fast forward’ through adverts or ‘pause’ the programme if interrupted.

The device also allows recording of up to 40 hours of programming on a hard disk, and can be set up to automatically record every episode of a series. It uses an extended version of Sky’s electronic programme guide (EPG), enabling one touch recording.

Sky’s new product also integrates the set top box technology needed to receive digital satellite television services. In fact, this box will contain two tuners, so that recordings can be made from one channel while another channel is being watched.

The new system is designed to be marketed alongside Sky’s existing free digibox offer and the imminent launch of TiVo’s standalone personal television recorder (see BSkyB To Bring Personal TV Viewing To The UK). Prices for the new products will be announced during the lead up to launching.

The advent of such systems in this country will ask serious questions of information gathering organisations such as BARB. When viewers can opt not to see certain adverts, or are encouraged to watch prime-time programming outside of prime time schedule times, information gathered about viewing habits in order to help advertisers choose slots will lose value. New ways of measuring which take these systems into account, or perhaps even integrates their technology, will have to be developed.

BSkyB: 020 7705 3000