Chongqing Cable to Launch China’s HD DVR and Push VOD Service

NDS Group Ltd., provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, and DOXTV, value-added TV service provider in China, announced the launch of China’s first HD digital video recorder (DVR) and push video on demand (VOD) service for Chongqing Cable TV Network subscribers, Chongqing Cable TV+.

In the first deployment of both an HD DVR and push VOD in China, Chongqing has chosen solutions from NDS including VideoGuard conditional access (CA), MediaHighway set-top box software, XTV DVR technology with push VOD capability and an electronic program guide (EPG) developed by NDS and DOXTV.

DOXTV has rights to a wide range of international premium content and offers cable operators in China, such as Chongqing, over 1,500 hours of international and local HD content each year. DOXTV has rights to programming from CCTV, BBC, CBS, NHK, NBC Universal, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, with popular series’ such as CSI, Prison Break, Heroes, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. In addition, subscribers are able to watch Hollywood blockbusters over the push VOD service three to six months after their release in the US.

DOXTV will supply programming to Chongqing Cable’s TV+ service, providing subscribers with an unparalleled viewing experience. The premium Chongqing Cable TV+ service includes pay TV channels, interactive TV, HD TV and a cable broadband connection, offering subscribers a range of converged services. All members of the family can now enjoy a variety of TV entertainment options. The Chongqing Cable set-top boxes (STBs) will run NDS set-top box software, CA and DVR technology.

DOXTV’s service helps Chinese cable operators such as Chongqing Cable grow their digital TV business, by enabling them to offer a compelling proposition to viewers including access to more attractive content and features than previously available. With push VOD, operators can fully utilise the existing one-way network infrastructure to offer an efficient and effective VOD service.

“There is a pent-up demand for premium TV services and HD content in China. In partnership with NDS and DOXTV, we are making this a reality now,” said Li Xiaofeng, General Manager of Chongqing Cable. “Our subscribers will now be able to watch what they want, when they want with NDS XTV DVR technology that allows them to pause live TV, record, play back, rewind and fast-forward their favourite TV programmes to view when they choose.”

“This is an important milestone for NDS, the HD DVR is a huge technical advance for cable operators and will redefine the way viewers are entertained and informed in China,” said Sue Taylor, Senior Vice President and General Manager of NDS Asia Pacific, and Chairman, NDS China.

Tao Libao, CEO of DOXTV commented: “By bringing HD and VOD to subscribers in China for the first time, DOXTV and Chongqing Cable is revolutionising the TV experience. With a broad range of quality programming and the world’s leading technology, we will be delivering a first-of-its kind premier HD pay-TV service in China.”