Cablevision Explores Networked DVRs

Cablevision Explores Networked DVRs

Alan Breznick, Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

March 3, 2005

1 Min Read
Cablevision Explores Networked DVRs

Cablevision Systems may be going its own way once again. Despite the popularity that other MSOs are enjoying with souped-up cable-DVR set-tops, Cablevision seems determined to launch a network-based DVR service instead. Cablevision has started rolling out dual-tuner digital video recorders from Scientific-Atlanta in a limited fashion over the past few months. But, after calling DVRs "an inelegant solution" during the company's year-end earnings call last week, Cablevision President and COO Tom Rutledge told financial analysts Wed. that he still aims to launch a networked DVR service later this year. He said a network-based service makes much more economic sense in the long run because it would spare the expense of truck rolls, digital box swaps and new set-top installations. Rutledge also indicated that Cablevision may have found a way around the copyright issues that have bedeviled other MSOs, such as Time Warner Cable. Although also intrigued by the idea of a networked DVR service, Time Warner scaled back its investment in a similar venture, Mystro TV, last year.

About the Author(s)

Alan Breznick

Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

Alan Breznick is a business editor and research analyst who has tracked the cable, broadband and video markets like an over-bred bloodhound for more than 20 years.

As a senior analyst at Light Reading's research arm, Heavy Reading, for six years, Alan authored numerous reports, columns, white papers and case studies, moderated dozens of webinars, and organized and hosted more than 15 -- count 'em --regional conferences on cable, broadband and IPTV technology topics. And all this while maintaining a summer job as an ostrich wrangler.

Before that, he was the founding editor of Light Reading Cable, transforming a monthly newsletter into a daily website. Prior to joining Light Reading, Alan was a broadband analyst for Kinetic Strategies and a contributing analyst for One Touch Intelligence.

He is based in the Toronto area, though is New York born and bred. Just ask, and he will take you on a power-walking tour of Manhattan, pointing out the tourist hotspots and the places that make up his personal timeline: The bench where he smoked his first pipe; the alley where he won his first fist fight. That kind of thing.

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