Cablevision to roll out network-DVR in April
March 1, 2010
Cablevision has confirmed it will roll out its controversial remote storage digital video recorder in the US in April. When plans for the network-based DVR were first announced in 2006, several major programme owners sued the cable operator claiming it was illegal. Cablevision won the case on appeal and last June the US Supreme Court rejected a counter appeal by the film studios and television networks, opening the way for the DVR to be launched.
In the last three months of 2009, Cablevision earned $78.4 million, reversing a year-earlier loss of $323.2 million. Revenue rose 5 per cent, to $2.14 billion from $2.04 billion.
Cablevision lost 45,100 video customers from the prior year, ending the quarter with 3.1 million. However, more of the remaining subscribers upgraded to digital service, which is more expensive. Cablevision added 55,900 digital video subscribers.
The combined TV, Internet and phone business increased revenue 5.5 percent to $1.38 billion, while operating income rose 22.7 percent to $364.6 million.