The French premium channel operator Canal+ has introduced a new generation of a hybrid HD satellite receivers and broadband access for interactive services. Called the Cube, it is set to combat the offer from the newly launched Orange DTH platform.
The Cube will be available from November 4 and costs an additional €10 a month (the total rental price will be €18, compared to €8 for the current DTH receiver). The box offers viewers HD satellite reception, a 320 GB hard disk and all the usual PVR functions.
With the Ethernet connection on the box, Canal+ will also offer interactivity, VOD services and new services such as Restart-TV and a recommendation service for viewers.
The Cube is also equipped with USB and HMDI ports.

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