ANGA Cable 2010 – Cologne. Sky Deutschland has chosen NDS XTV secure integrated PVR technology for its Sky+ HD PVR service. The Pace-manufactured receiver will extend the relationship that began with the first Sky Deutschland HD receiver in August last year. The Pace HD set-tops, featuring XTV, will enable recording of up to 50 movies in standard definition (SD) or up to 25 movies in true HD. Sky HD receivers will also be capable of receiving future HD 3D services. The 320 GB hard drive will be partitioned so as to allow a later launch for the Sky Anytime Push VOD service.
Sky already uses NDS MediaHighway STB software, VideoGuard content protection technology and an NDS electronic programme guide (EPG).
Gerry Duffy Senior Vice President Technology, Sky Deutschland said: “NDS XTV is the logical extension to complement the end-to-end solution that Sky is already using from NDS. The new DVR technology enables a secure and enriched service for our Sky+ subscribers – which are the two important prerequisites for any service in advanced pay-TV environments.”
Yves Padrines, NDS Vice President, Business Development & General Manager NDS GmbH, said: “We are extremely pleased to be supporting Sky in this fantastic enhancement to their service, XTV provides the functionality that truly leads to an enhanced user experience. With MediaHighway, VideoGuard, XTV and an NDS EPG, Sky benefits from an advanced NDS technology infrastructure – providing the right framework for them to flexibly launch more exciting service extensions in the future.”