This summer’s new version of Le Cube personal video recorder has helped Canal+ increase subscriber numbers by 248,000 in the first nine months of 2010.
Financial statements released by parent Vivendi said progress has also been made in upgrading the remaining analogue subscribers, as France completes ASO around the country, and Canal’s long standing terrestrial distribution is removed. At the end of September 2010 just 2% of analogue subscriptions were left to be converted. The French business also benefited from increased advertising and subscription revenues.
The successor to the award-winning Le Cube is once again manufactured by Pace. Taking advantage of a necessity – devices that incorporate a hard drive are taxed at a higher rate – the new design includes a detachable 320 GB hard drive that sits on top of the main casing. An over-the-air upgrade, currently underway, will enable holders of the new receiver to use its Wi-fi capability for the first time. Its predecessor relied on Ethernet connectivity. In addition to personal storage the device will also receive Canal’s Pull VOD service.
Canal+ Group revenues were €3,464 million, compared to €3,368 million over the same period in 2009, a 2.9% increase year-on-year. Net income was adjusted by approximately €50 million following the acquisition of minority stakes held by TF1 and M6.
