Amino debuts Plug-in PVR technology for IPTV set-top boxes

September 12, 2008 - UK set-top box firm Amino has introduced a new plug-in solution enabling telcos to provide their IPTV subscribers with personal video recording (PVR) functionality without the need for hard drive units during the initial installation.

Introduced at this year's IBC event, which started today in Amsterdam, the new solution enables the user to attach a USB drive to their existing set-top box and access their files quickly and view them on any set-top box.  The new Plug-in PVR concept will be offered over the next few months, according to Amino.

“Put simply, Plug-In PVR technology means increased flexibility and reduced costs for the operator,” said Andrew Burke, CEO at Amino. “This development provides a clear upgrade path enabling consumers to benefit from falling hard drive prices and increasing capacity. This growing freedom is yet another positive enhancement to the way we watch television.  Over the coming months, we will see the introduction of this more flexible, user-friendly, external storage solution. It is technology like this that will form the foundations of next-generation IPTV.”

Operators can create offers using different drives with capability ranging from pausing of live TV to full PVR functions, and optionally charge an upgrade fee to enable the feature.