Software glitches delay TelstraClear's recorder

Software integration issues have delayed the launch of a digital video recorder that will let TelstraClear offer its 40,000 cable television customers in Wellington and Christchurch the same features now provided by MySky and TiVo.

TelstraClear's rudimentary set- top boxes have long been the weak link in its "triple play" phone, broadband and TV offering.

TelstraClear had said it would begin selling high-definition digital video recorders (DVRs) in February that could pause and rewind live TV and record programmes straight to a built-in hard drive. They will be priced at $499, or $15 a month, plus installation.

Television product manager Jeff Doyle says the first bulk shipment of the DVRs, built by Irish manufacturer Digisoft, is due to arrive in the next couple of weeks.

But two separate software integration issues mean it is best they don't yet go on sale. It is not yet clear whether the delay will be one of weeks or months.

Mr Doyle says the first issue concerns the integration of digital rights management (DRM) technology in the boxes with TelstraClear's servers. Integration is complicated by the fact DRM has to work across both its new and existing set-top boxes. The second concerns a software feature that lets users rewind and fast-forward programmes at high speeds.

Digisoft was not at fault. "The hardware is good. We are 95 per cent of the way there with the software, but the last 5 per cent is the hardest part when you get to pulling all of the systems together."

Mr Doyle says TelstraClear is disappointed by the delay but an agreement with Television New Zealand means the DVRs will be able to show all HD programmes broadcast free-to-air and on Sky TV in high definition.

"We are late to market compared to what Sky has done, but we are looking to the future. We are not just a pay-TV provider. We are a broadband provider and can deliver a lot of clever stuff on this box."

Digisoft's DVRs are based on Java software and could let users download programmes and access websites on their televisions.

Customers could use their televisions as screens for video calls and play HD movies downloaded from memory sticks. However, Mr Doyle says none of those features would be available when the boxes first go on sale.

- © Fairfax NZ News