Cisco HD-DVR Services Power Videotron illico TV Services in Quebec

Cisco (News - Alert) announced that Videotron, a telecommunications operator in Canada, has selected Cisco High-Definition Digital Video Recording (HD-DVR) services to launch its next generation illico digital TV service.

The Canadian telco uses Cisco Explorer 8642 HD-DVR and 4642 HD set-top boxes (STBs) to provide best-in-class entertainment experience to customers in Quebec.

Cisco 8642 HD-DVR optimizes Videotron's (News - Alert) existing Cisco-powered cable head-end infrastructure and DOCSIS network enabling broader access to entertainment programs including broadcast television and video-on-demand (VOD).

Cisco HD-DVR services give service providers an opportunity to advance their video service plans by integrating the quality of high-definition video, digital video recording, and new service application features.

The solution also includes 500-gigabyte DVR hard disc drive that supports up to 280 hours of standard-definition and up to 55 hours of high-definition programming. The solution meets industry standards by offering hybrid video service support, open standard support, multiple tuner support as well as USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity.

Additionally Cisco HD-DVR solution requires less than 1 watt of power consumption in standby mode, so it meets ENERGY STAR (News - Alert) Tier 1 strict energy-efficiency guidelines. It is also capable of 'light sleep' mode.

“The latest generation of Cisco Explorer set-top boxes supports the Tru2way open standard allowing us to offer a tailored customer experience to a broader audience,” said Pierre Roy, vice president of Engineering, Research and Development at Videotron, in a statement. “The Cisco Explorer set-top boxes help us to differentiate our innovative service and applications while retaining our market leadership.”

The illico TV service gives access to interactive entertainment and information related to music, weather, local information, voting and polling, and other services. It also includes Video-on-Demand, Electronic Program Guide, Pay-Per-View, Caller ID, Weather, and DVR functionality.

“With illico TV New Generation, Videotron can continue to advance its video strategy by utilizing its head-end and DOCSIS fiber optic networks combined with Cisco's set-top technology to deliver best-in-class video entertainment experiences on air, online, on demand,” said Mark Kummer, vice president of Service Provider Operations at Cisco Canada, in a statement.

In a recent announcement at the Enterprise Connect (News - Alert) trade show, Cisco introduced new people-centric innovations aimed at making it easier for people to collaborate anywhere, anytime in the post-PC era. These solutions range from new desktop and mobile Cisco Jabber collaboration applications to Cisco TelePresence systems.