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Arris reveals Moxi DVR release 2.0 with web browser, apps and iPad remote
If your cable company is offering Arris' Moxi Whole Home DVR setup (we've seen it pop up on Shaw, BendBroadband and Wide Open West so far) you should have a few new features headed your way. This week at the NCTA Cable Show 2012 it's debuting Moxi software release 2.0 which adds in a WebKit-based browser, downloadable apps and an appstore the TV provider can customize itself, as well as APIs and SDKs aplenty to bring in third party developers. With the SDK, other companies can pair mobile devices and build in remotes or stream content, while Arris is also showing off its own iPad app (images after the break) for remote DVR scheduling. Unfortunately, we're told these upgrades won't trickle down to owners of Moxi's retail DVRs, but considering how close they came to total deactivation, we're not that surprised.
Shaw Cable's Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV
While US residents seethe over increases in Netflix's pricing, our neighbors in Canada are upset by the competing Movie Club package Shaw Cable is offering. The $12 per month service offers unlimited access to "hundreds of the best Hollywood movies" and plans to have high definition feeds later this summer for an additional $5 (cable companies in the US have a similar scheme under the name Vutopia.) Causing the issue are promises that "the only limit is the number of hours in your day" unlike bandwidth capped streaming from unnamed services like Netflix. While Movie Club viewing over the internet on a PC, tablet or other device is capped just like any other service, access via the cable box is not metered. That distinction doesn't sit well with subscribers and consumer groups arguing for net neutrality, particularly as the CRTC is in the midst of hearings over usage-based internet billing. While that case hasn't been decided, our own ruling is already in and is firmly against Shaw, or anyone else, advertising based on advantages that exist only due to policies it created in the first place.
Arris confirms the Shaw Gateway DVR's Moxi bloodlines, hints at more to come
The six tuner Shaw Gateway DVR we mentioned recently is built on Arris hardware, and now the company revealed more information about its Whole Home Solution setup at its core. The press release after the break details the specs used by Shaw's implementation (500GB hard drive, HD UI, four port router, MoCa and optional WiFi N) plus additional capabilities the Shaw Gateway hasn't taken advantage of yet (over the top video from the internet, VoIP, an integrated DOCSIS 3.0 modem and user media sharing). We spoke to Senior VP of Marketing and Development Stan Brovont and found out that this particular project has been under development for about a year now, and many of the features are in response to focus groups indicating that the number of tuners and hard drive space (the 500GB drive was up to Shaw) were among the most important features. While he did mention there were other partnerships not yet announced in the pipeline and couldn't comment on any potential return to retail for the Moxi-derived system, our friend Dave Zatz dug up a Multichannel News post mentioning a similar system coming to Oregon local provider BendBroadband. Check the Arris press release after the break for more details, we'll keep holding out hope for another retail DVR option in the marketplace.
Shaw Gateway DVR is the six tuner Canadian son of Moxi
Shaw Cable in Canada unveiled its DVR of the future today, calling the Shaw Gateway Experience "a new world of entertainment." As it turns out, that new world is actually very familiar, consisting of an Arris six tuner DVR and multiroom companion box. The Gateway (pictured above) is a six tuner DVR with a CableCARD slot, 500GB hard drive, WiFi, DLNA and an HD guide that looks just like the Moxi DVR technology Arris purchased over a year ago. The Total Home Portal is the multiroom box that appears to be a refreshed edition of the Moxi Mate extender that lacks its own tuner or hard drive but can stream live or recorded video from the gateway. The cost of one Gateway and Portal is $600 up front or $17/month, while an extra portal is $178 or $5/month. They're currently only available in Calgary and are due to arrive elsewhere in Canada later this summer. [Thanks, Daniel]
Shaw Cable offering 3D video on-demand, but not the good kind
In the race to bring home 3D Shaw Cable has taken an early lead, although we're not sure everyone would agree it's worth it. Together with Corus Entertainment, it's loading up the VOD library full of films, sports, concert events and other content all in anaglyph (red/blue) 3D and distributing glasses free of charge to all of its subscribers. No word on how much ordering up the content will cost or when it will be available, but the biggest factor in our disappointment is that while it will work on any television, the quality simply doesn't compare to proper stereoscopic 3D. Still, Canadians haven't been able to call "First" many times, we guess we'll let them have this one. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Digital Home Canada]
Shaw launches Big Ten Network HD / Golf HD in Canada
It's a few days behind schedule, but Shaw Cable customers in Canada are now getting not one, but two new sports-related HD channels. Effective immediately, subscribers in the Great North can tune to Big Ten Network HD and Golf HD, both of which are available in free preview form until January 31, 2009. Both networks are falling into the carrier's HD Plus service, which goes for an extra $9 per month.
Shaw regroups HD channels so you don't have to search
It's a proven fact that most HDTV viewers take for granted that their high-def favorites are grouped together in the EPG, but high-def onlookers in Shaw territory have been hunting and pecking for ages... until now. The Canadian cable provider has just announced that it will soon be shuffling its lineup around in order to "give Shaw customers a better viewing experience by grouping high-definition channels together for ease of channel surfing." The changes are slated to take place on November 18th for Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Edmonton, Redwater, Edson, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Winnipeg, rural Manitoba, Kenora, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, while all other markets will see the difference the day after.
Shaw launching TSN2 HD Friday
Slightly more exciting than a 24/7 art channel, Shaw Cable is the latest to add TSN2 HD. Starting Friday September 19 subscribers can check out (hopefully sans-pixelization) all the curling, hockey, NASCAR, CFL and other sports action in high definition on channel 226 (HD Plus) or 269 (Star Choice). We know we had you at curling.
Shaw Cable launches The Frame HD channel: high-def art, all the time
Apparently this whole "showing off HD art on the HDTV" fad is quite popular. Not only are certain HDTV manufacturers partnering with content providers, Canada's Shaw Cable is actually launching a 24/7 channel that broadcasts high-def art around the clock to entertain guests and show off just how pixelated pay-TV can be. The commercial free station, dubbed The Frame, essentially converts your set into an HD canvas that shows off art from Canada Collects, Animal Kingdom, Water World, Birds of a Feather, The Seven Seas, Canadian Horizons, City Lights, Sands of Time, Gardens of Delight, and many others. The galleries rotate every half hour and the images change every 30 seconds. As of now, the station is on slot 225 in Calgary, while the carrier intends to roll it out in more markets by September.
