StarHub TV to offer recording options to customers

StarHub TV customers using the HD Interactive set-top boxes can now record shows with a portable media drive retailing at $139.

Starting April 18, StarHub TV customers using the HD Interactive set-top boxes will soon have recording options thanks to StarHub’s new Value-Added Service– Smart TVTM, and the introduction of an external hard drive that is compatible with the HD Interactive set-top box to enable recording capabilities.

StarHub’s HD Interactive set-top box was first introduced in May 2010 to enable viewers to enjoy high definition content and interactive TV services such as On Demand TV and KaraOK!. Users of this set-top box were however unable to initiate any content recordings.

This lack of recording capabilities will be a thing of the past when customers subscribe to Smart TVTM. When connected to the Western Digital My Passport AV portable media drives, Smart TVTM functionalities will be activated on the HD Interactive set-top box. Users can then enjoy digital video recorder capabilities such as ‘Live’ TV control, and options to record a programme instantaneously or at pre-set times, by series or by show.

With a generous capacity of 320 GB, each My Passport AV portable media drive offers storage space to store up to 160 hours and 30 hours for standard and High Definition content respectively. Users can also choose to have access to more storage space by purchasing multiple external hard drives. Only one subscription to Smart TVTM is required for households with multiple HD Interactive set-top boxes.

Ms Iris Wee, StarHub's Vice President of Home Solutions & Content shared, “Viewers want to have the option to store their preferred content and consume it at any time, effectively, without any loss of quality. Some also want to safeguard their favourite content, and store them for future viewing. Smart TVTM will be a welcome introduction and underscores the importance that StarHub places on user experience for our TV customers, offering solutions that are tailored to their viewing needs”.

Mr Craig Davis, Director Sales & Marketing, Retail Division, Western Digital APAC & Japan added, “We are excited to partner with StarHub and bring enhanced user experience to viewers. My Passport AV portable media drives will create added value to the HD Interactive set-top box and elevate home entertainment to another level.”

The Smart TVTM service is priced at an affordable fee of $4.28 monthly, and subscription can be made via Instant Buy when the external hard drive is connected to a HD Interactive set-top box for the first time. My Passport AV portable media drive is retailing at $139, and will be sold exclusively at all StarHub retail stores at a promotion price of $88 while stocks last.