Charter to Purchase 100,000 Moxi-based DVRs
Reprinted from a Motorola/Digeo/Charter joint press release:
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) Broadband Communications Sector and Digeo, Inc., today announced that Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) committed to purchase 100,000 units of the new Motorola Broadband Media Centers (BMCs) powered by Digeo’s Moxi Service. The announcement marks the first introduction, order, and widescale deployment by a cable operator of a digital cable media center with advanced features such as dual-tuner “watch and record” personal video recording (PVR), high-definition television (HDTV), and a progressive-scan DVD player.
Delivering Added Value and ROI
Charter views the Motorola BMC as a key platform for providing the very best in entertainment services to its existing digital cable customers - as well as for attracting new customers who want a richer, more compelling experience. Additionally, through advanced features like multi-TV PVR and HDTV, Charter can increase digital revenue by further extending its reach throughout the home - all while leveraging its existing digital cable investment.
“By placing a significant order for the new Motorola BMCs with the Moxi Service, we’re sending a clear message to our customers,” said Carl Vogel, president and CEO of Charter. “If you want the best that broadband entertainment has to offer, you want Charter Digital Cable. With this offering, we’re providing a whole new level of choice, convenience and control to consumers. And, we’re setting the bar for the delivery of multi-channel services well above the reach of satellite providers.”
Motorola Broadband Media Center Family Ushers in New Era of Cable Innovation
The BMC platform with the Moxi Service is part of Motorola’s “connected home” strategy, which provides fully integrated combinations of compelling features and functions to enhance a consumer’s broadband experience. Charter will deploy the Motorola BMC9012 single-TV and BMC9022D multi-TV gateways, both which provide a seamless way for consumers to store, manage and share all types of media (television programming, movies, music, photos, games, etc.) throughout their home.
With the Motorola BMC family of gateways, MSOs will be able to offer features such as dual-tuner PVR, HDTV, DVD, video-on-demand (VOD) and pay-per-view (PPV) through one integrated gateway with one consistent interface. Models in the Motorola BMC family include:
“We are excited to once again lead the market with innovative products that feature today’s most advanced technology, such as multi-room broadband services, through our integrated, easy-to-use media centers,” said Carl McGrath, Motorola corporate vice president and general manager, digital core gateways. “Motorola’s mission is to help broadband cable operators like Charter keep consumers entertained, informed and connected. The BMC family of products will enable operators to differentiate their service offerings from competitors, generate new revenue streams and enhance customer satisfaction.”
“This new Charter order is a significant industry milestone, and Digeo is proud to collaborate with industry leader Motorola to bring this powerful entertainment experience into living rooms later this year,” said Digeo Chief Executive Jim Billmaier.
“Based on the overwhelming enthusiasm from trial participants and on our recent market research, it is clear that consumers are hungry for a better way to enjoy the entertainment content coming into their homes.”
Charter plans to begin commercial rollout in the Rochester, Minnesota area during Q4 of 2003. The Rochester market currently serves 55,000 households.