Sources inform “Globes” that the cable companies' HOT Plus device, a personal video recorder (PVR) (a smart digital recording set-top box), will cost NIS 2,200, about NIS 300 less than satellite broadcaster YES's YES MAX set-top box. The sources added that HOT is in advanced negotiations with Best Buy Marketing Chains to exclusively market HOT Plus.
Like YES MAX, HOT Plus is a set-top box that includes a drive capable of recording dozens of hours. The set-top box will replace HOT subscribers' regular set-top boxes. The new device enables recording and navigation (forward, back, stop) of all content broadcast on television.
HOT said in response, "Within a few days, we'll formally announce the price of the device and how it will be marketed. We cannot therefore comment on the matter at this time."
It is believed that a few thousand YES MAX devices have been sold. As in the case of its cable counterparts, one of the main barriers to the entry of YES MAX is its high price.
The Hot Plus service will be launched in less than two weeks, joining the cable companies' Video-on-Demand (VOD) service, launched a few months ago, which is still an exclusive service. It is estimated that 50,000 cable customers will join the HOT Plus service.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on April 19, 2005