Bell has rolled out Remote PVR, a national service that enables Bell TV subscribers to schedule their TV recordings from their Bell Mobility smart phones or any Internet connection.
Remote PVR, driven by technology from Sling Media, Inc., allows subscribers to filter their program guide by genres, networks, sports and more; access guide content via an intuitive search feature; view program images; and, screen movie trailers via Internet-connected computers. Bell TV is the first Canadian licensee of SlingGuide, from Sling Media, the EchoStar Corp. subsidiary.
The launch gives Bell TV customers expanded choices during the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver. Bell is an official sponsor of the Games.
Subscribers with broadband services can connect to their HD PVR to track disk space to ensure that there is room for upcoming recordings, set recording priorities and review, edit and delete recordings. They can also use their smart phone or computer as a remote control.
The device is available at no charge to all Bell TV subscribers with an HD PVR 9242 or 9241 receiver. Customers can connect their HD PVR to broadband Internet service by using either an Ethernet cable or Homeplug adaptor, both available from Bell stores or on bell.ca for $50. Data and international roaming charges may apply for those using a smart phone to access the servic
"Anyone who has a PVR understands how these amazing devices have revolutionized the TV viewing experience by letting customers better manage their TV content," said Kevin Crull, president of Bell Residential Services, in a statement. "Bell TV's Remote PVR takes this even further by enabling subscribers to conveniently schedule and manage their recordings any time from anywhere using their Bell Mobility smartphones or their Internet-connected computers."
The Remote PVR launch coincided with the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; Bell is a Premier National Partner and the Exclusive Telecommunications Partner of the Games.
"As Canadians gear up to watch the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Remote PVR will ensure they don't miss a second of the action," Crull said.
Bell TV subscribers and Bell Mobility clients with enabled handsets and applicable data plans will be able to access 2010 Winter Games coverage as part of Bell's partnership with Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, which includes content from 10 networks in 22 languages. The consortium stations: English networks CTV, Sportsnet, TSN and OLN: French networks V, RDS and RIS Info Sports; and multi-language networks OMNI, APTN and ATN.
Bell TV subscribers also have no-charge access to five HD channels featuring exclusive, live and unedited footage from key competitions.
