Digeo Pushes Back DVR Retail Play

Postpones Retail Availability of Moxi HD DVR Until 2008; Cable Version on Track to Ship by Year-End

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 11/2/2007 12:37:00 PM

Digeo has put off plans to launch retail versions of its Moxi high-definition digital video recorders until next year, though the company said its CableCard-compatible DVRs are on track to ship to cable operator customers before the end of 2007.

Senior director of communications Jodie Cadieux said the delay on the retail strategy is “due largely to the fact that we are using a number of ingredient technologies that are brand-new to the market.”

She noted that Digeo is adding new features to the Moxi DVRs. For example, the company has licensed software from 4HomeMedia to develop ways to control home-control systems, such as audio/visual systems and lighting, from the Moxi user interface.

“When you add it all together, we decided to take a little more time to make sure it is a great experience,” said Cadieux, who declined to disclose expected pricing for the units.

The Seattle-based firm, backed by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, in January announced plans to deliver DVRs through retail channels. 

The two models targeted for retail are the Moxi Multi-Room DVR, which includes a CableCard slot and will provide “select Internet services on the television,” and the Home Cinema Edition, intended for home-theater enthusiasts, which lacks CableCard support.

Meanwhile, Digeo still plans to deliver standalone CableCard-based Moxi HD DVRs for cable operators before year end, Cadieux said. Digeo’s eight current cable customers include Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Sunflower Broadband and BendBroadband

News of the delay in Digeo’s retail plans was reported Thursday by blogger Dave Zatz, who is also an employee of Sling Media.