ReplayTV has picked up a big partner to tout its personal digital recording technology
through a deal with Panasonic. Under the terms of the deal, the personal electronics giant will
begin bundling ReplayTV’s digital recording technology in its upcoming TV combination
product, the PV-SS2710 TV/ShowStopper Hard Disk Recorder.
Combining a 27-inch Panasonic television with ReplayTV, the PV is scheduled to hit
electronics retail stores before the end of February, with a retail price of $899.95. With the
new product, customers will have an instant plug-and-play digital recording service that enables
users to “control” and record live television, including features like pause, instant replay, slow
motion and extended digital recording (up to 30 hours).
ReplayTV’s technology also enables users to create their own personal channels by bundling
recordings of specific shows, including a keyword input that scours the airwaves for any show
matching a user’s preferences (like: “record all nature programs” or “record all shows starring
David Hasslehoff”).
The deal comes just months ReplayTV decided to throw in the towel in its quest to market its
own television line. The company laid of 120 people in early December 2000, opting for a new
strategy that focuses on licensing its technology to cable and satellite operators, and hardware
makers.
