Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) are evolving from stand-alone devices (e.g., Tivo) into a function that is being integrated into IP, cable and satellite set-top boxes (STBs). PVR is becoming a standard feature in service providers’ offerings; in fact the number of deployed PVR-enabled STBs is expected to dwarf stand-alone PVRs. While PVRs have much higher functionality than a VCR or DVD, by definition they are not portable and thus create a need to network the video content they store throughout the residence.

CopperGate’s CopperStream™-based solution establishes a high-speed multimedia network over existing residential coax and telephone wiring. The ability to support peer to peer communication through splitters allows the creation of a very high-speed home network. This high-speed, QoS network distributes the content that is stored on a PVR-enabled STB throughout the house, turning the PVR-enabled STB into a de-facto home media server – a compelling product for service providers. CopperGate’s solution also connects all home-entertainment and PC-related devices on a single network, offering great benefits to end-users.