Rogers Launches PVR Service

Rogers Cable Inc. is getting personal.

The Canadian MSO said Wednesday that it has launched a personal-video-recorder service using Scientific-Atlanta Inc. "Explorer 8000" set-top boxes.

Subscribers will be able to pause and rewind live television, record up to 50 hours of programming and watch one show while recording up to two others at the same time.

The boxes can be purchased at select Rogers Video, Rogers Plus, RadioShack Corp., Future Shop and Best Buy Co. Inc. stores for $499 ($599 minus a $100 programming credit). The operator said a rental option will be available in the first quarter of 2004.