DirecTV launches NDS-powered PVR

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US satellite broadcaster DirecTV has launched its first personal video recorder (PVR) using technology from News Corporation subsidiary NDS, and pledged to focus its core initiatives on the new product.

The move is a blow to its partner TiVo, which acquires many of its customers from DirecTV, though a DirecTV spokesman told Reuters that existing TiVo customers would continue to be supported.

Rival US satellite operator EchoStar Communications is also launching its own PVR in another assault on TiVo's turf.

TiVo yesterday announced plans for new products including a high-resolution VR and programming over the internet in a bid to protect itself against growing competition.