Beyond anything else cable subscribers want unlimited DVR storage space. In a survey of U.S. broadband homes, about 51% of those polled told Parks Associates they were "very interested" in that feature.
To offer unlimited DVR service, providers would almost certainly have to turn to the cloud. That's something Comcast has been testing with its X1 DVR with Cloud Technology platform (though the storage capacity is limited). A number of other providers also have cloud DVRs in some stage of testing, which makes sense since DVRs in general have been such a success. More than 50% of cable subscribers have some form of DVR, whether it is offered by their cable provider or sold at retail, according to MultiChannel News.
"Consumer interest in cloud DVR features is strong, particularly the idea of unlimited storage capacity. As with any transition, there are challenges and opportunities for operators looking to expand their services into the cloud," Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates, said in a statement. "Operators are interested in cloud DVR because these services will reduce their long-term hardware costs while providing multiscreen capabilities, enhanced features, scalability, improved flexibility, and new revenue opportunities."
From the article "What Do Cable Customers Want More Than Anything Else?" by Daniel B. Kline.
