Swisscom has introduced an entry-level offer for digital TV that includes a number of advanced services, including 40 channels in HD, multiscreen TV viewing and a live pause function that harnesses internal memory within a hard disk-less set-top box. The new television offer has been labeled Swisscom TV 2.0 light (after the full-flavoured Swisscom TV 2.0, which was introduced in the spring) and it is bundled with a 2Mbps broadband service and fixed line connection for CHF 39.50. The triple-play offer, called Casa, is aimed at non-Swisscom homes looking for a low-cost option for upgrading from analogue TV to a digital offer.
“Anyone who still uses an analogue television can now access the world of digital television free of charge with Swisscom Casa,†declares Marc Werner, Head of Residential Customers at Swisscom, referring to the fact that broadband and TV combined only costs an extra 14 Francs on top of your fixed-line fees. “With its new basic offering, Swisscom now aims to win over customers wanting a simple communications solution with Internet and fixed-line telephony who are currently with another TV provider,†the company confirms.
The Swisscom TV 2.0 light part of Casa provides more than 100 channels, including 40 in HD, and over 200 radio stations. The live-pause function means customers can enjoy one of the most popular and important features of DVR without a DVR – pausing a current programme and then resuming it. Casa customers are sent a free set-top box (it is free for new customers but existing Swisscom subscribers must pay 99 Francs) that provides up to one hour of live pause local recording on the internal memory. Customers can use Swisscom TV 2.0 light for their computer or tablet only, in which case they do not need a set-top box at all.
Swisscom TV 2.0 light gives multiscreen access to the content offer via laptop, tablet or smartphone but there is no live pause on these devices. If you want full network-DVR capabilities (e.g. schedule personal recordings and get access to them via the STB and other devices) you need the Swisscom TV 2.0 package, which also comes with more channels (250+ SD and 80+ HD).
