du TV+ package set to revolutionise TV experience in the UAE

du today announced the successful introduction of du TV+ services on 1 July, 2009 in its current fixed-line areas. du TV+ will provide du home customers with an unmatched TV viewing experience including an array of advanced features such as intuitive and simplified search and display, superior channel browsing, instant channel change capability, an ergonomically-designed Enhanced Electronic Program Guide and the option of pausing, rewinding and recording live programming.

The star attraction of the du TV+ package is undoubtedly High Definition television (HDTV). Currently HD channels like National Geographic HD, myZen TV, Luxe TV and Showtime HD are available as part of the suite of Free-to-Air channels.  du is currently working with other content providers to bring more HD channels into the UAE.

du TV+ is now available to new home customers in the areas covered by du’s fixed-line network. Existing du home customers will be migrated to du TV+ services in a phased manner by swapping the du TV decoders starting 15 August, 2009. The upgrade will be done free of charge.

Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du, said: “du has collaborated with Microsoft to bring a new dimension to TV viewing in the UAE. Our state-of-art offering includes features like intuitive channel search and display, advanced browsing and High Definition TV. HD channels from du are available to all new du customers at no extra charge until 31 July, 2009.”

Added Faraidooni, “du will introduce its commercial HD packages in August 2009.  Over the past several months, du has been working with leading channel providers to bring High Definition content into the UAE. As more channels become available, du will progressively add more HD content to its TV offering. All du customers will have access to unparalleled picture and sound quality.”

Details of features:

New du TV is powered by Microsoft Mediaroom, the award-winning Internet Protocol television (IPTV) software platform. Mediaroom features advanced multimedia capabilities including digital video recording, video on demand, high-definition television, instant channel zapping and multiview capabilities.

With the new du TV+ service, viewers will not only enjoy superior browsing but will also be able to pause, rewind and record live TV, meaning they will never miss that amazing football goal or dramatic movie scene. Now there will be no need to rush back home to watch a favourite movie or TV series as viewers can schedule a recording of their favourite programmes using du’s simple, user-friendly menu.

Both du TV and du TV+ customers can arrange a bouquet of favourite channels quite easily, and they will have a parental control feature to protect their children from watching any unwanted channels. A new Electronic Program Guide allows viewers to see what is coming up on their favourite channels and what is going to play up to seven days in advance. In addition, customers will not need to keep multiple remote controls for the TV and the du decoder as the du remote is compatible with both. 

Details of du TV packages:

With every du TV subscription, viewers will receive the basic TV package that includes more than 130 channels from around the world in different genres and in different languages. Every du TV subscriber will also have access to Pay-TV bouquets from Showtime, Orbit Pehla, Firstnet, ART and JSTV, and High Definition TV, all on one TV decoder for an affordable price.  

Subscriptions for du TV come with a standard decoder and a Basic TV Package for a monthly fee of AED 30; subscriptions for du TV+ include a personal recordable decoder and a Basic TV Package for a monthly fee of AED 55. 

New customers in residential areas served by du can subscribe to new du TV services by visiting du shops at the following locations:

•        Dubai Media, City Building #14, Ground Floor

•        Ibn Battuta Mall, Persian Court

•        Mall of the Emirates, Ground Floor

•        Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road

•        Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Precinct Building No. 5

•        Jumeirah Beach Residence, Sadaf Tower, Plaza Floor

•        International City, China Cluster, Building C11, Shop 03

At a glance: