Cox Communications deployed the new version of its Contour service to subscribers in Arizona, which follows completion of customer and employee trials. It offers added features including predictive search, mobile apps and a voice-activated remote control. In addition to the television, the cloud-based interface will be available on a new in-home mobile app.
“After extensive testing, we are confident that this new technology will take Contour to the next level. Customers tell us the voice activated remote control, and the use of graphics and additional program information are a few of the favorite new features,” John Wolfe, SVP and southwest region manager at Cox, says.
The RF-enabled remote with backlighting allows subscribers to use voice control to change channels, find shows, get recommendations and launch apps. The on-screen guide features predictive search that returns network, title, genre or actor with a few letters. It also offers access to TV apps for personalized sports, news, weather and traffic directly from the remote.
The DVR features allow users to record six shows at once with 2 terabytes of storage and capacity to store up to 300 hours of HD shows and 1,000 hours of SD. Subscribers can start watching recorded program in one room, pause and resume in another room.
Cox reports that in most cases, the new Contour will be similarly priced as customers’ current Contour service, but does require a professional installation.