NTV+ begins selling hybrid box

Russian pay TV operator NTV+ has launched its hybrid IP-satellite box, the VA1020.

The box, which offers a range of IP-delivered services as well as satellite TV, went on sale in Russia on Friday.

The launch makes video-on-demand services available to NTV+ subscribers, including access to on-demand movie libraries.

The box together with conditional access card is available for RUB6,990 (€100). Those signing up before January 31 can benefit from a promotional price of RUB5,990, with NTV’s Interactive TV service made free for the first month. The normal subscription price for Interactive TV will be RUB300 a month.

Korean supplier Kaonmedia is providing the set-top boxes, with software and hardware design input from Gazprom Media Technologies, part of the Gazprom Media group that owns the pay TV operator.

In addition to VOD, the service enables time-shifted TV, and pause live TV.