Competition

TVG Network will launch an ITV horseracing app with EchoStar during 1Q, making it the 1st interactive horseracing application available nationwide. Using a remote, viewers will be able to access racing news, live odds, race results, etc. Viewers in certain markets may be able to place wagers via their remote on races at TVG’s exclusive partner tracks. Currently, TVG viewers can wager and interact with races only via the Web or by phone. — DirecTV will use software from Ucentric in its new Home Media Center, which is composed of 1 main unit with smaller units located at each additional TV networked through the house. The center, which supports HD, provides DVR service on all TVs in a home. It’s expected to be available by year-end. Motorola is also using Ucentric software in its home media, multi DVR architecture. — Comcast and Sirius aren’t the only ones packaging video for automobiles. DirecTV introduced "Total Choice Mobile" at CES, featuring more than 125 channels; it will be available early this year. Total Choice also will offer the Starz Super Pak premium movie channel package. Customers must purchase a KVH "TracVision A5" satellite system for their car. DirecTV customers can get the mobile programming for an additional $4.99/month; people wanting just the mobile programming will pay $39.99/month.