Pace launches FTA set-top range for France

Set-top vendor Pace has launched a new range of free-to-air retail boxes in France that come with the option to upgrade to Canal Plus and Canalsat pay-TV channels.

The DSR5020, which comes with Viaccess-embedded conditional access, enables consumers to access the free standard definition and HD digital terrestrial TNT channels and channels on the Astra satellite. The set-top box also allows access to Canalsat channels (including Canal Plus, Canal Plus HD, Canal Plus Cinema, Canal Plus Sport, Canal Plus Family and Canal Plus Decale), Canal Plus Weekend and Initial par Canalsat.

The SD DSR2020 has the same features as the HD version, and can open up access to all free TNT and Astra channels along with the Canal Plus and Canalsat SD channels. It will go on sale from the start of November.

The HD DTR5220 device will give customers access to free HD and SD TNT channels, along with either the three Canal Plus channels (Canal Plus HD, Canal Plus Cinema and Canal Plus Sport) or the five Canalsat channels (Eurosport, Paris Première, LCI, TF6 and Planet). It includes Nagravision embedded conditional access and comes with a smart-card that, if activated, gives a subscription to TNT Canal Plus, which can be cancelled at any time.

All devices will be marketed under the Philips brand.