Comcast to start remote recording

PITTSBURGH - Comcast Corp., the largest U.S. cable operator, plans to introduce a feature that will allow customers to program their digital video recorders remotely, broadening its services to appeal to more consumers amid the economic slump.

The feature will permit clients to use a telephone or computer to set recording times for cable programs, Comcast Vice President Cathy Avgiris said in an interview.

A trial of the service has begun in smaller markets with a wider rollout planned for later this year, said the company, which has its Midwest headquarters in Schaumburg.