Cable Forum - View Single Post

weesteev · 03-03-2011, 17:45

I wouldnt look too much into TiVo's position in the US, its very different to the commercial deals it has with VM and other US providers. TiVo is a direct reseller of cable boxes in the US, but cable cards are required to use the service which is extra cost. Also, no providers will allow TiVo to use the Cableco's VOD services so unless they have another cable box from their provider they will only get the standard TiVo services which makes it a very niche service.

Other providers are starting to sign up TiVo to provide bespoke PVR software (Virgin Media, RCN) which supplements existing services like VOD so very different to having a TiVo box, say with Time Warner, where you would only get Live TV and the TiVo functions.

US providers are forcing people into taking their own PVR equipment (plus rental charges) as they will get a complete service compared to TiVo.

I believe TiVo will slowly exit the consumer market in the US and only offer commercial resale of software to providers, like the current VM deal.

03-03-2011, 17:45	#83
weesteev Cable Guru Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Scotland Age: 43 Services: Virgin Media Gig1 RFOG, TV360, Stream, GoFibre 1Gb Posts: 1,050	Re: Virgin should buy TiVo... I wouldnt look too much into TiVo's position in the US, its very different to the commercial deals it has with VM and other US providers. TiVo is a direct reseller of cable boxes in the US, but cable cards are required to use the service which is extra cost. Also, no providers will allow TiVo to use the Cableco's VOD services so unless they have another cable box from their provider they will only get the standard TiVo services which makes it a very niche service. Other providers are starting to sign up TiVo to provide bespoke PVR software (Virgin Media, RCN) which supplements existing services like VOD so very different to having a TiVo box, say with Time Warner, where you would only get Live TV and the TiVo functions. US providers are forcing people into taking their own PVR equipment (plus rental charges) as they will get a complete service compared to TiVo. I believe TiVo will slowly exit the consumer market in the US and only offer commercial resale of software to providers, like the current VM deal. __________________ Access Network Innovation @ Liberty Global/Virgin Media All comments are my own opinion and not a direct expression of LG/VM.