Under the multi-year contract, TiVo will supply its digital video recording (DVR) technology to Comcast’s cable subscribers in the hope of sparking new interest and developing a new growth strategy.
TiVo’s DVR device enables users to pause live TV and skip commercials, but the firm has faced tough competition from rival cable and satellite companies, and its own partner DirecTV, who have developed their own digital recording devices.
The deal with Comcast is set to change all that. The two companies said they will work together to develop a new version of the TiVo service that will include new features such as the ability to display digital photographs, play music and download video from the web. This software will then be incorporated into Comcast’s existing network platforms, and marketed with the TiVo brand.
In addition, Comcast said it intends to make use of TiVo’s interactive advertising platform which allows users to record whole seasons of shows.
The new service is expected to be available on Comcast’s DVR products in mid-to-late 2006.
