Service to Integrate Broadcast and Broadband Content Delivery So Subscribers
Can Watch What They Want, Anytime, Anywhere
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
TiVo (Nasdaq: TIVO) unveiled its next generation service strategy, code-named
"Tahiti," once again setting the standard for the best consumer entertainment
experience. With Tahiti, consumers will have an easy way to find and control
content from any broadcast or broadband source. TiVo's product and service
platform will offer consumers broader choice in programming and the
convenience to take their favorite shows with them to enjoy anywhere they
choose.
Tahiti features an open software platform which will enable third parties
to develop applications and distribute content to the TiVo subscriber base.
TiVo intends to roll out components of Tahiti throughout this year and into
2006.
"As with digital music, we expect to see a continued shift in the control
of TV entertainment towards consumers," said Mike Ramsay, Chairman & CEO,
TiVo. "This means consumers will expect the increased choice in ala carte
programming that Internet-based TV will offer, fair and reasonable use of the
TV they pay for, and the ability to take their shows with them on business
travel or family road trips. In short, consumers tell us that they want
entertainment to fit into their busy lives, not the other way around."
Tahiti will further differentiate TiVo from generic cable and satellite
DVRs. The next generation TiVo(R) service will offer consumers unprecedented
choice, bringing together music, home videos and digital photos, broadband and
broadcast content on their own "Personal Entertainment Network." The elements
of Tahiti build upon the award winning user experience and convenience that
TiVo introduced five years ago, when it first launched DVR.
THE TAHITI SEVEN POINT PLAN
1. Content Delivery Service. To provide consumers even more convenience
and control over their entertainment experience, TiVo is developing a new
content delivery service that will enable TiVo(R) Series2(TM) subscribers to
search and access broadband content. In conjunction with this effort, TiVo is
also developing television commerce capabilities allowing subscribers to
purchase products with a push of a button on the TiVo remote control.
2. Entertainment Applications Platform. TiVo's position in the living
room, connectivity and usability make it an attractive platform for third
party innovation and services. TiVo's Entertainment Applications Platform will
facilitate the development of innovative new services in the living room.
These services could range from music services to network promotions to
on-line video stores and more.
3. TiVo HD Digital Cable Ready DVR. This box will fully integrate an HD
digital cable receiver and TiVo DVR in a single set top box. CableCARD
technology will be built-in, giving consumers access to digital cable
programming and other features of the TiVo service. With TiVo's new digital
ready DVR and access to broadband content, consumers will have more choice,
including ala carte programming options via the Internet versus paying for
premium bundled packages from cable providers. The TiVo HD Digital Cable ready
DVR is expected to be available in early 2006.
4. Portability. With the TiVo service, consumers can watch what they
want, when they want, and, now, where they want. The Humax and Toshiba DVD
recorders with TiVo service let consumers record their favorite shows and then
easily burn them to DVD for playback anywhere they have a DVD player. With
TiVoToGo(TM), consumers can securely transfer their favorite shows from a TiVo
box to a laptop or portable media player in their home so that they can take
their favorite shows with them on business travel or family road trips. More
information is available at http://www.tivo.com/togo. Alternately, they can use the
DVD recorder they may already have on their PC to save a show to DVD. The
TiVoToGo service enhancement is available now as a service update and is
included in the TiVo service at no additional charge.
5. PC and Online Integration. TiVo desktop software 2.0 allows consumers
to integrate music, photos and video into their TiVo experience. Online
Scheduling lets subscribers schedule a recording on their TiVo box from
anywhere they have internet access. This will be extended to make it easy to
record broadband content as well.
6. Personalization. Exclusive TiVo personalization features like
WishList(TM) searches and Season Pass(TM) recordings will be extended for
broadband use, helping subscribers personalize their searches to find their
favorite broadband content.
7. TiVo Series2 box. Is the only combination broadcast and broadband
platform which easily connects to your home network to bring together all your
entertainment: personal content, such as music and photos, your favorite
television programs and later this year, with TiVo's content delivery service,
broadband content as well.
TAHITI INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Industry partnerships will be instrumental in the execution of the Tahiti
Strategy. They include:
Microsoft
Microsoft's Chairman, Bill Gates, in his CES keynote address announced an
alliance with TiVo and demonstrated how TiVoToGo integrates with Microsoft's
mobility strategy. TiVo Series2 subscribers can transfer their recorded
television to a Windows XP-based PC for easy transfer and playback on Windows
Mobile devices, including Portable Media Centers, Pocket PCs and Smartphones.
Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions'software package includes its MyDVD Studio 6.1 and
CinePlayer software that work with TiVoToGo to enable burning programs to a
DVD and replaying them on any device. The Sonic Solutions software package is
expected to retail for less than $50 and will be available to TiVo subscribers
next month.
AMD
AMD, a leading semiconductor company, also announced plans to integrate
TiVoToGo functionality in its reference design for portable media devices.
"The seven components of Tahiti, combined with the collective strength of
our partners will culminate in the delivery of the next generation TiVo
service. The integration of broadband and broadcast content in the TiVo
platform, will deliver the ultimate entertainment experience that can be
enjoyed anytime, anywhere," said Ramsay.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo, a pioneer in home entertainment, created a brand
new category of products with the development of the first digital video
recorder (DVR). Today, the Company continues to revolutionize the way
consumers watch and access home entertainment by making TiVo the focal point
of the digital living room, a center for sharing and experiencing television,
music, photos and other content. TiVo connects consumers to the digital
entertainment they want, where and when they want it. The Company is based in
Alviso, Calif.
NOTE: TiVo and the TiVo Logo are registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. in
the United States and other jurisdictions. Series2, WishList, Seaon Pass, and
TiVoToGo are trademarks of TiVo Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TiVo Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.tivo.com
CONTACT:
Rachel Peterson of OutCast Communications,
+1-415-392-8282, or Rachel@outcastpr.com, for TiVo Inc.; or
Kathryn Kelly of TiVo Inc., +1-408-519-9245, or kkelly@tivo.com
|
