Marketplace Discussions Lead to Development of New External Adapter That
Will Ensure TiVo Devices Can View Switched Digital Channels without a
Set-Top Box
ALVISO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
cable industry and TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in
television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced
that cable operators will next year introduce a new external adapter that
will enable TiVo(R) digital video recorders that use CableCARDs(TM) to
access switched digital cable channels without a set top box, according to
National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) President & CEO Kyle
McSlarrow and TiVo President & CEO Tom Rogers.
The specifications for the interface to the new adapter were developed
in discussions among cable operators, CableLabs(R), TiVo and other cable
vendors.
By designing an adapter that allows TiVo's CableCARD-enabled DVRs to
view switched digital channels, the cable industry has once again
demonstrated its ongoing effort to explore innovative technology solutions
that balance customer demand for advanced services and network capacity
constraints resulting from bandwidth intensive offerings, according to
McSlarrow. With the adapter, he said, TiVo's DVRs will be able to access
all switched digital channels without a set top box. Switched digital
allows cable operators to transmit channels to customers on an as-needed
basis, and it provides cable operators more flexibility to deliver the
interactive digital services, high- definition (HD) channels, broadband
Internet and digital phone service that consumers are craving.
Switched digital technology will become even more critical as the
February 2009 digital TV transition approaches and cable operators carry
more HD signals -- which will entice more viewers to purchase HD sets --
and carry both a digital and analog signal of local broadcast stations,
McSlarrow said.
"Today's announcement is a major breakthrough resulting from
marketplace discussions that provides benefits for consumers and cable
operators," McSlarrow said. "We very much appreciate TiVo's willingness to
work on a marketplace solution that will enable TiVo users to enjoy
innovative switched digital services without the need for a set-top box."
The new external adapter will attach to TiVo Series 3 HD DVRs and TiVo
HD DVRs to ensure the DVRs can directly access all digital channels
including switched digital cable channels. The adapter will work on any
Unidirectional Digital Cable Ready Product (UDCP) that has a USB connector
and necessary firmware. The cable industry is working with TiVo to ensure
that installation of CableCARDs and the adapter will be easy and seamless
for the consumer.
"We are gratified that the cable industry has agreed to work quickly to
develop a solution that will enable existing TiVo CableCARD DVRs to
directly access switched digital cable channels and ensure the adapter is
part of an easy installation process for cable subscribers," said TiVo's
Rogers. "We look forward to working with the cable industry in other ways
to improve consumer access to cable services."
Cable operators will make the new adapters available for TiVo customers
in the second quarter of 2008. Cable operators and TiVo will work
cooperatively to alert TiVo customers about availability of the new
adapter.
"We're strongly committed to ensuring that our subscribers who use
CableCARD-enabled retail devices, including TiVo DVRs, have a satisfying
and successful installation experience," added Mike LaJoie, Executive Vice
President and Chief Technology Office, Time Warner Cable.
McSlarrow and Rogers said that cable and TiVo representatives are
committed to continuing a dialogue to resolve any future technology issues
that may arise.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo (Nasdaq: TIVO) pioneered a brand new category of
products with the development of the first commercially available digital
video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers,
TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as
providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading
satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR
service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR
functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM)
recordings and WishList(R) searches and TiVo(R) KidZone have elevated its
popularity among consumers and have created a whole new way for viewers to
watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies,
TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home
entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room,
TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV,
such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative
features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is
expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The
TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing
solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for
advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in
Alviso, Calif.
TiVo, Season Pass, WishList, Series2, TiVoToGo, 'TiVo, TV your way.'
and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or
its subsidiaries worldwide. (C) 2007 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About NCTA
NCTA is the principal trade association for the U.S. cable industry,
representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation's
cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks. The
cable industry is the nation's largest broadband provider of high-speed
Internet access after investing more than $110 billion over ten years to
build a two-way interactive network with fiber optic technology. Cable
companies also provide state-of-the-art digital telephone service to
millions of American consumers.
CableCARD and CableLabs are trademarks of Cable Television
Laboratories, Inc.
TiVo is a registered trademark of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries.
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