Comcast Corp. and TiVo Inc. demonstrated a new service this week at CES2007 that combines TiVo's digital video recorder features and Comcast's video-on-demand service in a set-top box.
TiVo has developed a software application that will enable Comcast to deploy the service for a monthly fee to existing set-top boxes without an in-home visit by a technician. Comcast customers who choose the TiVo service can use TiVo's user interface and DVR features, smart search and discovery features including "WishList" searches and "TiVo Suggestions," as well as improved scheduling and recording management.
The companies, which initially partnered on this project in 2005, said it began trialing the TiVo service for Comcast DVRs in late 2006. The market trials are reportedly expected to begin during the spring. Comcast--the nation's largest cable operator with more than 24 million subscribers--said the TiVo service would be fully integrated with its features, including more than 8,000 on demand programs each month, making it easier for customers to search for programs.
"Collaborating with Comcast to make the state-of-the-art TiVo service available on their existing hardware platform is an important accomplishment for both companies," said Jeff Klugman, senior vice president for TiVo's Service Provider Division. "We're thrilled that the benefits of TiVo will soon be available to Comcast's millions of subscribers. Consumers know that it is not TiVo, unless it is a TiVo, and the TiVo service will enhance the cable television experience."
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