Cox To Start Selling TiVo Premiere DVRs, Will Others Follow?
Well, it's about time. For years now, TiVo has been fighting an
interesting problem. They essentially created the DVR service that we
know and use today, but they have been struggling forever to make
profits and acquire new subscribers. How so? Cable companies were able
to duplicate the experience, and although it's not nearly as robust,
it's good enough for the vast majority of people. Also, TiVo never had
any deals with pay-TV providers, so they were out on their own
attempting to upsell people despite regular DVRs being pushed hard by
cable companies. It was and is an uphill battle, to say the least.
But finally, finally, TiVo has what they have needed from day one: a deal with a cable company. It's "just" Cox, which isn't nearly at the top of the cable company heap, but it's a much needed start. The deal means that Cox will begin to promote and provide TiVo Premiere units, and it will offer installation and tech support. That means that TiVo won't have to sell themselves to Cox customers; it'll be an option right from the start. It's also the first-ever integration of Cox On Demand into a retail device, making it a win-win for both companies involved.
Customers will need a CableCARD for access to Cox services, but at least it eliminates the need for Cox's cable service + a standalone TiVo. Now the two are integrated, as they should be. Cox is planning to roll this out across all major markets for an undisclosed amount, and we suspect other cable carrier could follow suit if it proves fruitful.
But finally, finally, TiVo has what they have needed from day one: a deal with a cable company. It's "just" Cox, which isn't nearly at the top of the cable company heap, but it's a much needed start. The deal means that Cox will begin to promote and provide TiVo Premiere units, and it will offer installation and tech support. That means that TiVo won't have to sell themselves to Cox customers; it'll be an option right from the start. It's also the first-ever integration of Cox On Demand into a retail device, making it a win-win for both companies involved.
Customers will need a CableCARD for access to Cox services, but at least it eliminates the need for Cox's cable service + a standalone TiVo. Now the two are integrated, as they should be. Cox is planning to roll this out across all major markets for an undisclosed amount, and we suspect other cable carrier could follow suit if it proves fruitful.
