Tivo and Comcast Partnership Crucial for Tivo
The partnership between Tivo and Comcast has important implications for Tivo. If successful, it can show that Tivo software can be used in third party hardware.
This can open up a new revenue stream for Tivo and keep it from becoming extinct.
DVR functionality is definitely becoming mainstream and turning into a commodity. Already, many set-top box manufacturers are including basic DVR functions, like pause, rewind and fast forwarding. So the big way that Tivo can differentiate itself is through its branded extras, like “Season Pass”, “Guru Guides” and “Wishlist”. As well as its user interface, with the sounds, graphics and little TV logo.
Much like Apple, Tivo knows how to leverage its marketing and design in order to create a successful product. Tivo also knows what users like and what features are important. Other DVR manufacturers are just playing catch-up when it comes to extra features.
Tivo also wins by integrating the DVR with cable functions, like pay per view ordering and on-demand Comcast content. Integrating the cable box with the DVR will be so common in a few years, that stand-alone DVRs will become a thing of the past.
And that’s why I believe that many Comcast users will switch to Tivo-enabled boxes in droves. Pay a little extra per month, get rid of Comcast’s DVR and get Tivo instead.
If Tivo succeeds with the Comcast partnership, then it point to this success in trying to convince other satellite and cable partners–like AT&T, Dish Networks or maybe even DirecTV–that they can integrate their software into other DVRs.
Already, Tivo is branching out from selling Tivo boxes and subscriptions into other lines of business including:
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* Advertising
* DVR Ratings
* DVR Software Integration
Tivo must continue to expand, find more business opportunities and innovate. Otherwise, any other company can come along and topple Tivo from the top.
Tivo, DVR, PVR, digital video recorder, Comcast
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