The largest cable operator in the US, Comcast has announced it’s partnership with TiVo Software to roll out TiVo-enabled Comcast digital video recorders in New England, USA. With this introduction, Comcast will be the first US cable operator that will provide a TiVo interface service.
Initially, both the companies had signed an agreement in March 2005 for the Comcast set-boxes owners to make use of TiVo software. However, the launch of the service got delayed because both the companies took long on working out how to integrate TiVo software with some models of Comcast set-top boxes.
Actually, in the New England region, the set-top boxes are predominantly made by Motorola. Comcast and TiVo are already in agreement with Cisco System’s unit called the Scientific Atlanta to integrate TiVo software into the boxes.
Earlier, TiVo has made its own DVR boxes with TiVo software and user interface. Now, the company has planned to diversify its business and offer the same to cable and satellite partners.
It is said Comcast, which has over 24 million subscribers, will soon face competition from privately-held Cox Communications, who is expected to offer TiVo services to the customers.
