pauld
22-05-2008, 04:19 PM
Seven Media Group will launch its TiVo digital video recorder in July after a strategic overhaul that includes a surprise move to scrap a planned monthly subscription fee for the broadband-enabled service.
TiVo's launch will be the first serious competitor to Foxtel's iQ DVR box, for which an upgraded version, iQ2, will arrive next month.
Some observers say Seven's strategy to cancel subscription fees will trigger steep discounting from Foxtel.
The Nine and Ten networks confirmed yesterday that they had signed a licensing agreement with Seven's hybrid TV services unit, responsible for TiVo's content and interactive services, to include their programming schedules in TiVo's electronic program guide.
Seven network's sales director, James Warburton, would not confirm TiVo's launch date but said that plans were near completion. "It's in its final stages," he said. "It's a magnificent product and we're excited about bringing it to market."
TiVo's launch plan comes as Seven's wireless broadband group, Unwired, confirmed it was finalising deals with up to six retailers around the country to sell TiVo boxes.
Unwired is responsible for distribution, sales and service delivery for TiVo. The company's chief executive, David Spence, said the distribution network for TiVo would use call centres, e-commerce and retail. "It's very close to our own distribution model," he said. "We sell about 80 per cent through retailers."
TiVo's launch will be the first serious competitor to Foxtel's iQ DVR box, for which an upgraded version, iQ2, will arrive next month.
Some observers say Seven's strategy to cancel subscription fees will trigger steep discounting from Foxtel.
The Nine and Ten networks confirmed yesterday that they had signed a licensing agreement with Seven's hybrid TV services unit, responsible for TiVo's content and interactive services, to include their programming schedules in TiVo's electronic program guide.
Seven network's sales director, James Warburton, would not confirm TiVo's launch date but said that plans were near completion. "It's in its final stages," he said. "It's a magnificent product and we're excited about bringing it to market."
TiVo's launch plan comes as Seven's wireless broadband group, Unwired, confirmed it was finalising deals with up to six retailers around the country to sell TiVo boxes.
Unwired is responsible for distribution, sales and service delivery for TiVo. The company's chief executive, David Spence, said the distribution network for TiVo would use call centres, e-commerce and retail. "It's very close to our own distribution model," he said. "We sell about 80 per cent through retailers."