DirecTV to market new DVR early next year

[Chris Blount]

An interesting article appeared in USA today talking about Tivo and DirecTV. You can read it here:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-07-28-tivo-cov_x.htm

While this is not necessarily news, one section of the article states the following:

TiVo's relationship with the No. 1 satellite company is starting to look shaky.

DirecTV has heavily promoted TiVo service to its 12.6 million customers as a $5-a-month extra for subscribers who buy set-top decoders with built-in DVRs.

But TiVo investors worried what might happen when Rupert Murdoch took control of DirecTV early this year. Many thought they saw the writing on the wall last month when DirecTV sold its 3.4 million TiVo shares.

Their big fear will come true early next year: DirecTV plans to introduce a DVR service from another company Murdoch controls, NDS Group, an executive familiar with the company's plans says. DirecTV subscribers will be able to buy a decoder equipped with a DVR designed either for TiVo or for NDS, at least until 2007, when TiVo's arrangement with DirecTV expires.

[GoCubs]

So does anyone out there think that DirecTV is trying to bleed TiVo dry and then swoop in and purchase their assets?

[mainedish]

Tivo needs Directv subs . That's about all they have.

[cnsf]

Say it ain't so, Tivo...........

[Tusk]

At least it says that Tivo will be around until 2007. Who knows what technology will be in three years for watching TV.

[cnsf]

At least it says that Tivo will be around until 2007. Who knows what technology will be in three years for watching TV.

Well, if I were to guess....

HDTV broadcast signals (much more 1080i/720p), integrated media PCs hosting the DVR functionality. I also expect more interactive TV, in time. More On-Demand programming too....pay as you go type of thing.

My big forecast is that you will be able to pick and choose channels more easily (hopefully a legislative success) rather than buy channel packages/having them forced down your throat.

Satellite bandwidth will improve, cover all the major markets for locals and beef up their HDTV content (they'll HAVE to).

[cnsf]

ALSO, a huge increase in hard drive space soon and a significant price drop. We will have TB HDs by the end of next year.

[Mark Holtz]

It all depends on what the NDS boxes deliver in functionality and features. It would be interesting to have one for a trial run.

The big sticking point now is that it's DirecTV, not TiVo, who handles all of the support for the DirecTiVo boxes. DirecTV has been very slow to respond to bugs and upgrades. After all, how many months have we had to deal with "Acquiring Program Data" banner at the bottom of the screen before ther series 2 users got an upgrade? Now it appears that the series 1 users are now experiencing problems. While the standalone boxes have had HMO for over a year now, we're still stuck at version 3 even though the boxes are capable of running version 4 software.

[SnowFade]

NDS would have to knock it out of the park in terms of functionality and features to match what TiVo has, in my opinion. While it would be nice to have some of the HMO features, DirecTiVo has literally revolutionized the way my wife and I watch TV. I'm more irritated with networks providing inaccurate guide data than stray message banners that only affect a handful of screens. I think it's going to be an uphill battle, even for Rupert, to win a lot of converts before 2007

[Rick P]

NDS would have to knock it out of the park in terms of functionality and features to match what TiVo has, in my opinion.

they won't HAVE to 'knock it out of the park'..

1) they will own the tech.. no licensing fees to pay
2) if they don't charge the DVR fee, people will put up with a lot for $5/mo
3) the vast majority of DTV DVR subscribers are not 'TiVo Junkies'.. long as it works.. they'll use it.

[stonecold]

Actually Mark you can check out an interactive demo of nds dvr technology at Sky tvs site. the ruppert murdoch owned uk satellite provider uses them and has an interactive demo on there site showing off the technology I saw it and from a demo point of view ( granted one would need to be first hand tested not some flash demo) but it at least looked more function than dish dvrs. ( with the exception of my 7200s)

[jpurkey]

2) if they don't charge the DVR fee, people will put up with a lot for $5/mo

No fee would get me to buy one. All I really want in a DVR is the ability to watch a recorded show while another show is being recorded. Also the ability to watch, ffwd and pause the show that is being recorded (such as start watching a 7-9PM movie at 8PM, instead of having to wait until 9PM and rewind the tape to the beginning.)

[tingly]

This was news when directv divested tivo. The speculation has been that Murdoch wants control over all aspects of directv (like the NRTC contract which happened around the same time.) Taking the lead on itv is supposed to happen with NDS' XTV and its premium provider options.
http://www.nds.com/personal_tv/xtv_pvr.html
http://www.nds.com/press_room/article_directv_110504.html
http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=482177
http://www.broadcom.com/products/product.php?product_id=BCM7320