Netflix + TiVo: Done
from the they-actually-did-it... dept
Back in January, we had discussed that coming convergence of TV and movies in the video-on-demand space and discussed the somewhat obvious connection of TiVo + Netflix. It appears that the management of both of those companies has figured it out as well, as Newsweek has the "high level sources" rumor mill spinning about TiVo and Netflix teaming up to offer a combined movies-on-demand service. While the details aren't there, this does make a lot of sense for both companies, who each need to differentiate themselves from the growing competition within their space. Both have built up great brand names, and extraordinarily loyal followings, but are now facing strong competition from more established players with huge wallets. A combined solution that let users download movies directly to their TiVo (and, even better, take them "on the go" with TiVoToGo) has tremendous potential and would keep them a step ahead of the competition for now. Still, it remains to be seen exactly how they implement this solution. If it's not done well, it could be damaging to the reputation of both companies, while taking attention away from their existing solutions. It's also unclear if there will be exclusivity in this relationship, or if both players will be able to team up with others as well.
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
Wow!
This would be a really great move for both companies, and as a TiVo customer I would be thrilled to use this (in case you couldn't guess). Where both companies seem to shine is in their ability to present consumers with recommendations based on their past viewings. There is an overwhelming wealth of content availabl. Traditional distribution methods for content such as network television and major theater film releases are disintegrating. The ability to bring customers in touch with content they want but may not even know exists is going to be a key element to success.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
hey great
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: hey great
I am a devoted NF customer exactly because they have a healthy selection of Asian and other foreign cinema. Recently I have rented Suicide Club, Ichi the Killer, the ring, Dead or Alive, versus, Fulltime Killer, Ringu, The Eye (all Japan), Joint Security Area (Korea), in my skin (France), Time and Tide (China). Obviously they don’t have every movie, but if that’s wonder bread, then feed me!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Mark Cuban predicted this. Check it...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
netflix and tivo / tivo to go
to bad it isn't up to me. Tivo and netflix need as much help as possible to not get taken over by big money. This would help them out in making sure that they don't get eaten alive
[ link to this | view in thread ]