TiVo Inks Pact With Real
TiVo has announced plans to release a second generation digital video recorder, complete with games and the ability to download and stream music through a partnership with RealNetworks. The TiVo Series2 box will feature a 60GB hard drive and two USB ports for connecting cameras and audio players.
A specialized version of RealOne will be included to allow subscribers of Real's premium services to download and stream audio and video using TiVo.
"With RealOne Player, RealOne Music and a remote, consumers will be able to organize and play Internet radio, digital music they have recorded from their own CD collection and music streamed or downloaded through RealOne Music," said Mike Ramsay, TiVo's CEO, in the announcement.
Focusing on subscription revenue, TiVo has made little changes to the hardware platform since the initial launch of its service. The Series2 will be the first DVR branded TiVo, as the company previously relied on partners such as Sony and Phillips for hardware.
Priced at $399 USD TiVo Series2 is still less expensive than devices from competitors Sonicblue and UltimateTV, and likely to provide little revenue boost to the struggling company. However, additional subscription services to access content online may help keep the company online and customers happy.