NCTA and TiVo Announce Switched Digital Solution for HD DVRs

NCTA and TiVo Announce Switched Digital Solution for HD DVRs

Marketplace Discussions Lead to Development of New External Adapter That Will Ensure TiVo Devices Can View Switched Digital Channels without a Set-Top Box

ALVISO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The cable industry and TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced that cable operators will next year introduce a new external adapter that will enable TiVo(R) digital video recorders that use CableCARDs(TM) to access switched digital cable channels without a set top box, according to National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow and TiVo President & CEO Tom Rogers.

The specifications for the interface to the new adapter were developed in discussions among cable operators, CableLabs(R), TiVo and other cable vendors.

By designing an adapter that allows TiVo's CableCARD-enabled DVRs to view switched digital channels, the cable industry has once again demonstrated its ongoing effort to explore innovative technology solutions that balance customer demand for advanced services and network capacity constraints resulting from bandwidth intensive offerings, according to McSlarrow. With the adapter, he said, TiVo's DVRs will be able to access all switched digital channels without a set top box. Switched digital allows cable operators to transmit channels to customers on an as-needed basis, and it provides cable operators more flexibility to deliver the interactive digital services, high- definition (HD) channels, broadband Internet and digital phone service that consumers are craving.

Switched digital technology will become even more critical as the February 2009 digital TV transition approaches and cable operators carry more HD signals -- which will entice more viewers to purchase HD sets -- and carry both a digital and analog signal of local broadcast stations, McSlarrow said.

"Today's announcement is a major breakthrough resulting from marketplace discussions that provides benefits for consumers and cable operators," McSlarrow said. "We very much appreciate TiVo's willingness to work on a marketplace solution that will enable TiVo users to enjoy innovative switched digital services without the need for a set-top box."

The new external adapter will attach to TiVo Series 3 HD DVRs and TiVo HD DVRs to ensure the DVRs can directly access all digital channels including switched digital cable channels. The adapter will work on any Unidirectional Digital Cable Ready Product (UDCP) that has a USB connector and necessary firmware. The cable industry is working with TiVo to ensure that installation of CableCARDs and the adapter will be easy and seamless for the consumer.

"We are gratified that the cable industry has agreed to work quickly to develop a solution that will enable existing TiVo CableCARD DVRs to directly access switched digital cable channels and ensure the adapter is part of an easy installation process for cable subscribers," said TiVo's Rogers. "We look forward to working with the cable industry in other ways to improve consumer access to cable services."

Cable operators will make the new adapters available for TiVo customers in the second quarter of 2008. Cable operators and TiVo will work cooperatively to alert TiVo customers about availability of the new adapter.

"We're strongly committed to ensuring that our subscribers who use CableCARD-enabled retail devices, including TiVo DVRs, have a satisfying and successful installation experience," added Mike LaJoie, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Office, Time Warner Cable.

McSlarrow and Rogers said that cable and TiVo representatives are committed to continuing a dialogue to resolve any future technology issues that may arise.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches and TiVo(R) KidZone have elevated its popularity among consumers and have created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

TiVo, Season Pass, WishList, Series2, TiVoToGo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. (C) 2007 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About NCTA

NCTA is the principal trade association for the U.S. cable industry, representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation's cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks. The cable industry is the nation's largest broadband provider of high-speed Internet access after investing more than $110 billion over ten years to build a two-way interactive network with fiber optic technology. Cable companies also provide state-of-the-art digital telephone service to millions of American consumers.

CableCARD and CableLabs are trademarks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

TiVo is a registered trademark of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: CDugan@sloanepr.com

Source: TiVo Inc.; NCTA

CONTACT: Michael Boccio, +1-212-446-1867, mboccio@sloanepr.com, for
TiVo, Inc.; or Rob Stoddard or Brian Dietz, +1-202-222-2352,
rstoddard@ncta.com, both for NCTA

Web site:

http://www.tivo.com/

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