TiVo Extends Digital Video Recording Service to National Cable Television Cooperative Members
— Benton Cablevision First System to Deploy TiVo Service to Subscribers —
ALVISO, Calif, August 01, 2005 – National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), an organization of independent cable television companies serving over 14 million subscribers, and TiVo Inc., the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced an agreement to make TiVo service available as a stand-alone option for subscribers throughout NCTC’s more than 1,000 independent cable operators.
This partnership will make TiVo’s award-winning user interface and service available to millions of independent multi-channel service provider customers throughout NCTC’s nationwide network of operators. Representing more than half of all cable systems in the United States , NCTC’s member multi-channel service operators can elect to independently market the TiVo proprietary technology, brand and service to customers, in addition to the services currently provided, in areas where DVR technology was previously unavailable from their local cable operator.
“We are thrilled to announce this agreement with TiVo, which is undeniably the best-in-class DVR on the market today,” said Michael L. Pandzik, President and CEO of NCTC. “We know that the way consumers watch and access home entertainment has evolved because of TiVo and believe that through our partnership, we will help our member companies provide the technology that enables customers to watch what they want when they want on TV.”
NCTC member operators have already started deploying TiVo service to subscribers looking to enhance their home entertainment options. Benton Cablevision, Inc. of Rice Minnesota , for example, is answering the demands of its customers by utilizing NCTC’s partnership with TiVo and providing DVR capabilities in addition to the service it already provides. Benton Cablevision believes that by adding TiVo to its list of cable service options, it will have the ability to be more competitive with satellite cable providers, further grow its customer subscriber base and continue to satisfy customer demands.
“TiVo’s brand loyalty and industry leadership makes this a terrific partnership for us,” said Cheryl Scapanski from Benton Cablevision. “Adding TiVo service to our list of options helps us differentiate ourselves and provide our customers with the entertainment solutions that they have demanded again and again.”
Brodie Keast, executive vice president and general manager of TiVo’s consumer division, said, “We continue to work with cable operators to develop and support their customers’ interest in TiVo. This program with NCTC, which reaches hundreds of operators touching millions of customers, provides a very fast way to get TiVo into the hands of millions of cable subscribers.”
“The chance to combine TiVo’s unmatched DVR features and new interactive advertising capabilities with the reach and power of NCTC’s member service operators presents tremendous opportunities,” said Joe Miller, vice president, consumer sales and distribution at TiVo. “Broad availability to millions of homes nationwide that have previously not had the option from their local cable provider to utilize TiVo technology, enhances our brand and our recurring revenues. Together with NCTC, we will work to offer customers the best and most convenient premium television service.”
TiVo and NCTC have made TiVo’s interactive advertising platform available across NCTC’s member multi-channel service operator’s customer base. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC)
A member-operated programming and hardware buying cooperative, NCTC represents more than 1,100 independent cable operators in all 50 states. As a group, their 8,000 individual systems provide cable service to more than 20 million subscribers nationwide. Michael L. Pandzik has served as the Co-op’s founding President and CEO since NCTC’s inception in 1984. The Cooperative is headquartered in Lenexa , KS , a Kansas City suburb.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO), a pioneer in home entertainment, created a brand new category of products with the development of the first digital video recorder (DVR). Today, the Company continues to revolutionize the way consumers watch and access home entertainment by making TiVo the focal point of the digital living room, a center for sharing and experiencing television, music, photos and other content. TiVo connects consumers to the digital entertainment they want, where and when they want it. The Company is based in Alviso, Calif.
