Remember TiVo? They started off over 25 years ago (1999) making DVRs (aka PVRs) for recording cable and terrestrial TV content that was stored on a hard drive instead of tape (brand new tech at the time). Then they added streaming features to their DVRs and also made a streaming dongle (TiVo Stream 4K), similar to the Roku and Fire TV streaming sticks and Chromecast plug-in streamer. Now as part of the Xperi umbrella, TiVo is branching out by offering its streaming platform for use as a Smart TV OS.
Tip: Some may recall TiVo DVRs were so popular that the brand name became a verb, with people saying, “I TiVo’d my favorite show last night.”
TiVo For Smart TVs
European buyers were first to get a taste of TiVo OS in select Panasonic and Sharp TV models, but now Sharp is making its first TiVo enabled TV (no DVR capabilities) available to U.S. customers. The first such model is the 55-inch Sharp 4T-C55GM6540U, which is being offered for $299.99.
The goal of including the TiVo OS as a smart TV platform is to provide users with a way to find the shows and movies they want to watch.
The TiVo interface emphasizes “content first.” This is accomplished by showing viewers TV programs and movies they might want to watch while being agnostic with how you view said content. This means that it is available on several streaming apps, and it will show you each option. Other Smart TV OS’s such as Fire TV sometimes prioritize their streaming service over others.
From Geir Skaaden, chief products and services officer at Xperi: “Consumers want easy access to their content without any hassle. However, many smart TV interfaces create friction that disrupts a seamless user experience. We believe that TVs should deliver the right content to viewers at the right time, and we are doing just that through TiVo OS. TiVo OS is solving for this friction by helping viewers find, watch, and enjoy their favorite shows and movies quickly and with ease.”
Additional Features of the TiVo interface for Smart TV include:
- Personalization: TiVo provides personalized recommendations based on your watch lists, what’s trending, and your unique taste profile.
- Simplicity: TiVo is simple to set up, with a modern design and intuitive interface that makes it easy to access all the major content apps.
- TiVo+ Free Content: In addition to subscription-based apps. Such as Netflix, Disney Plus, etc. TiVO+ provides access to several free ad-supported streaming services, such as PlutoTV, Tubi, Tastmade, Cheddar, Newsy, FailArmy, Food52, Funny or Die, USA Today Wired, Pet Collective, and more.
- Voice Control and Search: In addition to navigating the user interface, you can use voice control via your remote to tell your TiVo TV what you’re looking for, and TiVo will help you find it.
Specifications
| Sharp TV Model | 4T-C55GM6540U |
| TV Type | QLED |
| Price | $299.99 |
| Screen Size | 55-inch Class (54.5 Inches) |
| Display Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| Pane Refresh Rate (Native) | 60Hz |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Smart TV OS | TiVo |
| HDMI Inputs (HDMI 2.1) | 3 |
| Digital Optical Output | 1 |
| USB Ports | 2 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Voice Search | Yes |
| Audio Format Support | Dolby Atmos |
| Audio Power Output | 24W (12W + 12W) |
| Dimensions (HWD – Without Stand) | 28.19 x 48.46 x 3.58 Inches |
| Dimensions (HWD – With Stand) | 30.43 x 48.46 x 10.24 inches |
| Weight Without Stand | 32.6 Lbs |
| Included in the Box | Remote Control Stand |
The Bottom Line
TiVo is late to the party in terms of Smart TV OS implementation. Samung TVs incorporate Tizen, LG uses Web OS, and Google TV, Fire TV, and Roku are available on many TV models, and Sharp already has a line of OLED TVs with the Roku built-in which begs the question if they are planning to switch those to TiVo in the next model year. Also, Sharp has indicated that it will also be implementing the XUMO OS on some of its TVs.
Another question is whether TiVo offers smart TV buyers something substantially different from what other smart TVs offer in terms of ease of use and content offerings.
On Sharp’s end, they are only offering one model to start for the US market (several models are available in Europe), with no indication if more US models are forthcoming. Perhaps they’re playing a wait-and-see game based on the intense competition right now from brands like TCL and Hisense.
Also, Sharp doesn’t seem to be hyping the video and audio capabilities very much, except making general statements that it is a QLED TV and incorporates Dolby Atmos audio. More specifics on blacklight implementation such as direct or full-array with dimming zones and light output capability for HDR support would be helpful.
The real kicker is the $299.99 price for a 55-inch 4K QLED TV which is likely to attract the attention of budget-conscious buyers looking for a new TV right now. The other issue which may impact how well this TV sells are the new tariffs that were just announced last night on China, Korea, and Japan. Will this TV suddenly see a 20-30% increase? We shall find out soon enough.
TiVo’s goal is to have 7 million TiVo-based smart TVs in the global market by the end of 2025, obviously with only one US model, Europe will be carrying most of the load.
Pricing & Availability
The 55-inch Sharp 4T-C55GM6540U is priced at $299.99 and is available through Sharp USA.
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Anton Yelchin
April 4, 2025 at 9:57 pm
TiVo? They’re about as relevant as Napster. Which some fool purchased last week for $200M.