New Zealand’s Largest Free-To-Air Broadcaster Partners with Seven Media Group’s Hybrid TV to Offer TiVo in New Zealand
TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services and advertising solutions for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced that the TiVo service will launch in New Zealand later this year.
Through an agreement with Seven Media Group in Australia, Television New Zealand (TVNZ), New Zealand’s largest free-to-air and national broadcaster, has taken a 33% ownership stake in Hybrid Television Services, the Seven subsidiary that has TiVo rights in Australia and New Zealand. TVNZ’s investment will support the launch of the TiVo service to customers throughout New Zealand – the second DVB-T standard country to begin offering TiVo.
Similar to the TiVo service available in Australia, digital Freeview channels in New Zealand will be available on broadband connected TiVo DVRs. Viewers will have access to the Emmy award-winning TiVo user interface, which includes internationally recognized TiVo features like SeasonPass™ Recordings, WishList Searches and the ability to pause, rewind, fast forward, instant replay, and slow motion live and recorded TV shows.
In addition to being the largest broadcaster in New Zealand, TVNZ operates an online “catchup TV” service known as TVNZ ondemand, where viewers can access a host of popular programs via the Internet, and, like Seven Network, TVNZ is a member of its local Freeview consortium.
“TiVo’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint through strategic alliances with international broadcasters and cable companies is taking another step forward,” said Tom Rogers, president and CEO of TiVo Inc. “Our successful rollout in Australia has piqued the interest of others in the media industry across the globe and essentially provided a blueprint that outlines how the TiVo value proposition can help protect their competitive position in their own markets. We are extremely gratified to have TVNZ as a partner and are eager to have Hybrid TV begin making the TiVo service available to New Zealand’s millions of free-to-air TV customers.”
“The TiVo media device is a global success and our investment in Hybrid Television Services will ensure that its arrival in New Zealand supports TVNZ’s transition to a digital media company,” said Rick Ellis, CEO of TVNZ.
James Warburton, Chief Sales and Digital Officer for Seven Media Group commented, “TiVo had strong Christmas sales and we have been pleased with the uptake in Australia. This investment from TVNZ and their involvement on the board of Hybrid Television Services will ensure that the company is well positioned for the New Zealand launch this year.”
Executives from Seven Media Group and TVNZ will sit on the board of Hybrid Television Services. Under the new structure, James Warburton, Chief Sales and Digital Officer for Seven Media group will chair the board. Rick Ellis, CEO of TVNZ, Rodney Parker, CFO of TVNZ and Bruce McWilliam, Commercial Director for Seven Media Group complete the board.
