Virgin Joins with TiVo for Next-Generation TV Platform

ALVISO: Virgin Media has entered into an exclusive partnership with TiVo for the development of its next-generation, HD set-top boxes.

TiVo will become the exclusive provider of middleware and user interface software for Virgin Media’s next generation of set-top boxes. The new platform will let customers search and discover content across linear TV, VOD and broadband video. Virgin Media will become the exclusive distributor of TiVo services and technology in the U.K.

Virgin Media anticipates its first TiVo co-branded product in 2010.

Neil Berkett, the CEO of Virgin Media, said, "TiVo’s proven track record of innovation, strength of its patented technology and experience in developing best in class user environments, make it an ideal strategic partner for Virgin Media as we move aggressively to bring our next-generation TV service to market. The superiority of our fiber optic network combined with TiVo’s capabilities, will allow us to offer consumers the most significantly advanced and compelling TV service available in the U.K., and we believe will do to the TV market what Virgin Media has done to the high-speed broadband market."

"This deal underscores TiVo’s commitment to expanding its global footprint through strategic alliances with leading international media companies to help them deliver the best in-home entertainment experience for consumers," added Tom Rogers, the president and CEO of TiVo. "We are very excited about this new distribution relationship with the U.K.’s most advanced pay-television provider and are particularly proud to have been selected as Virgin Media’s core software partner for its next-generation DVR-enabled set-top boxes and its next-generation non-DVR set top boxes. Virgin Media is a true leader in the world of entertainment and their enthusiasm for building the next generation of pay television is an excellent opportunity to put all of TiVo’s innovation to work in a product distributed by a world-class partner. We believe this international deal affords us a significant subscriber growth opportunity."