Looks like at least one telco is picking up TiVo as an ally against the cable companies…
TiVo says: Beginning this week, BellSouth and TiVo will launch the first of a variety of co-marketing initiatives that leverage product synergies between BellSouth FastAccess DSL and TiVo in order to drive additional distribution of the respective services. Through the agreement with TiVo, select FastAccess DSL subscribers will receive special pricing on the TiVo box and service. Although specific marketing tactics were not disclosed, TiVo and BellSouth will leverage each other’s marketing efforts in key Southeastern markets. They will also offer special incentives to customers who subscribe to both services. “BellSouth is excited to offer TiVo’s unique broadband applications to our FastAccess DSL customers,” said Joey Schultz, vice president of marketing for BellSouth Retail Markets. TiVo’s home media features allows subscribers to receive broadband delivered video and view personal music and photos on the TV set not just the PC.
I agree – it does seem like Bell South is trying to become ‘content provider’ by getting into the TV market. Having a phone company involved with TV is nothing new in Canada though. For years we have had Bell ExpressVu satellite which is owned and operated by the same folks who provide phone and internet services to a lot of Canadians (Bell Canada & Sympatico respectively).
It should be interesting deal to watch to see what evolves from it.
Of course, BellSouth is being aquired by AT&T. And AT&T’s U-Verse service is IPTV and requires their dedicated STB.
What a tangled web we weave.