While TiVo is crushing it with cable partnerships and licensing deals, the retail DVR picture isn’t so rosy. And, for the first time since 2004, they’ve dropped below 1 million subscribers. Having received nearly universal praise, I imagine the company believes they’re posed to turn the tide with the newly released Roamio. Yet, TiVo indicated to investors that they intend to reduce R&D expenditures and that Roamio hardware generates “better hardware margins” for the company (despite a billion in the bank).
There’s no question in my mind that TiVo will see solid sales this fall and through the holidays… it’s what happens after that’ll determine their retail fate. Surely more over-the-top apps, out-of-home streaming, and Android streaming support would be a good start. But TiVo may also find they need to lower prices/fees for sustained expansion of their customer base.