TiVo is set to launch in NZ and is generating a great deal of interest here. Nearly 11,000 customers have visited the TiVo site to register interest. The set top box here will show free to air television stations and programs that have been downloaded from the internet.
Hybrid holds the TiVo rights here and they say the response is very strong for a product that is still not launched. Private talks ahve happened between Hybrid and TV3 and C4 owner MediaWorks. Mediaworks approval is needed for the inclusion of TV3 and C4 programming in the Electronic Programming Guide of TiVo.
The talks were downplayed by Mediaworks themselves. It wasn’t a priority for them, they said. TVNZ bought a third stake in Hybrid for $8 mn.
With the help of TiVo, viewers in the largest cities in NZ will be able to watch, pause and rewing free to air channels as well as record programs. TiVo viewing in Australia is picking up after a slow beginning.
Installation issues will not hold back sales a representative of TiVo said.
Meanwhile TiVo Central Online has launched “To Do” and “Now Playing” Lists.
