WASHINGTON - Digital video recorders -- the devices that record programs on a disk drive, giving users an option to "pause" broadcasts -- would be provided to millions of US customers under a deal announced Tuesday between Comcast and TiVo.
Comcast, with about 21.5 million cable TV customers, said it reached the deal with TiVo Inc. to make the devices "widely available to Comcast customers in the majority of its markets around the country."
TiVo is a major maker of digital video recorders (DVRs) that use a disk drive to record live television broadcasts. Some customers use the devices to skip commercials or to effectively "pause" the broadcast, while continuing to record on the hard drive for later playback.
The two companies said the deal would make TiVo products available by the middle of 2006 for most Comcast markets.
"We are focused on providing our customers with a 21st century television experience," said Brian Roberts, chairman and chief executive of Comcast.
"TiVo has revolutionized the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. By partnering with TiVo, we are continuing to deliver technology that enables our customers to watch what they want, when they want on TV."
"The chance to combine TiVo's unmatched DVR features and innovative advertising capabilities with the power of Comcast's advanced digital television services presents tremendous opportunities," said Mike Ramsay, chairman and CEO of TiVo.
03/15/2005 15:26 GMT