TiVo still working on tru2way, DirecTV still due for 2010
updated 10:55 am EDT, Thu August 26, 2010
TiVo still developing tru2way, DirecTV due 2010
During a quarterly earnings call this week, DVR maker TiVo revealed that it is still working on bringing tru2way technology to its set-top boxes. This would allow two-way interaction over cable set-tops, including services such as games, chat, web browsing and shopping. At the same time, CEO Tom Rogers said DirecTV TiVo is still scheduled for a 2010 release, but there is now some doubt as to whether this can happen before 2011.
If delayed, it would be at least the second in a series of setbacks for the hardware. Such a set-top would let users record HD programming and suggest programs that feature a user's favorite actors, all without having to use a box separate from the main satellite receiver.
Rogers did add that DirectTV TiVo hardware will be built by Technicolor/Thomson. In the US, RCN will bring out Premiere hardware, and international editions from Virgin and ONO will be built by Cisco.
As for the actual earnings, Rogers reported a net loss of about $15 million for the quarter along with a subscriber drop of about 2.4 million, while there is $240 million of cash in-hand. TiVo has been hurt in recent years by the shift towards subsidized DVRs at cable and satellite providers that are often free with service, where TiVo carries an extra fee both for the box and a subscription. [via ZatzNotFunny]
