TiVo inks VOD-related deals with SeaChange and Alticast

While many are still eagerly awaiting their tuning adapter for utilizing tru2way on their existing TiVo box, said company has announced two partnerships today that look to solve issues with cable carriers that don't currently have an OCAP / tru2way deployment plan. The tie-up with SeaChange will enable those lagging carriers to bring cable VOD services to the TiVo HD DVR experience, giving them the option to highlight offerings on a TiVo guide, for instance. The second partnership involves Alticast, and while details are a tad fuzzier here, we get the impression that TiVo's looking to possibly push its heralded interface out onto other devices, such as embedded within a Blu-ray deck or other set-top-box. Or as Joshua Danovitz, Vice President and GM of International at TiVo puts it: "[We need to make] the TiVo experience available on a broad range of platforms, both in the United States and around the world." Hit the read links for more on each, and don't be surprised if you dig the vibes you get.\

[Via Yahoo! / PC World]

Read - Alticast partnership
Read - SeaChange partnership

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 2nd 2009 7:22PM]

The tuning adapter is due to SDV, it has nothing to do with tru2way, which won't be with us until the Series 4 TiVo at a guess. Come on EngadgetHD, this is pretty basic stuff you should know. ;)

[chumley Posted Mar 2nd 2009 9:00PM]

The SeaChange deal is very interesting. The lack of cable VOD support is one common barrier to Tivo adoption. If they can add VOD support without the cost/complexity of Tru2way, that would be significant. The press release is vague, but it leaves open the possibility that VOD support might be added to existing Tivo HDs.

[PhiTauBill Posted Mar 3rd 2009 2:25PM]

I don't see Tru2Way being a Series 3 TiVo killer... if you can get VOD directly through your TV without a box (as promised by tru2way),
then the TiVo handles exactly what it was originally meant to do, record tv and play it back for you... you can get your VOD directly from your TV...

[demon Posted Mar 3rd 2009 12:58PM]

I must say, I'm impressed that a company is making serious inroads into extending cableco VOD services to HD TiVos. I guess at least someone sees there being enough of us out there to make it worthwhile to pay attention to.