Seven set to Launch TiVo in Australia

July in Australia will see the much-awaited arrival of Seven’s TiVo digital television recorder. For three months the device will be sold exclusively by Harvey Norman and later via the major electronic services including Dick Smith and JB Hi-Fi. 

 Although Seven refused to comment, sources say that Seven plans to have a media launch for the TiVo on 1^st July with the promise of having it in stores by the month’s end.

TiVo, which has been a spectacular hit in the US, allows viewers to record and access over 100 free internet channels along with free-to-air television channels. Later in the future a link is possible with movie and music download stores.

 TiVo is all set to compete with Foxtel’s iQ2 box that provides more or less similar recording functions along with more channels. What the iQ2 box lacks are the TiVo’s additional features such as its ability to automatically recommend and record shows, movie and music download stores and internet video channels. The TiVo even costs cheaper than the Foxtel iQ2 box. The Foxtel package ranging from a minimum of $37.95 to a maximum (Platinum package) of $105.95 is an additional cost for the viewer to bear along with $10 to $15 every month for the box.

 Even though Seven’s sources say that Seven’s intentions are not to compete with Foxtel, it is highly questionable. Sources say that over 70 per cent of Australian homes do not have Foxtel and it is their aim to provide these houses everything that Foxtel does but minus the subscription and in a one-time buy box, the TiVo. It remains to be seen how far their aim is successful.