Following on from the deal made last year, Virgin Media is set to launch a TiVo-powered PVR for its cable TV customers.
The STB will hold 1TB of storage, making it probably the largest PVR on the market. And will also have internet services and apps bought directly to the television without hte need of a router.
The box will deliver normal TV as well as vidoe-on-demand and online HD broadcast, without affecting customer’s other online activities. It will also bring 3D television to Virgin viewers as well.
The new service will allow Virgin to compete more effectively with Sky’ Antime+ VoD service, which has only recently launched.
“Competitors’ connected TV products rely on just one central broadband connection, typically DSL, making it difficult for families to watch online TV or TV on Demand and take advantage of the internet at the same time,” says the company.
Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: “Virgin Media’s next generation connected TV service – powered by TiVo – and combined with our superior broadband will blow other ‘connected TV’ products out of the water. We’re really proud of our new next-generation TV service which will appeal to anyone and everyone looking for the best of live broadcast TV, catch up, on demand and internet apps and services.”