By Jack June 7, 2000 12:01 PM
TIVO RAISES
THE BAR FOR PERSONAL TV WITH DELIVERY OF INDUSTRY'S FIRST INTERACTIVE
VIDEO PROGRAM
"TiVo
Takes" makes it easy for TiVo Subscribers to find the best on TV
SAN
JOSE, CA - June 7, 2000 - TiVo, Inc., (NASDAQ: TIVO)
the creator of personal television, today unveiled the newest addition
to the TiVo Service, a fully interactive video program called "TiVo
Takes." Hosted by CNET veteran, Daphne Brogdon, and produced weekly
by TiVo Studios, TiVo Takes provides an informative, entertaining and
completely interactive look at the upcoming week in TV. As they watch
TiVo Takes, subscribers can record shows they wish to watch, that are
highlighted in the video program, with the simple touch of a button
on the TiVo remote. In addition to exclusive TiVo editorial content,
TiVo Takes will also feature unique tips, to help consumers get the
most from the TiVo Service.
The program's interactivity is powered by TiVo's unique
Ipreview technology, which allows TiVo customers to record programs
directly from the clips for those shows. In the case of TiVo Takes,
viewers will be able to schedule recordings from each story that airs.
For example, when host Ms. Brogdon reviews an upcoming season finale,
a thumbs up symbol will appear on the screen and the viewer can schedule
the show to be recorded right from the TiVo Takes segment. TiVo Takes
is produced using onscreen menus that allow viewers to quickly fast
forward to the stories that interest them, a benefit that is consistent
with the TiVo Service, providing viewers with unprecedented control
over their television viewing.
"The
launch of TiVo Takes represents a giant leap forward in what consumers
can and should expect from personal television services. No longer confined
to a static interface, viewers can enjoy video previews as part of the
TiVo Service," said Stacy Jolna, chief programming officer at TiVo.
"Now finding the best of TV has never been easier -- our editorial staff
does the work for viewers, creating an entertaining look at the week's
lineup, so that viewers can make informed choices about what to record."
TiVo Takes is produced by a team of television veterans, led by executive
producer Jim Monroe. The program's producer is Lynn Margherita who joined
TiVo in April 2000.
The program is delivered to viewers over traditional broadcast
airtime on the Pax Network. By utilizing this existing broadband for
delivery TiVo subscribers can schedule a Season Pass for TiVo Takes
and always be connected to the best of what's on TV. The program takes
advantage of TiVo Service features to make it easy for viewers to "surf"
through the show, find what interests them and instantly schedule a
recording. TiVo subscribers will also be able to enjoy a short film
at the end of each episode, from charter sponsor and Internet film entertainment
pioneer, IFILM.
About Ipreview
Ipreview brings recording convenience to TiVo subscribers by enabling
them to schedule programs to record directly from promotional previews.
With the simple click of the TiVo remote, Ipreview is designed to ensure
that viewers never miss the upcoming movies, sports events and television
series that interest them most. Ipreview's interactivity enables viewers
to get the most out of the vast amount of television programming available
to them.
The TiVo Service
The TiVo Service? is the most advanced and easy to use personal
TV service available today. It digitally records television shows, without
video tape, so you can watch what you want, when you want to watch it.
The TiVo Service was designed to make it easy for consumers to find
and record the programs they want, with new service capabilities and
enhancements delivered to recorders automatically.
TiVo offers customers
a choice in service options, with the option to pay as you go or pay
no monthly fees. A lifetime subscription to the TiVo service without
monthly fees can be purchased with a single payment of $199. For customers
who want to keep their up front costs to a minimum, Personal TV is available
as a monthly subscription to the TiVo service for $9.95.
With Season Passes?, The
TiVo Service can automatically find and record your favorite shows every
time they air, even if the network lineup changes. A unique attribute
of the Service is its ability to recommend shows that match your interests
through TiVo's Suggestions?; no other personal TV service can deliver
this level of personalization to viewers. The TiVo Service also includes
exclusive editorial programming such as TiVolution Magazine? - an on-screen
entertainment guide with recommended programming each week and Network
Showcases? - a forum for TiVo's network partners to highlight upcoming
programs and specialized content.
About
TiVo
TiVo (Nasdaq: TIVO) is the creator of the personal television service.
Founded in 1997 with the mission to dramatically improve consumers'
television viewing experiences, TiVo developed a technology that serves
as a platform for delivering a variety of home entertainment services.
TiVo's Personal TV Service? simplifies the way we watch and enjoy television
by digitally recording television shows, without video tape, so you
can watch what you want, when you want to watch it. TiVo was the first
to deliver on the promise of consumer choice and control over TV viewing,
building a loyal and passionate subscriber.
TiVo's
leadership is grounded in its ability to forge critical partnerships,
working together with the giants of the media, technology, consumer
electronics, and television industries. Industry support of TiVo is
reflected in its partner roster that includes, AOL, Blockbuster, BSkyB,
DIRECTV, Philips, SONY, and the leading cable and network television
companies. Today, the TiVo Service is available in the United States
on the Philips Personal TV Recorder? and the Sony Digital Network Recorder
? in nearly 3500 consumer electronics retail and online outlets. TiVo
is headquartered in San Jose, CA. with offices in Los Angeles, CA. Additional
information can be found at www.tivo.com.
This release may
contain forward-looking statements regarding TiVo's business, customers
or other factors that may affect future earnings or financial results.
Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to vary materially from those, expressed in or indicated by
the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results
to differ materially include delays in development, competitive service
offerings and lack of market acceptance. These risks and uncertainties
are more fully described in the TiVo Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the period ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
TiVo
is a registered trademark of TiVo Inc. in the United States and other
jurisdictions. All other company or product names mentioned may be trademarks
or registered trademarks of the respective companies with which they
are associated.