TiVo kept its independent U.S. cable mojo going this week with word that Armstrong Utilities has selected TiVo to power as its next-gen video platform partner.
The deal, billed as an exclusive for TiVo, will feature TiVo’s platform running on the Pace-made MG1 six-tuner whole-home gateway/DVR, the Pace MI3 IP set-top client and the TiVo Stream, a Slingbox-like video transcoding device that can deliver live and recorded video to tablets, smartphones and PCs. The agreement also extends to Armstrong’s TV Everywhere experience and TiVo’s iOS and Android mobile apps.
Armstrong did not announce if it intends to offer Netflix on its new TiVo-powered platform, a feature that is currently being offered from several of TiVo’s MSO partners, including Suddenlink Communications, Cable One, RCN, Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications, Virgin Media, Com Hem, Midcontinent Communications and GCI.
A TiVo official said it will be up to Armstrong to negotiation whether it will support integrated access to Netflix. Armstrong was not immediately available Tuesday morning for further comment.
Armstrong, which serves parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland, plans to launch its TiVo offering in early 2015.
"We have always been committed to providing our customers with the best television experience possible. Our decision to offer TiVo-powered solutions so they can get the content they want on any screen, wherever they are, is representative of that commitment. We are thrilled to partner with TiVo and eager to begin offering customers the customizable, next generation service that they demand,” Jeff Ross, president of Armstrong, said in a statement.
The announcement did not say if or when Armstrong might use TiVo’s UI tailored for Digital Transport Adapters as the MSO moves ahead on its analog reclamation project. In February, Rovi announced that Armstrong was using its guide for standard- and high-definition DTAs.
TiVo ended the second quarter with 4.80 million cumulative subs (937,000 TiVo-owned and 3.86 million via partnerships).
