TiVoWorld NZ

By Dene Mackenzie

The decision by Television New Zealand to introduce TiVo for paid internet television downloads is unlikely to hurt Sky Network TV, Forsyth Barr broker Peter Young says.

TVNZ has bought a 33% stake in the exclusive Australia and New Zealand TiVo licensee, Hybrid Television Services, before the device’s launch in New Zealand later this year.

See more @ http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/49494/tivo-no-threat-sky-broker-believes

TiVo, the creator of television services and advertising solutions for digital video recorders, is to launch its TiVo service in New Zealand later this year.

Through an agreement with Seven Media Group in Australia, Television New Zealand (TVNZ), New Zealand’s largest free-to-air and national broadcaster, has taken a 33% ownership stake in Hybrid Television Services, the Seven subsidiary that has TiVo rights in Australia and New Zealand.

See more @ http://www.itwire.com/content/view/24101/598/

TiVo ructions and some heavy hitters get their coats

By Juha Saarinen

Things are very different indeed in TV land these days. Old allegiances, principles, concepts and thoughts are out of the window, replaced by new ones. Who’d have thought that TVNZ would get into bed with privately held Seven in Australia, and SkyTV here, to launch that hoary old TiVo technology?

TV3 certainly didn’t see that public-private partnership coming, and is now feeling left out. You can understand why the Flower Street Crew is upset: TVNZ is busy telling advertisers there’s now regionally targeted advertising on offer, as well as the national variety. In high-def, over satellite and UHF, reaching each nook and cranny of the country, including SkyTV viewers; that’s two million eyeballs all in all, apparently.

See more @ http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/fry/5B28BC46C9E70704CC25758600128F0F

TVNZ today announced the acquisition of a 33% stake in Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensee of TiVo® in Australia and New Zealand, from Seven Media Group.  Seven Media Group retains the remaining 67% of Hybrid Television Services.

Hybrid Television Services launched TiVo in Australia in July 2008.  TVNZ’s investment will support the launch of the media device in New Zealand, scheduled for later this year.

See More @ http://www.throng.co.nz/tvnz/tvnz-launch-tivo-new-zealand

MEDIA RELEASE:

TiVo comes to New Zealand!

The world’s most popular media device launches in New Zealand, turbo charging free-to-air digital TV and putting viewers in control

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 26 March, 2009 – Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensee of TiVo® products in Australia and New Zealand, today revealed its plans for the launch of TiVo in New Zealand by Christmas this year.

The TiVo media device, which launched in Australia in July 2008 has met with outstanding demand responding to the consumer’s desire to watch what they want, when they want.

TiVo lets viewers take control of their TV experience, combining free-to-air digital television with broadband content, services and games. Broadband content in Australia includes Blockbuster movies and services and later in the year will include the ability to order pizza through your TiVo. Services like these are intended to launch with the service in New Zealand.

The dual HD tuners are compatible with Freeview HD and New Zealand TiVo users will be able to enjoy internationally recognised TiVo features: the Season Pass® feature, which allows users to record an entire TV series in a single click; WishList(tm) searches, which allows viewers to automatically record every programme containing their favourite actor or director. The TiVo media device even learns what you like to watch over time and records other shows it thinks you might like! The media device can also simultaneously record two programmes while you watch a third, previously recorded, programme. The once-off purchase includes a seven day electronic programme guide (EPG) helping consumers navigate and record their favourite TV shows.

Robbee Minicola, CEO of Hybrid Television Services commented on the launch; “TiVo has revolutionised the way Australians watch TV and now New Zealanders can be part of the TiVolution.

“Unlike subscription services, the TiVo media device grows in value, automatically updating the service via the broadband connection to provide an outstanding entertainment experience. Our intention is to continually delight New Zealanders with new products and services without having them commit to ongoing monthly fees.”

Hybrid Television Services is owned by Australia’s Seven Media Group and New Zealand’s TVNZ. Jason Paris, Head of Emerging Business for TVNZ, commented on the launch; “The rapid adoption of TVNZ ondemand showed us that New Zealanders are keen to have more control over their TV viewing experience. TiVo transforms television, giving viewers an unprecedented level of control over their favourite programmes in an incredibly simple way.”

New Zealand consumers and retailers can pre-register their interest in the TiVo media device at www.mytivo.co.nz.
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