TiVo said it has inked a multi-year, strategic partnership with Buckeye CableSystem in which the MSO will lean on TiVo’s software and devices for a new multi-screen video offering.
Starting in June 2016, TiVo will become Buckeye CableSystem’s primary provider of the software, user experience and cloud services for across the operator’s service area, which includes parts of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
Buckeye’s coming multi-screen offering will factor in TiVo-powered DVRs and thin clients, and TiVo web, mobile and tablet applications. Later, the MSO will also use a new TiVo-based non-DVR hybrid (QAM/IP) set-top box that will tie together the MSO’s linear and VOD offerings, plus over-the-top content from sources such as Hulu and YouTube, as well as TV Everywhere apps. That hybrid box, TiVo noted, will include software that will deliver traditional and broadband video without the need for a CableCARD.
Notably, the partnership is coming together as the FCC prepares to vote on a new set-top plan that would succeed the CableCARD regime and be applied to all forms of MVPDs, including cable and telco TV operators and satellite TV service providers.
The deal also extends TiVo’s reach among U.S. based independent operators, a group that includes RCN, Suddenlink, Mediacom Communications, Atlantic Broadband, Armstrong, Grande Communications, and GCI, among others. TiVo ended its fiscal Q3 with 6.46 million subs, including 5.51 million coming way of MVPD partnerships.
“We are excited about our new partnership with TiVo,” Jeff Abbas, president and general manager of Buckeye, said in a statement. “Deploying TiVo gives our customers access to both traditional and streaming content and the most advanced whole-home, multiscreen TV solution in the industry. TiVo allows Buckeye to rapidly deliver new technologies and immediately satisfy our subscribers’ increasing demand for broadband video.”
“We are proud to partner with Buckeye to provide next generation video to customers in Ohio and Michigan,” added Thomas Elam, VP and GM of TiVo's North American operator business. “This brings Buckeye subscribers a wealth of content – both traditional cable and broadband streaming – in one, unified system. Buckeye viewers will have access to more content, and a better experience, than ever before.”
