Will TiVo Lose Even More Subscribers? By Phillip Swann TVPredictions.com
http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivosubs052610.htm Washington, D.C. (May 26, 2010) -- TiVo reported yesterday that it had 2.5 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter, a 100,000 decrease from the end of the fourth quarter of 2009. While the decline is the lowest quarterly drop in roughly three years, it suggests that the DVR company seems incapable of maintaining its subscriber base. TiVo reported having 4.3 million subscribers in 2006, but the sub numbers have been dropping steadily ever since due to increased competition from satellite and cable DVR services. The company has attempted to revitalize its subscription effort by signing licensing deals with DIRECTV, Comcast and Cox. However, the rollout of those services have been delayed by various issues, including software glitches. TiVo has also been hampered by delays in its DVR patent infringement lawsuit against satcaster Dish Network. While lower courts have sided with TiVo, an appeals court ruled recently that Dish can resubmit its claim that its new DVR software does not violate TiVo's patents. If TiVo loses the Dish Network lawsuit, it could make it even more difficult for the company to generate new subscribers. Minus a potent legal threat, cable, telco and satellite operators may feel it's unnecessary to sign licensing deals with TiVo, or execute them with enthusiasm. -- ================================ George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 Mail: antunes at uh dot edu _______________________________________________ Medianews mailing list [email protected] http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
