Did DIRECTV Try to Buy TiVo?
A little over a year ago, the DIRECTV-TiVo relationship seemed to be a perfect marriage.
The satellite TV provider was using the Digital Video Recording service to attract new subscribers, particularly among early adopters of new technology.
TiVo, which had struggled to persuade VCR owners to try the new technology, could count on DIRECTV to provide a steady stream of new customers.
Both sides were benefiting. However, today, the two companies appear headed for divorce. DIRECTV has announced that it will launch its own DVR service. Although the satcaster continues to market TiVo, many analysts question whether the relationship will continue when their current marketing agreement expires in 2007.
What happen to this blissful arrangement?
The answer: Rupert Murdoch.