TiVo Stock Rises on Rumors of Apple TV Deal

[MacRumors]

Barron's briefly notes that TiVo's shares have jumped today (currently up over 6%) on rumors that the company's technology could make an appearance in revamped Apple TV hardware.

It is unclear, however, what aspect of TiVo technology would be brought to the Apple TV. Rumors have pointed to a dramatic overhaul of Apple's set-top box, bringing a new design based on that of the iPhone 4 with an iOS-based user interface and limited physical storage. While the device could pair with a Time Capsule device for expanded local storage, the focus of the new Apple TV, said to be priced at $99, would be on streaming.

It seems difficult to believe that something like the TiVo interface would come to the Apple TV given Apple's insistence not only controlling as much of its products as it can but also simply in delivering a consistent "Apple" look and feel for its software. It is possible that the Apple TV could use some of TiVo's underlying technology for some aspects of the its functionality, although rumors of limited onboard storage would seem to complicate its use as a DVR, TiVo's primary area of expertise.

For the time being, we are placing little credence in this rumor, as stock prices frequently respond to poorly-sourced or even baseless speculation. Consequently, we are publishing this on Page 2.

Article Link: TiVo Stock Rises on Rumors of Apple TV Deal

 

[Tilpots]

Barron's staff must be reading MR again...

 

[goobot]

If true would that mean it would be "locked" on their "network"

 

[Peace]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

 

[stridemat]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

Just what I was thinking. Things are looking up for Apple this summer.

 

[Peace]

The iPad>Apple TiVo> HD TV would mix quit nicely.

 

[SteveSparks]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

Seriously, this would be huge and really an amazing mode for Apple. They would have another built-in customer base who's credit cards are on file. It would not be a big deal to "leave" Tivo as a sub company but have control and use of all its tech on the Apple side of the house.

It would I think purchasing Tivo for Apple would be inexpensive way to gain market share.

 

[tivoboy]

I would say

I would say in TIVO's history at this point, an absolute buy it is probably a more likely scenario. I've been buying Sept and Nov calls out of the money for nothing, in the 15-18 ranges for the past couple months. I think we might see something, a BUY here is probably still a reasonable possibility

 

[iBookG4user]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

That would be an interesting move. It'll be interesting what happens to the Apple TV

 

[Peace]

Apple has to do something to counter the Google TV initiative.

 

[andyvp]

I wonder if the fact that the new TiVo UI is all FLASH based has any bearing on this?

 

[Warbrain]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

My exact thought. Apple wouldn't go for just integration, they'd buy the whole damn thing.

 

[rdowns]

Maybe Apple's gonna outright buy Tivo.

Again?

These, baseless, Apple-buying-Tivo rumors happen at least once a year for the last 5 or 6 years.

Apple has to do something to counter the Google TV initiative.

IF the rumored Google music store and Facebook rival are true, I think Google has bitten off more than they can chew. I don't see much chance of Google succeeding against iTunes or Facebook.

 

[Peace]

Again?

These, baseless, Apple-buying-Tivo rumors happen at least once a year for the last 5 or 6 years.





IF the rumored Google music store and Facebook rival are true, I think Google has bitten off more than they can chew. I don't see much chance of Google succeeding against iTunes or Facebook.

Well it's that time of year isn't it ?

 

[macpro2000]

I know that TiVo is not a money making operation...but by far have the best DVRs around as far as interface is concerned.

 

[Pequod23]

Its all about the patents

If Apple TV is going to have any impact on making TV simpler for people, it has to have DVR functionality. Who wants yet another box with yet another remote?

TiVo has a great DVR. It also has strong relationships with NetFlix, Amazon, and Blockbuster. They also have crummy underlying technology. More important, they have the fundamental DVR patents.

Apple wouldn't buy TiVo for its technology, they would buy it for its patents. TiVo has been in court essentially its whole life defending its patents on DVR functionality. They've won some. They've lost some. But as of right now, they own the whole notion of DVR. Lots of people would love to invalidate those patents (Comcast and DISH especially). Defending them takes lots of money.

A deep pocket investor like Apple would give Apple clear right to create a DVR and would give TiVo the resources they need to keep fighting.

The rumors of a merger keep coming up because there is logic to the match up. For now, it will be fun to watch the stock go up even more when the "Google to buy TiVo" rumor comes online.

 

[Le Big Mac]

I wonder if the fact that the new TiVo UI is all FLASH based has any bearing on this?

Ha! Oh, the irony--you'll fire up your Tivo and get a blue lego brick with a question mark.

 

[macpro2000]

Apple could do some amazing stuff teaming up with the TiVo team.

 

[rdowns]

For now, it will be fun to watch the stock go up even more when the "Google to buy TiVo" rumor comes online.

Google would destroy the Tivo platform. They'd put those ****ing AdWords in your TV listings and menus.

 

[trainwrecka]

Apple could do some amazing stuff teaming up with the TiVo team.

What you meant to say was, "Apple could do some amazing stuff with TiVo's patent portfolio."

The new TiVo interface is more complicated and buggy, and the whole thing is Flash-based.

I've been a TiVo user since 2005, and think it is the best DVR available, but I love the Apple TV more.

 

[spazzcat]

Damn I knew I should have bought more last week

 

[MarximusMG]

If Apple TV is going to have any impact on making TV simpler for people, it has to have DVR functionality. Who wants yet another box with yet another remote?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[richman555]

I know this is all rumor and pure speculation, but I'd like to note I haven't seen much more news anywhere else with regard to this. So I am taking all this with a grain of salt.

That being said, I think the only reason Apple would do this is to provide cheap and easy way to view TV content. Apple has been approaching TV networks to provide more inexpensive content (99 cent downloads) for TV shows and reportedly the networks have balked at the idea. If Apple would like more leverage with the networks, this certainly would do it.

Personally, I do think there is a space for purchased content (that is commercial free and good quality). I also think there is a space for free content with the opportunity to advertise. At the end of the day I think people just want easy options with their digital media. As an Apple TV owner I like the idea.

 

[wrast]

Too big of a change in Apple philosophy. As much as I would love to see this kind of partnership, it just isn't going to happen.

 

[Nermal]

That would be an interesting move. It'll be interesting what happens to the Apple TV

Is there anything ATV does that TiVo doesn't (apart from play iTunes DRM)? I see little reason to keep the ATV around if you can do more with a TiVo.

Edit: Please note that this is a serious question; I don't own either device so there may be glaring differences that I'm not even aware of.