Tivo

TiVo is a brand of digital video recorders (DVRs) and streaming devices that helped popularize personal video recording. Originating in the United States, TiVo was founded in 1997 by James Barton and Michael Ramsay, and the first TiVo DVR was released in 1999. The device stores broadcast content on an internal hard drive and allows time-shift viewing, automatic scheduling, and menu-based navigation.

Key features include an on-screen program guide, Season Pass recording, WishList searches, and interactive recommendations. Recordings are stored locally on the device’s hard drive, with capacity varying by model. TiVo devices also integrate access to streaming apps and live terrestrial or cable channels through a unified interface, and some models support multiple tuners and wireless connectivity.

Throughout its history, TiVo has changed ownership several times. It was acquired by Rovi Corporation in 2016, and the TiVo brand and services later became part of Xperi following a transaction completed in the late 2010s. The brand continues to offer DVR hardware and streaming devices, including newer TiVo Stream products that combine over-the-top streaming with DVR capabilities.

Market position: TiVo operates primarily as a niche DVR and streaming solution, competing with other DVR platforms and streaming devices. Its traditional model has depended on guide data and cloud-based features that may require subscriptions, and its presence varies by country and distribution channel, including consumer retailers and operator-provided devices.