Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Limited, the exclusive licensee of TiVo in New Zealand and Australia, is set to release the TiVo brand in New Zealand from 6th November. At the same time it will reveal a new on-demand service for New Zealanders before any other country.
TiVo is the world’s most popular media device, giving viewers recording control and playback choice in one user-friendly interface. In addition to the TiVo device providing control of free-to-air digital terrestrial television (Freeview|HD compatible), the all-new broadband portal, CASPA On-Demand, will have its international debut in New Zealand.
CASPA On-Demand is a world of broadband entertainment including new release movies, hit TV shows for the whole family as well as music videos and concerts. As TiVo is not a subscription service customers can “pay-as-they-use” for CASPA instead of paying monthly fees for shows they do not watch. The broadband content on CASPA is provided as pay-per-view, advertiser funded or free of charge.
CASPA On-Demand will be exclusively available with a Telecom broadband connection. Downloads do not count towards the user's monthly cap. Other TiVo functionality requiring broadband will work with any provider.
The New Zealand launch bundle, sold exclusively through Telecom retail stores and partnes from 6th November, comprises a TiVo 320 Media Device and the Home Networking Package, which enables the customer to transfer TV recordings from their TiVo to their PC or portable device (i.e. PSP or iTouch), as well as view home movies, pictures and listen to their music on the TV.
“TiVo will provide the very best of broadband entertainment and allow Kiwis the freedom to enjoy top-rated movies on the television without impacting their monthly broadband data allowance,” said Ralph Brayham, Telecom director of home services.
“We are absolutely thrilled to premiere this new offering to New Zealanders. With the proliferation of digital free-to-air channels, New Zealanders should have more choice than ever before in how they view, pay for and enjoy their TV,” said Robbee Minicola, CEO of Hybrid TV.
“A key factor in our decision to obtain the licence rights for TiVo in these two countries was to enable broadband features on the television versus the computer. We knew that TiVo was the leader in controlling live television with its award winning features like Season Pass™ recordings and WishList™ searches but we sought to exploit broadband to take the product to the next level. We have achieved that with the CASPA On-Demand service.
“The relationship with Telecom ensures its broadband customers who use the CASPA service will not experience any impact on their monthly broadband data allowance. This is a significant benefit to consumers and explains why only Telecom broadband customers have access to CASPA On-Demand. New Zealanders who are not with Telecom for their broadband can still enjoy the TiVo product but will not have access to CASPA,” said Ms Minicola.
The TiVo media device will be available as a bundle for NZ$920 and includes a TiVo 320 Media Device, Wireless Adaptor and free Home Networking Package. This bundle will be on sale until 24 January 2010.
