TiVo became a prominent name in the 2000s, popularizing the concept of digital video recording (DVR) even though it did not invent the technology itself. The company’s brand name has been used as a verb by consumers for years, exemplified by phrases like “TiVo the new episode of Battlestar Galactica.” Among its innovations was the Time Warp patent, which allowed features such as pausing live TV and recording multiple programs simultaneously.
Throughout its early years, TiVo engaged in numerous legal battles to defend its patents, most notably against EchoStar, resulting in a significant $500 million settlement in 2011. TiVo also pursued legal action against major companies like Motorola, Dish Network, AT&T, and Verizon, winning almost all cases. Re-examinations by the US Patent Office reaffirmed the validity of TiVo’s patents.
While TiVo previously thrived, the emergence of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in the late 2000s marked a shift in consumer viewing habits. By that time, many cable packages began offering built-in DVRs, making TiVo’s separate device and subscription less appealing. Competing products, such as Roku devices and Google’s Chromecast, emerged at lower price points, challenging TiVo’s market position.
As consumer preferences moved towards streaming and away from traditional cable subscriptions, TiVo struggled to adapt. The company ultimately shifted its focus to licensing its technology rather than developing new hardware. In 2016, TiVo was acquired by Rovi, a company focused on intellectual property. Subsequently, TiVo was purchased by Xperi in 2020, which emphasized its patent portfolio rather than hardware advancements.
Recently, TiVo announced it has exited the hardware business after selling its last stock, choosing to concentrate on a new smart TV operating system. Questions remain about whether earlier diversification into broader revenue streams could have positioned TiVo more favorably in the changing landscape of media consumption.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/802254/tivo-time-warp-patent-courtoom-battles-lost-tv-war