ASIA-PACIFIC BROADCASTING

SYDNEY/AUCKLAND – TVNZ is expected to offer the TiVo media device in New Zealand this year after it recently acquired a 33% stake in Hybrid Television Services, the exclusive licensee of TiVo in Australia and New Zealand.

The public broadcaster stated that its investment in Hybrid Television Services, for an undisclosed amount, “will support the launch of the media device in New Zealand, scheduled for later this year”.

Australia’s Seven Media Group, which originally signed the licensee deal with Nasdaq-listed TiVo in 2008, retains the remaining share in Hybrid Television Services.

TVNZ’s acquisition has prompted the formation of a board of directors at Hybrid Television Services chaired by James Warburton, chief sales and digital officer for Seven Media Group. The other members of the board now include Rick Ellis, CEO of TVNZ; Rodney Parker, CFO of TVNZ; and Bruce McWilliam, commercial director for Seven Media Group.

The TiVo digital video recorder (DVR) allows viewers to receive all free-to-air digital TV channels as well as broadband content, services and games.  Compatible with New Zealand Freeview HD broadcasts, TiVo will enable viewers to record their favourite shows, pause and rewind live TV, watch movies on demand and access services such as pizza ordering, shopping and weather forecasts via their TV.

Ellis said investing in Hybrid Television Services “is an investment in the future commercial success of TVNZ. It marks a further step in our transition from a traditional broadcaster to a multi-platform digital media company with diverse income streams, operating in the Australasian market”.

Warburton added that TiVo continues to ring in sales in Australia even after the Christmas season. “This investment from TVNZ and its involvement on the board of Hybrid Television Services will ensure that the company is uniquely positioned for success in both countries,” he said.

Tom Rogers, president and CEO of TiVo Inc, added; “Hybrid TV has achieved great things and exceeded expectations with the launch of the TiVo media device in Australia, further demonstrating the advanced interactive capabilities of TiVo. Now with the TVNZ investment, we’re thrilled to be working with the number one broadcaster in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.”

TVNZ operates two terrestrial channels — TV ONE and TV2 —and two digital-only channels — TVNZ 6 and TVNZ 7 — broadcast through the Freeview platform. It also runs an online “catch-up TV” service called TVNZ ondemand.

 

 

 

 

 

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