Virgin Media Unveils TiVo Set-Top Box Deal With Samsung, & iPad App

RC
Richard Carlton

UK telecommunications giant Virgin Media this week announced that it has signed a deal with Korean consumer electronics manufacturer Samsung to make its TiVo set-top boxes, with the current maker of these boxes, Cisco, losing out. Virgin has dropped Cisco for reasons that have not yet been made clear. Instead, it is going to be Samsung who will be rolling out Virgin Media’s new internet-connected PVRs (personal video recorders) later this year.

Virgin Media TiVo iPad app
Virgin Media unveils TiVo iPad app

Samsung has already been used by Virgin Media previously to manufacture set-top boxes for its V+ HDTV service that has proved to be extremely reliable, which could be part of the reason why Virgin has decided to go with the Seoul-based company again for its TiVo boxes.

Samsung’s Warren Hampton said that the company is very proud to be getting involved with Virgin on another deal, adding that the arrangement is a major triumph for Samsung, which will allow both companies to provide innovative products and services to consumers. Virgin Media’s Iam Macklenburgh added that the new partnership will help bring the next generation of digital home entertainment to even more households across the United Kingdom.

Virgin Media also unveiled its TiVo iPad app, which enables users to basically use their Apple iPad tablet PCs like a giant remote control in order to operate the set-top box. Consumers will be able to browse the TiVo interface via the new App using their Apple iPads, with the big screen making it easier to go through the options and make choices without having to worry about interrupting viewing.

At present the app does not allow TiVo content to be watched on the iPad, but given the firm’s reputation when it comes to innovation, there is already speculation that Virgin may be looking at changing this in the future.