The Internet rumor mill suggests that TiVo could be sold soon.
A recent Bloomberg article speculates that a buyout is already in the works.
An analyst comment that TiVo could be worth about $2.4 billion and a recent patent battle victory over DISH that will allow TiVo to rake in more than $500 million are fueling rumors that the company is prepping itself for sale.
The main problem for TiVo at this time is that it is not profitable and there is no immediate opportunity to get in the black again. However, the company carries substantial patent value and could return to old glory with the help of a larger platform partner. Companies that could be interested in an acquisition may include Google, Microsoft or Rovi.
TiVo declined to comment on the rumors.
Tivo has IP value, cash, carry-forward losses and they are definitely a good takeover candidate. There is a good chance multiple bids will come in once someone makes the first move. I do believe Tivo's poison pill is still in effect for another few months, though. Any offer would have to be done with the full consent of the Board. Either way, I certainly would not want to be short the stock and wake up one morning to a 50% or more loss!
Now that WMC has 4-tuner cablecard support and a full OS (where I can add network video, network tuners, extra disk dirves, etc...) There's no looking back. For others though, the TiVo with a built in drive (even if it's just a DVD player) would probably be more than enough.
Cause no one wants to pay a monthly fee after you just spent a load on the hardware.
Would that be a cable company? lol TiVo should have played nice with more TV service providers in order to have them sell their boxes. Would be interesting to see who cannibalizes TiVo which is sad since TiVo did have a great concept.
sagetv is DVR application that runs on java ( mac, MS & linux editions available b4 buyout )
It was imao the best dvr software available - highly flexible with many user generated plugins.
No one is telling why google bought sagetv but be prepared for some potentially interesting moves in the DVR market.
Here's hoping the very best of TiVo's future, whether a "reincarnation" is involved or not.
Sorta' reminds me of the Apple Macintoshes vs. Microsoft Windows PCs "wars" - a great idea that most folks have not experienced due to "fate" (or actions by "little guys" and "big guys").
Again, good luck, TiVo!