• Austin American-Statesmen (free registration required), Monday, December 12, 2005 10:45 AM

This might not be a fun time to be Tom Rogers. The CEO of TiVo is faced by an onslaught to challengers, many of which are better financed and seemingly better positioned to survive the rapidly shifting terrain in the DVR industry. Bob Keefe, West Coast bureau chief of the Austin American-Statesmen, says that "the company that gave viewers the power to pause live TV shows, time-shift their viewing... and instantly zap through commercials now finds itself struggling to remain a relevant part of the business it created." How so? The "revolutionary technology it pioneered is quickly becoming a commodity." Because TiVo's hardware is not much different from digital video recorders currently offered by competitors, including cable companies, its best chance of survival is based on differentiating itself by offering consumers features not available elsewhere. Its upcoming video-search feature, which will permit users to find specific commercials, is one such initiative TiVo hopes will help set it apart. Analysts quoted by the American-Stateman are skeptical. "'I don't think anything they've announced is going to change the competitive balance or the strategic disadvantage TiVo has versus cable' and satellite," said one.

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