TiVo Inks Software Deal with Cox

Fresh off its EchoStar patent victory, TiVo has signed an agreement to provide software for DVRs offered by cable provider Cox Communications.

Fresh from winning its EchoStar patent suit—even if a just has put a hold on actually shutting down infringing EchoStar DVR units for the time being—a strangely resurgent TiVo announced yesterday it has reached a deal with Cox Communications to supply software for DVR units offered by the cable operator. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the deal, TiVo will provide a customized version of its DVR software for deployment on compatible DVR as a downloadable feature; Cox will thereby be able to offer TiVo service to subscribers without replacing existing DVR boxes. TiVo and Cox expect TiVo service to be launched in selected Cox markets in the first half of 2007.

“We are excited to add TiVo to the portfolio of Cox entertainment services,” said Steve Necessary, vice president of video product development for Cox Communications, in a statement. “Cox is committed to offering our customers the best television experience possible. Our new joint service will allow us to build on the popularity of the TiVo brand while continuing to provide our customers with the simplicity of our products and the award winning customer service they have come to expect.”

The deal marks TiVo’s second partnership with a major cable operator; roughly a year ago, TiVo announced a similar deal with Comcast, the nation’s largest cable company.