Best Buy Co. (NYSE:BBY) and TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) have created a technology alliance that will allow both companies to cross-promote products and services. A few highlights of the
far-reaching partnership include:
- Prominent placement of TiVo DVRs in Best Buy stores
- Possible development of a user interface for TiVo DVRs that will allow Best Buy to deliver marketing material and advice on how to maximize the at-home digital experience directly to consumers
- Possible integration of TiVo user interface, search and other technologies into Best Buy-branded electronics
The partnership is the latest in
Best Buy's push to build its digital muscle. The big-box retailer in May bankrolled a new venture capital fund to invest in digital media and communications startups, with a focus on those developing games, mobile apps, music sharing and online video.
TiVo has been active on the deal front as well, announcing partnerships recently with
Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI) and
Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) to deliver the movie retailers' titles directly to TiVo boxes. And in a sign of just how competitive the digital entertainment space is, TiVo is locked in a bitter
five-year legal dispute with EchoStar, which was charged with infringing on TiVo's DVR technology. EchoStar, owned by Dish Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), has appealed.
- Suzanne Stevens
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