In an effort to distinguish their DVRs from the competition, TiVo Inc. had already entered into a deal with Amazon.com to offer their Unbox video download service through TiVo Series2 or Series3 DVRs. Now they've announced a deal with the RealNetworks and MTV Networks owned Rhapsody America to allow music from the Rhapsody service to be streamed through them.
Rhapsody is a subscription service that allows listeners to stream an unlimited number of songs from the internet for a monthly fee. Rhapsody also sells standard MP3 downloads for sale, but this won't be available on TiVos.
Current TiVo subscribers will be be able to try the service free for 30 days. After that it will cost them $12.99 per month in addition to TiVo's standard monthly fee.
"This puts us on the map as distinguishing ourselves from other generic DVRs," TiVo's CEO Tom Rogers said. "We not only facilitate getting Rhapsody on the TV set, but most importantly, the quick easy way to find it, which is how TiVo made its name."
"The big thrust for us is to try to expand the pie, bring digital music to more consumers," Michael Bloom, Rhapsody general manager told Reuters. "CD sales have been in rapid decline. This is one of the ways that we are going to help in that regard."
Sources:
Associated Press
Reuters
Current TiVo subscribers will be be able to try the service free for 30 days. After that it will cost them $12.99 per month in addition to TiVo's standard monthly fee.
"This puts us on the map as distinguishing ourselves from other generic DVRs," TiVo's CEO Tom Rogers said. "We not only facilitate getting Rhapsody on the TV set, but most importantly, the quick easy way to find it, which is how TiVo made its name."
"The big thrust for us is to try to expand the pie, bring digital music to more consumers," Michael Bloom, Rhapsody general manager told Reuters. "CD sales have been in rapid decline. This is one of the ways that we are going to help in that regard."
Sources:
Associated Press
Reuters
