Mumbai: Creator of television services for digital video recorders (DVRs) TiVo has signed independent deals with The Walt Disney Studios and Jaman.com wherein subscribers can download movies to their broadband connected TiVo DVRs directly from the TV.
The Disney titles will be available to rent through an agreement with Disney-ABC and CinemaNow, a digital entertainment provider of high-quality Hollywood movies and TV shows across multiple platforms, and the latest partner to join TiVo’s broadband efforts. The companies will offer the movies for a 24-hour rental period in standard definition, with many also available in high definition.
On the other hand, TiVo will provide a range of foreign and independent movies to their broadband connected TiVo DVRs directly to the TV, through a deal announced earlier this year with Jaman.com.
"We are very excited to be working with Disney and CinemaNow. Adding Disney movies really delivers on TiVo’s promise to offer the best television entertainment experience with unlimited content choices that are easy to navigate across broadcast, cable, and broadband using one device, one remote, and one user interface," said TiVo vice president and GM of content services Tara Maitra.
"TiVo has always delivered a superior experience," said Disney-ABC Domestic Television executive vice president of pay television and interactive media Dan Cohen. "We’re pleased that their subscribers will be able to enjoy our extensive catalog of new releases and classic library titles."
Jaman.com will provide award-winning independent and international film titles on TiVo DVRs. These films are often found only within fine art-house theaters in New York and Los Angeles and not usually available in theaters around the country.
"Adding even more movies to our already deep broadband library is an important step in delivering the most complete, original, and rich world of entertainment to the living room possible," said Maitra. "Our goal is to offer unlimited media content through one device with one easy-to-use interface, and with partnerships like this we can ensure that vision has become a reality."
Viewers will be able to access Jaman’s library of internationally- acclaimed films in the categories of Indie and Film Festival Favorites, Best of Bollywood and Documentaries. Titles include Oscar nominees Girl with a Pearl Earring, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, and Supersize Me, as well as independent gems like Oil and Ice, Bollywood greats Devdas and Chokher Bali, and anime landmarks Ghost in the Shell and Robotech. Jaman content is now available to rent or purchase starting at $1.99, with a number of shorts and full-length films that are available to download for free.
"Film fans are discovering high-quality, original films from around the world through TiVo’s intuitive interface. Browsing and watching films that aren’t available anywhere else right from the comfort of your living room will introduce a new audience to truly great independent and foreign films. With TiVo, Jaman brings the film festival into your living room," said Jaman CEO Gaurav Dhillon.
While the Jaman content will be available to broadband-connected TiVo Series2, TiVo Series3, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL DVRs; Disney movies will be available to all broadband-connected TiVo Series2 and Series3 subscribers later this year.
