WOW!, TiVo, Evolution Team on Non-DVR Set-Top

TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) and WOW! announced a joint development relationship with Evolution Digital. The agreement includes plans to deploy TiVo's software solution across mobile, web and a new low-cost, hybrid HD set-top box. Evolution Digital will provide the STB hardware.

The Evolution box combines traditional linear video over QAM with broadband services such as OTT video, and uses HD uDTA security instead of a hardware-based CableCARD for a lower price point. When combined with TiVo's software, the box can be deployed in multiple modes: a stand-alone HD set-top, a client to a TiVo DVR, or as a client to a cloud TV service such as IP linear and network DVR.

Software elements include:

• Search and browse functions across a unified catalog of broadband TV, VOD and OTT content
• Recommendations
• HD program guide and menus
• Integration between the box and mobile devices
• Set-top access to interactive HTML5 applications for video, weather, games and music
• Ability to play music and share photos stored on home computers on the main TV in the household