EXCLUSIVE: Executives from Hybrid TV, the distributors of the TiVo set top box and the operators of the CASPA on demand movie service, have admitted that Samsung is set to launch a brand new CASPA content service, with the deal to be announced shortly.
A senior Hybrid executive told SmartHouse, “Yes we are going to announce a CASPA deal with Samsung, however, at this stage, I cannot disclose the details. The contract was signed earlier this month and executives from both organisations are now working on the launch of the service”.
Samsung executives have also confirmed that a deal is imminent, but what is not known is whether the package being delivered via a Samsung Internet TV will come bundled with an unmetered broadband service.
CASPA On-Demand is a content service that is currently being used by several ISPs to deliver movie and TV content via the Internet. The service, via ISPs like iiNet and iPrimus, is unmetered.
The confirmation of a deal with Samsung came shortly after Hybrid CEO Robbee Minicola announced that their TiVo digital PVR was set to get a major software upgrade that allows owners of a TiVo digital video recorder to time shift 3D content.
Taking advantage of the hype associated with 3D content, the Nine Network broadcast the State Of Origin rugby game between arch rivals NSW and Queensland in 3D. Hybrid TV, which is predominantly owned by the Seven Network, said that with their new TiVo PVR users will be able to record 3D broadcasts.
A pumped up Robbee Minicola told one media organisation, “To own a TiVo and know that your TiVo can record the 3D broadcast of the World Cup soccer while you are sleeping, then wake up to time shifted viewing on a 3D TV is worth getting out of bed for. The ability to feel as though you can reach out and kiss a player that scores a goal, snatch the red card out of the hands of the referee, or experience the players heading right for you in a slide tackle: you can almost taste the grass and dirt in your mouth”.
She also said that all consumers who purchase a TiVo device and establish a CASPA account between 28 May 2010 and 20 June 2010 will get a free Western Digital 1Terrabyte hard drive worth over $260 The device must be purchased through Harvey Norman, Domayne, JB Hi-Fi, Dick Smith or Myer stores; and the purchase must be registered online before 31 July 2010.
