Juan Pablo Conti ©RapidTVNews | 05-08-2011


The latest set of user statistics released by Virgin Media have highlighted the power of digital video recorders in general – and TiVo software in particular – to alter the way people watch television.

Usage data compiled by the cable operator for the first time since launching its TiVo service showed that the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), which often provides the only means of accessing channels, was not the route that 25% of Virgin’s TiVo users took to switch their TV channels during the first half of 2011. Instead, these viewers are turning to intelligent search features to find the programmes they are interested in.

The study also found that 79% of all TiVo boxes were used to access YouTube, Twitter and other web apps, with each box launching apps 4.5 times a week on average.

“TV will never be the same again,” said Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media. “Our TiVo service takes television viewing to another level by seamlessly combining traditional channels and On Demand with the best of the web, making it easier to find and uncover amazing programmes.”

Predicting that Virgin Media subscribers will exceed one billion On Demand views before the end of the year, Rose promised to “continue to refine and build upon our lead in connected TVs”.