Talking TiVo with Robbee Minicola

Hybrid TV CEO Robbee Minicola. Photo / Supplied

In addition to being able to record, play and pause live terrestrial Freeview television, TiVo's ability to deliver video on demand over Telecom broadband via its CASPA service, has seen the recent partnership between Telecom and TiVo attract considerable attention.

Our intrepid Wellington techie, Pat Pilcher, managed to grab time out of Hybrid TV/TiVo CEO, Robbee Minicola's chaotic schedule to find out what her take is on the latest state of play with TV technology.

How did you end up as CEO of Hybrid?

RM: I was an executive at the Seven media group and I put my hand up for the best job in the group

How many TiVo devices do you have at home?

RM: I have one in the living room, one in the bedroom plus one on my desk at work all linked to the same account

What's your favourite TiVo feature and why?

RM: I will only answer this question if I can give you my favourite CASPA feature as well...

TiVo – 'pause live TV' because with a life like mine, my entertainment is the thing I always have to put on hold - even for a second

CASPA On-Demand – 'new release movies' because I can stay in my tracksuit and not leave the house but more importantly I no longer yell at the kids for paying overdue fees because they didn't take the DVD back on time

What sort of TiVo Suggestions does your TiVo tend to have?

RM: TiVo Suggestions gives me The Ellen Degeneres show, Dr Phil, Saturday Disney, Media Watch

Is it true that TiVo Suggestions can tell about its owner personality traits?

RM: Absolutely, it can also identify hair colour, mood swings and your propensity to eat chocolate. But of course, I'm kidding!

If you could change one thing with TV today what would it be and why?

RM: I don't want to change anything about TV itself – but I do want to change the way I use it. TiVo changes the way you use TV.

What are the big differences with Tivo compared to other PVRs?

RM: Totally different battlefield. Most PVR's don't provide movies, TV and music on-demand: software and feature updates automatically through broadband; an interface that anyone from geeks to grandmothers can understand and use; a continual stream of innovation that resonates with the entire household in terms of entertainment and services over time.

How does the TiVo/Google relationship work and what will its impacts be locally?

RM: Google has a relationship with TiVo Inc. (US parent company) not Hybrid TV. This relationship is centred around Google gaining a better understanding of TV viewing behaviour to better serve their adwords product. This is nothing new as many of the US broadcasters and media agencies also have access to this data through a contractual relationship with TiVo inc.

What nifty features can we expect from TiVo in the near future?

RM: The good news is that if you buy a TiVo now it is highly likely that the features will be automatically updated into your existing service. As far as what these new services include, it's likely to be more in developments across CASPA. Stay tuned...

Will traditional broadcast TV be supplanted by TV on Demand and IP TV?

RM: Never. Free-to-air television remains in the King's chair. Why? Because TV represents the first viewing window of television content just as the theatrical released window in a cinema represents the first viewing. It is this first window that informs the trends, demand and appreciation for content.

So, the thought that the tail can wag the dog is a gross misnomer. Prime time TV will always be the head and video on-demand for television, with few exceptions, will always be the tail following in its wake.

What advantages does TV over broadband offer compared to traditional broadcast TV?

RM: The advantage of video on demand to pay television is huge. Why would someone want to watch their favourite program out of season and episode order, not at a time that suits them and pay for the luxury, when they can simply download and view their favourite TV show in season and episode order at a time that suits their schedule and pay as they view (or better yet, have it advertiser funded). They said that pay TV would kill free to air, I argue that Video On-Demand will kill pay TV.

What's your take on 3D TV?

Well, you are speaking to someone who in the year 2000 wasted AU$32,000 on one of the first Plasma TV's in Australia – call me an early adopter (or stupid). I had to buy a new TV to get 1080i, then I had to buy a new TV to get a digital tuner on board, and then I had to buy a new TV to get it internet capable...and now I have to buy a new TV to get 3D! Where do I buy it?

What are your top 3 picks for TV technology in 2010?

RM: One, CASPA on the TV; Two, Next generation microwave television that can spit popcorn into your mouth while you are watching TV

Which one gets you most excited?

RM: Definitely the popcorn!

Disclaimer: Although Pat Pilcher works for Telecom, his views are not necessarily those of his employer