Sharp has signed a multi-year deal with TiVo to start using the new TiVo platform in Smart TVs in Europe starting from 2024. TiVo TVs are also coming to North America next year.

Sharp becomes the second TV partner to commit to the TiVo platform that was announced in 2022. TiVo is owned by Xperi, the company behind DTS and IMAX Enhanced.

- "We chose TiVo’s OS not only because of the superior product but also because we wanted to offer a user experience of Sharp quality elements with more variety and freedom," said Nick Chen, Head of Europe, VP of TV-System, Sharp Corp. "We are excited to give users significantly more control on how to discover and consume content across live TV, news, sports, movies and more."

Sharp is currently selling Android TVs in Europe and it is unclear if TiVo will replace Android or be a supplement in Sharp's TV line-up.


One more
The TiVo platform has been promoted as a "a first-of-its-kind neutral platform" with apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+ and Pluto TV as well as universal search, "recommendations" (ads) and a voice assistant.

It will compete with existing TV platforms such as Google TV, Fire TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen and Roku.


 The TiVo Smart TV platform. Photo: Xperi

Vestel has previously signed up as a parter. Vestel produces TVs as an OEM for a long list of TV brands. Vestel originally said that the first units are expected to ship in Europe in 2023.

In addition, BMW has signed up to use TiVo in cars.


Also coming to North America
At its earnings call for the second quarter of 2023, Xperi confirmed that it is planning to bring TiVo to Smart TVs in North America next year, according to a report by Lightreading.

However, it is too early to comment on specific partners.

- "I think we're going to end up with multiple players in North America next year," Xperi CEO Jon Kirchner said on the company's earnings call. "And I think that's all I really can say for competitive and strategic reasons."

The CEO predicted that there will be at least 7 million TiVo-powered TVs within three years.

- Source: Xperi, Lightreading