Residential Equipment (set-tops, gateways)

When it comes to cool residential equipment that subscribers actually want in their living rooms, few “boxes” come close to TiVo. It’s simply the most recognized and respected TV interface around, partly because it has been such a staple for years. Whether it’s the Roamio platform that streamlines linear and OTT content into an organized system that, wait for it… actually makes sense, or the intuitive interface and attractive navigation that makes watching TV feel almost organic, TiVo has finally earned its way into the cable ecosystem after years of operating outside the system. For the dedicated wizards at this innovative company, that’s got to feel good. Real good.

 

The SURFboard combines a cable modem, an Ethernet router, and Wi-Fi networking all into one device to reduce clutter—and who isn’t for that? With 8 bonded downstream and 4 bonded upstream channels, not to mention other sophisticated features, this is the most coveted gateway around.

 

If you don’t believe the hype about Contour, consider that 32% of consumers enjoy watching TV more now than they did in their pre-Contour days—and 75% strongly agree that it is easy to find recommended shows/movies.

 

Sure, consumers have never really liked their cable box. But since Comcast launched its slick Xfinity interface (that has only improved with X1 and gets even sexier under X2), we’re guessing more consumers are warming up to the soft glow of that warm set top.