Xperi, the parent company of the TiVo TV streaming device maker,, has said it will launch its own, branded smart televisions next year.
The company, which also owns DTS and IMAX Enhanced, said it’s working with an unnamed “leading tier 2 provider” that currently makes multiple TV sets under various different brands, Next TV reported.
In a second quarter earnings call, Xperi Chief Executive Jon Kirchner said the agreement with the TV maker is a “landmark win”. He added that the first TiVo-branded TVs will hit the market in the middle of next year, in both Europe and the U.S.
At present, Xperi sells a TiVo Stream 4K box powered by Android TV. However, it will go a different route with its own TVs, which will be powered by its own Linux-based operating system.
According to the company, this will provide TV makers with a “best-in-class” user experience along with great content and discovery features. There will also be a “monetization platform” that Kirchener promised will “generate meaningful economics”, not only for Xperi itself but also for the TV maker.
Xperi snapped up the TiVo brand two years ago, paying $3 billion for the privilege. It has also acquired a Dutch video software firm called Vewd, whose technology may also be useful in the branded TVs.
According to Kirchener, some 40% of the Smart TV market is looking for an independent and more customizable operating system. They’re seeking an alternative to the somewhat restrictive Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Roku OS operating systems, he added.
Xperi’s entrance will only add to an already convoluted market for TV operating systems, with other contenders including LG Electronics, which is planning to bring its webOS platform to around 200 TV brands. Samsung’s Tizen, Vizio’s SmartCast, Hisense’s Vidaa, Panasonic’s My Home Screen, Philip’s Saphi and Apple’s tvOS are also on the scene.
Xperi said it will announce more details about the TiVo Smart TVs later, but one thing that seems certain is that IMAX Enhanced and DTS audio will be central features.
