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November 28, 2000 New Leader and Layoffs at ReplayTV By JOHN MARKOFF -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Audio • AP Business Report, Updated Twice Each Hour Business Home • Return to Business Page Technology Home • Return to Technology Page GET QUOTES Look Up Symbol Enter Multiple Symbols Portfolio | Stock Markets | Mutual Funds | Bonds | Currencies | Bank Rates | Industries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AN FRANCISCO, Nov. 27 — ReplayTV Inc., a pioneering maker of digital video recorders, said today that its leader of one year had resigned, that it would lay off up to half of its work force of 260 and that it would reshape its business strategy. Along with TiVo Inc., a competing Silicon Valley start-up, Replay has been trying to build a market for computer-based systems that replace traditional videotape recorders and allow television viewers to freeze programs and rewind, and to create custom "channels." As part of its shift in strategy, Replay`s founder, Anthony Wood, will become the company`s new chief executive, replacing Kim LeMaster. The company also said that it would try to refocus its business on software licensing arrangements made with partners, including cable service providers and makers of cable set-top boxes. "The new business model is focused more intently on the cable industry," said Steve Shannon, Replay`s vice president for marketing. He said the company was in trials with Time Warner, Comcast, Charter Communications and AT&T. It has also announced a development agreement with the Motorola Corporation to build its software into a new generation of cable set-top boxes. Analysts said that despite offering free electronic service, in contrast to TiVo`s subscription service, ReplayTV had trailed in the consumer market. TiVo`s digital recorders are now being manufactured by Sony and Royal Philips Electronics, while ReplayTV systems are being shipped by Panasonic. The company, which is based in Mountain View, Calif., said that it had so far sold about 20,000 units. "TiVo has had the `wow` factor," said Josh Bernoff, an industry analyst at Forrester Research, a computer industry research and consulting firm. "The result is that Replay has been left with a weakening market position and a device that works well but doesn`t look as great." However, that disadvantage will work to ReplayTV`s advantage in striking deals with the cable industry, he added. TiVo has had difficulty building alliances with cable companies, who are not generally interested in showcasing competing brands. On the horizon is Microsoft, which has also recently entered the market for personal video recorders with its own system, called Ultimate TV. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ask questions about Consumer Electronics, the Web, Technology News and more. Get answers and tell other readers what you know in Abuzz, new from The New York Times. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home | Site Index | Site Search | Forums | Archives | Shopping News | Business | International | National | New York Region | NYT Front Page | Obituaries | Politics | Quick News | Sports | Science | Technology/Internet | Weather Editorial | Op-Ed Features | Arts | Automobiles | Books | Cartoons | Crossword | Games | Job Market | Living | Magazine | Real Estate | Travel | Week in Review Help/Feedback | Classifieds | Services | New York Today Copyright 2000 The New York Times Company |
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| aus der Diskussion: | Interactive TV - Markt und Wettbewerb |
| Autor (Datum des Eintrages): | junkstro (28.11.00 15:13:17) |
| Beitrag: | 112 von 232 (ID:2431943) |
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