TiVo Reports Narrower 4th-Quarter Loss

TiVo Inc., the maker of the popular set-top video recorder, Wednesday reported a narrower fiscal fourth-quarter loss in line with Wall Street expectations.

To attract more subscribers and boost sales, TiVo also announced a new pricing structure similar to cellphone service schemes.

Beginning next week, new subscribers will not have to pay for a digital video recorder, which costs about $50 after rebates. Instead, they will pay $19.95 a month, or $224 prepaid, for a one-year commitment; $18.95 a month, or $369 prepaid for a two-year commitment; and $16.95 a month, or $469 prepaid, for a three-year commitment.

DVRs record shows onto a hard disk while allowing users to pause TV broadcasts and fast-forward through commercials.

For now, the new pricing plan will be available only to customers who sign up via TiVo.com. Customers attained through retail stores will face current prices and service fees, although TiVo is working to apply the new pricing plan to retail customers as well.

TiVo’s product-lifetime service subscription fee of $299 will be eliminated, the company said.

For the three months ended Jan. 31, the DVR pioneer said it lost $19.5 million, or 23 cents a share, compared with the year-ago loss of $33.7 million, or 42 cents a share.

Revenue rose slightly to $60.1 million from $59.4 million in the quarter last year.

Analysts were expecting the Alviso, Calif., company to post revenue of $46.4 million, according to Thomson Financial.

“This was a steady quarter for TiVo as our subscription base continued to grow, even in this more competitive environment,” TiVo Chief Executive Tom Rogers said.