Popular PVR and content delivery platform TiVo is planning a big media and product program for the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas this January, including a return to exhibiting on the show floor and a keynote speech by vice president Joshua Danovitz.

The content focus for TiVo will be on how the cloud can facilitate an improved home entertainment experience and how TiVo will utilise smartphone and tablet apps to expand its out-of-home streaming service.

There is no doubt that TiVo’s appearance and demonstrations at CES will make news in Australia, such is our longstanding interest in the service, despite its documented failings.

Digital Retailer closely followed the entrance and departure of TiVo from the Australian market – you can read the full story on why TiVo faded from view here – and we have been making enquiries with TiVo Inc., the San Jose-based head office, as to its future plans for Australia.

Although TiVo Inc. has confirmed that Australian licensee Hybrid TV has ceased distributing TiVo devices, it is still investigating new possibilities and has not completely abandoned the Antipodes, according to TiVo PR and social media manager Seana Norvell, who provided the following statement via email:

The TiVo Media Device is no longer available for purchase in Australia and New Zealand, but Hybrid Television Services remains the licensed provider of the TiVo Service in Australia and New Zealand and continues to support of TiVo customers in Australia, providing the TiVo service, customer support and warranty service. TiVo continues to explore opportunities with various potential partners with hopes to bring TiVo’s newest products to Australia in the future.

Many Australian retailers and consumers will be hoping for this to be rectified soon, not just because the TiVo product itself was popular during its brief release period (it wasn’t lack of sales that resulted in its demise), but also due to the buzz being generated by TiVo’s new Roamio mobile platform.

Roamio is TiVo’s way of freeing recorded content from the box under the TV so users can enjoy their favourite shows while commuting, on holiday or even overseas. Roamio was recently honoured with a CES Design and Engineering Award in advance of its presentation in January 2014.

Here is TiVo VP of product marketing Jim Denney talking about the thrill of winning:

Being honored with the CES Innovations award for two of our latest TiVo innovations is a great honor.  We developed the TiVo Roamio Pro, as well as the complete TiVo Roamio family (TiVo Roamio Pro, TiVo Roamio Plus, TiVo Roamio) to create the ultimate entertainment experience – from anywhere in the home or anywhere in the world – for our loyal users and are thrilled to be recognised for this achievement. Paired with the TiVo App, TiVo users can have access to the best TV experience available.

Digital Retailer will be covering the 2014 International CES live from Las Vegas, 5-10 January 2014.