TiVo Could Return to DirecTV

Could TiVo make a return to DirecTV? Comments from the DVR maker's CEO are certainly opening the door to such an idea.

With DirecTV under new management, it could very well happen. The two companies parted ways after the satellite provider's former owner, News Corp., decided to back technology from its NDS subsidiary.

Now with Liberty Media about to take the reins, the situation could change. TiVo CEO Tom Rogers said at a Deustche Bank conference that it could open the door again for the DVR maker to market directly to the company's customers.

DirecTV's new owners reportedly have TiVo fans among their ranks. The DVR company could use the boost as well; its best period of customer growth was during the partnership with the satellite provider.

Rogers also elaborated on its cable offerings, saying tests will begin in two New England markets this August, and Cox will debut its offering later this year. He added, however, that those programs were largely beyond TiVo's control.

Concerns over the DVR manufacturer's capabilities to attract new customers are some of the biggest drags on its stock price, say analysts.