Samsung to Manufacture AOLTV Set-Top Boxes

Posted on July 18, 2001

AOL Time Warner and Samsung Electronics have announced a strategic marketing and technology development alliance. In addition to marketing initiatives, the companies will collaborate on a new AOLTV set-top box featuring functionality from the TiVo service. TiVo allows people to record specific television shows and fast-forward through commercials. The companies will also explore the development of a range of future consumer electronics products.

AOL Time Warner intends to promote Samsung DVD players across its print and online brands including People, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated magazines, the AOL service and Moviefone.com. The companies will also feature Samsung's forthcoming PDA mobile phone through an integrated marketing campaign. Other programs include a promotion of Samsung's HDTV across print, online and TV, and a ``Countdown to the Olympics'' contest.

Samsung and AOL Time Warner will collaborate on the development and marketing of a new AOLTV set top box that includes recording capability via the TiVo service. The co-branded product will enable AOLTV members to use AOL features and services, such as instant messaging, email, and Web browsing while they watch TV.

Robert Friedman, President of AOLTV said, ``We're pleased to announce this relationship with Samsung, one of the world's premier consumer electronics manufacturers. This agreement is another example of AOL Time Warner's unparalleled ability to use the combined strengths of our online, print and broadcast brands to help drive growth for our business partners, and ultimately offer increased value to consumers.''