Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), TiVo Inc. (TIVO): The Best Cable Box Ever?

Since 2011, there have been reports that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was working to offer channels on an a-la-carte basis. Rather than buy a bundle of channels, a subscriber could theoretically pick and choose the channels they want.

But that might be too much to ask for. No matter how much consumers hate it, bundling doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere any time soon. Instead, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may be able to offer a handful of channels on an a-la-carte basis — HBO, ESPN — through access to its apps. According to Quartz, Apple is in discussions with those networks for such a deal.

Until Apple unveils the TV — if it ever does — it’s too early to declare it a winner. But given Apple’s recent track record (revolutionizing the smartphone, popularizing the tablet), I think it has a good shot at reinventing the TV.

Investing in TiVo

Right now, there’s a lot to love about TiVo. The company has tons of cash, there are opportunities overseas, and the Roamio is the best product in its category. Yet I can’t help but wonder if the Roamio is sort of like an amazing VCR released in the year 2000. It might be the best product for the current TV paradigm, but that paradigm looks like it’s about to be shattered.

To date, TiVo has excelled at offering the ultimate TV experience, and with its new Roamio, it continues to deliver. Still, I’m concerned for a small company when big tech giants like Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple appear poised to enter the market.

The article TiVo Hopes You’ll Pay $400 for the Ultimate DVR originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Sam Mattera.

Sam Mattera is short shares of TiVo. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Apple, DIRECTV, Google, and Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix.

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