The BBC has signed an agreement with TiVo Inc to ensure that its programmes are promoted when the digital set-top box is sold in the UK. The deal will guarantee the BBC’s programmes a “prominent” position on TiVo’s channel highlights listings section. TiVo is set to launch its Personal TV Service, which allows viewers to record up to 40 hours of programming on a set-top box, in partnership with BSkyB later this year. A spokesman for the BBC explained. “Lots of programme guides left us out because they list under genre,” he said. “For example, we’d be missed off films because we don’t broadcast films exclusively.“This new deal is going to work for us, and it’s costing us nothing,” he added. “In return for channel highlights, we’re providing technical expertise to box owners who have installation difficulties, for example.” The BBC has been guaranteed that two of its four “highlighted” channels will be mentioned on the Channel Highlights front page. BSkyB, under chief executive Tony Ball, is still negotiating its deal with TiVo, although, as it has responsibility for marketing, sales and customer service of the device, it is also likely to have prominent placements for its programming. The price of the TiVo box has not yet been announced, but BSkyB new products director Brian Sullivan said that it would be likely to sell for about the same mark as in the USA, where it retails at $399 (√Ǭ£275). Subscribers also pay a small monthly fee. (c) MediaWeek