Google acquires DVR tech firm SageTV

Google has acquired US digital video recorder (DVR) technology firm SageTV, as part of a presumed strategy to strengthen its struggling Google TV service.

In a short statement, Sage said that the deal, for an undisclosed sum, would help the company grow and evolve its "vision of entertainment management".

"By teaming up with Google, we believe our ideas will reach an even larger audience of users worldwide on many different products, platforms and services," said Sage.

"We've seen how Google's developer efforts are designed to stimulate innovation across the web, and as developers have played a core role in the success of SageTV, we think our shared vision for open technology will help us advance the online entertainment experience."

Sage's Media Centre software is a DVR service that enables users to watch and record live TV on PCs and Macs, and share it with others over a home network.

The technology is expected to be used to boost Google TV, the IPTV platform launched in the US last autumn that blends TV and the web into a "seamless entertainment experience".

Google TV has struggled after the three major US networks - ABC, CBS and NBC - refused to allow content from their websites to appear on it. Google is thought to be keen to strengthen the service before expanding into overseas markets.

Also today, The Only Way Is Essex producer FremantleMedia announced a partnership with WireWAX for a study into next generation, "taggable" online video technology.