TiVo, the US company that pioneered the digital video recorder, is returning to the UK to develop Virgin Media’s next-generation TV platform.

It will build a converged TV and broadband interactive interface to power Virgin Media’s next-generation high-definition set-top boxes.

The new platform will take advantage of the latest advances in video-on-demand integration and broadband video delivery and will create, Virgin hopes, “the ultimate one-stop-shop for in-home entertainment”.

Under the deal, TiVo will become the exclusive provider of middleware and user interface software for Virgin’s new set-top boxes, while Virgin will become the exclusive distributor of TiVo services and technology in the UK.

“TiVo's proven track record of innovation, strength of its patented technology and experience in developing best in class user environments, make it an ideal strategic partner for Virgin Media as we move aggressively to bring our next generation TV service to market,” said Virgin Media chief executive Neil Berkett.

“The superiority of our fibre optic network combined with TiVo's capabilities, will allow us to offer consumers the most significantly advanced and compelling TV service available in the UK, and we believe will do to the TV market what Virgin Media has done to the high-speed broadband market.”