As I’ve mentioned previously, TiVo’s new Series3 model does not offer TiVoToGo (TTG), Multiroom Viewing (MRV), or external storage due to the CableLabs certification process. Now we seem to have received confirmation that the group is evaluating MRV functionality, though TiVo has not yet approached them about TiVoToGo. I can’t say I’m surprised — I imagine they’re going after the low-hanging fruit first: 1. Get the S3 out the door, 2. Enable external storage, 3. Enable MRV, 4. Discuss TTG. Time will tell…
MediaPost writes: The company that decides these things, a private nonprofit organization run by the cable companies, is Cable Research Laboratories, or CableLabs. It has not been approached by TiVo about expanding the capability in the Series 3, says Jud Cary, deputy general counsel for CableLabs. “It’s not been put on the table,” Cary asserts. “We are in discussions about MRV [multi-room viewing], but TiVoToGo has not been submitted to CableLabs for review. We’ve never seen it.”
A spokesperson for TiVo would not answer direct questions about the Series3, CableLabs and DRM, but did release the following statement: “TiVo’s primary goal was to launch and introduce the Series 3 to consumers in time for the holiday season this year. TiVo has the capability and a long history of downloading features to its customers on a regular basis. We are currently working with CableLabs on several technologies centered around moving content around the home environment.”