We’ve known for some time that TiVo intended to break away from their pioneering, yet potentially locked down, multi-room viewing techniques. While copying recordings, TiVo-to-TiVo, had its benefits on slower home networks and given former DVR hardware limitations, the cable company’s ability to restrict file transfer in the name of piracy prevention has rendered the solution near worthless in many markets (such as those managed by Cox Communications and Time Warner). However, CableLabs and their partners have deemed video streaming permissible. And TiVo’s finally ready to play ball with beefed up Premiere hardware and the recently released 14.8 software update.
In theory, the feature should lay dormant until TiVo, Inc is ready for the big reveal. However, folks on the forums indicate multi-room streaming is available today. Albeit, without any visual cues — merely hitting the play button, when viewing a recording listing from TiVo Premiere 1 on Premiere 2, starts content streaming. The performance reviews are mixed… and possibly why this feature isn’t officially official yet. And, perhaps, also emphasizing the benefit of a more predictable and efficient MoCA connection – as seen in the upcoming Premiere Q/Elite.
Now ZNF regular Brennok tipped Engadget and I off to the TiVo Community threads this past weekend (thanks!), but I’ve been tracking a potentially more interesting topic for about ten days (by way of an anonymous tip). For it seems someone in either a TiVo Premiere or RCN beta has released some screenshots of what the feature might ultimately look like (above, below). Although this may be a bit too much detail for our non-geeky civilian friends and family. Should I play, should I transfer, what’s the difference? Regardless, it seems to suggest these features will coexist. Which is good for folks trying to overcome those aforementioned network bottlenecks with pristine playback, versus stuttering, blocking, etc. Also, it pretty much assures TiVoToGo capabilities will remain intact. At least with retail hardware.
