TiVo Bolt Clears The FCC

As TiVo Bolt nears release, the clues continue to trickle out. Most recent is an FCC filing that identifies three models. As two of those very same three DVR units appeared in a CableLabs certification report, it seems safe to speculate that we may be looking at two CableCARD models and one over-the-air “Aereo Edition” Bolt. By comparison, there are currently four Roamio SKUs… two of which don’t actually “roam.” Beyond standard DVR capabilities, might this TiVo shortcoming to be resolved with all Bolt models optionally streaming video to smartphones, tablets, and perhaps other end-points down the road?

From the little we’ve seen thus far, TiVo appears to have done away with the traditional set-top box enclosure (as they did away with their in-house industrial design team). And not only may the Bolt be white and curved (?!), thanks to the FCC filing we also learn the Roamio replacement clocks in substantially smaller than existing hardware — to the tune of 40% less volume (according to one forum member’s math).

The EUT enclosure is primarily constructed of plastic. It measures approximately 28.7 cm wide by 17.5 cm deep by 4.5 cm high.

With a max height of only 1.77″, we wonder if TiVo is sticking with full-sized hard drives for storage and can effectively disperse heat. Beyond its unusual appearance, perhaps the Bolt’s arch will assist in the thermodynamics department.

Timeline:

• TiVo Bolt appears in four USPTO trademark filings
• Two TiVo units show up in CableLabs certification
• TiVo Bolt and “Aereo Edition” prematurely appear on TiVo website
• TiVo Bolt passes through FCC
• TiVo Bolt to feature 4k
• TiVo Bolt interface is more responsive and slightly modified
• TiVo Bolt in pictures