As you-know-who broke the news, TiVo has deployed automatic commercial skip capabilities with the latest “Hydra” software update … that has just begun rolling out to Bolt, Roamio, and Mini DVR hardware. When first initiating playback of a TiVo SkipMode-flagged recording, you’ll be prompted to enable “Auto Skip” to automatically zip by commercial interruption. There’s … Read more
TiVo’s greatest challenge has always been its pricing structure. And, to reduce the barrier to entry, they’re significantly subsidizing DVR hardware by floating a $0-down promotion. While this isn’t the first time they’ve gone down this path, this particular incarnation is fairly compelling: $15/mo, with two-year commitment, get you both the new TiVo Bolt OTA … Read more
TiVo has developed software that enables current generation Hydra-powered DVR hardware to manage a network ATSC 3.0 tuner and deliver next gen OTA content through those existing boxes. While widespread ATSC 3.0 deployment (and an associated ATSC 1.0 drawdown) is quite a bit off, broadcasters in 40 markets intend to light up hardware to begin … Read more
As we continue our TiVo retrospective, including their mysterious technological origins and 20th anniversary of shipping the first DVR, I thought it’d be fun to surface an ancient PVRBlog post featuring Michael Cronan, the guy who created the “TiVo” name and mascot. Quite a few fascinating nuggets to be had, including the company’s original intent … Read more
An eagle-eyed TiVo Community Forum member caught a TiVo employee’s Facebook post that has revealed automated commercial skip will soon be available (pictured below). And, after reviewing with a source, I can confirm TiVo’s existing SkipMode will be expanded to include an “Auto Skip” option. Once upgraded, DVR owners may be prompted to enable automatic … Read more
As we reflect upon TiVo’s 20th anniversary, the history of DVR, and Blue Moon we are reminded of TiVo’s secret origin story documented below.
As TiVo reflects upon 20 years of DVR, and pitches it continued relevance, we too shall do the same. While there’s some debate as to whether it was TiVo or Replay TV that “invented” DVR, they essentially launched at the same time in television history (and the underlying concept of a hard-drive recorder to advance … Read more
I’ve been tracking TiVo a hundred years now… and I’m fairly certain this is their best DVR deal ever. In typical TiVo marketing fashion, the “Presidents Day Sale Event” kicked off a few days after the scheduled holiday. But there’s no denying the savings are on point: $280 for a refurbished 4-tuner, 500GB TiVo Bolt … Read more
