TiVo

TiVo Desktop PC Software Gets Minor Update

TiVo’s upgraded their Desktop PC software to version 2.8.1. All in all it’s a pretty minor refresh in terms of new functionality. Paying customers (“Plus”, $25) will see slightly beefed up video features, including a TiVoToGo Apple iPad transcoding profile (640×480), while everyone is treated to the improved troubleshooting Help menu. Audio streaming and photo … Read more

The TiVo Quarterly Call (No Surprises?)


Quarterly Subscriber Change, TVbytheNumbers

TiVo held their quarterly call yesterday and, at first glance, I’m not seeing any surprises. Subscriber count continues to decline, from 3.2 million a year ago to 2.5m as of 4/30. But TiVo’s got plenty of cash in the bank (~$250m) and zero debt, along with a number of lawsuits and partnerships in various stages of development. Speaking of which, Cox, Comcast, and DirecTV are merely sputtering along, whereas RCN is deploying the TiVo Premiere (with On Demand!) at a rapid pace. The relevant docs:

My writing partner Davis Freeberg follows TiVo closer than most, as a customer and an optimistic investor, and covered TiVo’s call on FriendFeed in real-time yesterday. His unedited stream:

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Best Buy & TiVo Developing Non-DVR HDTV(s)

For years, I’ve pined for a TiVo-fied television. In fact, Humax was set to deliver a TiVo solution way back in 2005. Unfortunately, the 26″ LCD TV with TiVo DVR capabilities and integrated DVD recorder never made it to market. Last summer, when TiVo and Best Buy hooked up with a pretty expansive dealio, it … Read more

Deal of the Day: Refurb TiVo HD for $99

It’s not every day I recommend a deal on last years product line. However, $99 for a TiVo HD (with free shipping) is certainly worth considering as someone new to the TiVo experience. Because, as it stands and for most, the Premiere isn’t yet $200 better than the HD. Whichever route you go (Premiere or HD), … Read more

The Google TV Platform Preannouncement

Funny. TiVo wants to be the Google of television… but so does Google. What Google did for the Internet, TiVo is now doing for the TV, bringing people a combination of excellent search results and innovative discovery that can’t be found anywhere else. -Tom Rogers, TiVo CEO At Google’s annual developer conference yesterday, they elaborated on … Read more

The TiVo Premiere 14.4 Software Update

Over the next few weeks, TiVo Premiere owners will start seeing the second promised software update pushed since release. Like the prior 14.1c push, TiVo tells me 14.4 is a patch release designed to improve performance and stability. However, given the larger increment in numbering/naming this is either a very significant build and/or it houses some additional … Read more

BREAKING: Court to Rehear TiVo v DISH/EchoStar

I don’t have a lot of details on what will be reheard in the TiVo/DISH/Echo DVR patent infringement saga, as the story is breaking and I’m hopping on a plane in minutes. (I’m also no lawyer.) But I believe this is specific to continued infringement and contempt related to DISH’s workaround, rather than a revisit … Read more

The RCN TiVo Premiere Launches (Again, in DC)

While those of us in the know were aware RCN has been deploying customized TiVo Premiere units to all-comers in the DC area the last few weeks, a press release and updated landing page now make it official. Unlike the retail TiVo Premiere ($299), RCN’s rendition is currently limited to the the original TiVo interface. … Read more