Newsletters
Facebook
RSS Feed
EH Store
TiVo is announcing the latest in DVR technology tonight at 6 p.m., saying “Inventing the DVR was just a warmup.”
Rumors and leaks abound, but it looks like the announcement is going to be a combo of new hardware and software.
There were reports of “Premier” and “Premier XL” SKUs showing up in Best Buy’s computer system. BusinessWeek reported on a new cross-platform search that would allow users to search TV listings, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, and other supported services in one swoop (similar to the TiVo Search Beta currently available to Series3 and HD users).
All of the above sounds great, but it’s not going to revolutionize the DVR market. Even the current hardware seems capable of so much more. Taking a cue from Moxi, the new TiVo hardware and software needs to add a true HD interface and make the box a hub for networked media from all over the house, either in the form of native support for a wide selection of file types or at least a DLNA client capable of tapping into PlayOn, TVersity, etc.
Beyond that, integrated placeshifting (Sling Media), a flash-enabled Web-browser, more robust mobile phone integration, and a major overhaul of the TiVo Desktop PC transfer software would all be necessary to make tonight’s announcement live up to the hype. Even 2-3 of these wishlist items would be a win.
TiVo has, in the past, been kind enough to push these kinds of updates to current hardware owners, so everyone keep their fingers crossed.
Tivo need to take multiple existing Tivo nodes and consolidate them into a distributed network. Meaning that if you have 2 uintes they create a virtual unit with 4 tuners and front ends on 2 TVs. You can add season passes from either unit and the system will use any available tuner to record the show then deliver it to whatever hard drive you designate… or duplicate it across all units. It should be able to migrate shows from unit to unit when hard drives approach capacity.
Those features would be a good start at taking the OS to the next level.
Tivo announced an integration with FrameChannel. Pretty cool.
They need a great Directv combo. They would instantly get a huge bump in revenue, and not lose any subscribers.
No “all of the above” on the poll?
As a frustrated TiVo addict, I had to write about this multiple times (http://bit.ly/ciaM9p and http://bit.ly/aBeYbV, if you’re curious). They definitely have their problems with the cable industry, but they still went 3.5 years without a major hardware revamp. Hopefully that’ll change tonight! Better performing hardware, keyboard/remote, better home network citizenship, needs to address Boxee/Roku/Popcorn, etc.
- News
- Cool Homes
- Blogs
- Photo Galleries
Automation System Recreates Fiji In Michigan Home
Home theater, automated lights and a high-tech fish tank.
Automation System Recreates Fiji In Michigan Home
Home theater, automated lights and a high-tech fish tank.
CEA: Home Tech is Helping the Housing Market
A new CEA study says that more builders are offering all types of technology.
A History of TV Remote Controls
It’s hard to imagine life without remote controls, but it’s been a long, strange path to the modern incarnation we know and love today.
Jiles consolidation idea is great.
BOb’s DirectTV solution is excellent.
Add:
Generic USB Keyboard/Mouse support would be nice.
Add cablecard VOD/PPV service, cut the Tivo service rate in half, and kickback to the cable providers so they are not as compelled to use the other DVR boxes.
IP Camera PIP (Just in case you don’t have a networked TV with this feature).
PIP/POP/PBP between live and recorded, 2-tuner live, or 2 recorded playback. Swap Audio button, Swap button.
Discrete control of everything including app controls (which should at least be via IP sockets—as it is now)