TiVo Adds Video Downloads, No Mention of Netflix Deal

The NY Times is reporting that TiVo is adding additional video download capabilities, and a few interesting content deals:

TiVo has already offered some programs in conjunction with programmers including iVillage, Heavy.com and The New York Times. It will soon add more programming, from CBS and Forbes, and make the content more prominent on its menu screens.

The company will also introduce software that will allow users to watch a much wider range of videos that are available on the Web. This method, however, requires users to first download the videos onto their computers. If they purchase software from TiVo for $24.95, they will be able to connect their TiVo recorders to their computers over a wired or wireless home network and watch the videos on television.

This software can play videos in popular formats including MPEG4, QuickTime and some versions of Windows Media.

There was no mention of the partnership with Netflix in the press coverage of the announcement.

Tidbit from the story: 500,000 TiVo boxes are connected to high-speed Internet connections.

Thanks to Greg, Ziv, and Movie Freak for sending this in.

Comments

[Lamarr Wilson]

$24.95? I can already do this with the lastest software update for Xbox 360. I can watch all my avi, mpeg, etc videos that are on my comp. I realize that not everyone has a 360, but $25? I don't know...

[type-cast]

TiVo sucks. Their model is based on telling customers what we can and can't do with the content. Don't hold your breath waiting for DVD burning, p2p file sharing, and the like. They want you to buy their $25 software and will then restrict your ability to use your recorded content. I have no interest in PVR technology that limits how many episodes it will save or how long I can keep recordings. If they prevent burning or sharing, they'll have a tough time selling me the technology.