The Good News and Bad News about New TiVo Features

There's been a recent update to TiVo boxes, enabling two famous and long-rumored features: Netflix support and Ads displayed while pausing/fast-forwarding. Both were first discussed on this site four years ago and it wasn't until this week that both finally became available for TiVo users.

The Netflix support is really good, exactly like using a dedicated Roku box. You add things to your Instant Queue on the Netflix website, then walk over to your TiVo to play them. Unfortunately you can't search for new movies from your couch and have to use a computer to interact with the Netflix website, but the the syncing is nearly instant and easy enough to use. Video quality is quite good and I had some low-end HD video that looked a lot like the AppleTV's 720p HD movies. Movie selection is limited to studios that allow for Netflix streaming but one of my favorite genres (Documentary) is well represented.

The ads displayed during fast forwarding has been a long time coming and raised quite a ruckus when it first was announced. Gizmodo has a screenshot of what they look like and say it's only on the older Series 2 boxes for now. On first glance it doesn't seem as invasive as I envisioned, but it does seem like a distraction from the way a TiVo is typically used.

TiVo mobile launched

I caught the news on Crave that m.tivo.com was launching as a new mobile presence for adding shows to your TiVo. TiVo previously had a mobile interface for Verizon customers (and they charged for it), but thankfully the new approach seems to follow a much more open model: a simplified HTML site open to anyone.

It definitely seems to be programmed with the iPhone in mind as it's very easy to use on one. I'll definitely use the site when I'm out and about and suddenly wonder if I was recording a major sporting event or a new show set to debut.

Here are a couple screenshots from my iPhone viewing the site this morning:

Daily picks (nice to see updated content that would make me check the site out more often):

Potential new TiVo UI

The Infinite Abyss blog has some pretty amazing screenshots and video of a potential new TiVo interface with plenty of details about each. If this is true, it's certainly breaking loads of nondisclosure agreements that testers must abide, if false it's still a pretty interesting and convincing new direction that TiVo could someday take.

I love the preview of each top level menu's options (seems like a time-saver when you're hunting for a specific function) and aside from the standard TiVo screens it looks a lot like the functionality on AppleTV where buying and renting video is first and foremost. I like the idea of owner profiles (mom, dad, kids get different shows/options) and hope that becomes a reality someday. The overall visual design of it reminds me of Windows Media Center and I can't say I like the large images across the top -- they take up 1/3 of the screen without conveying any information. [thanks davezatz for the pointer]

The DIRECTV TiVo Guide

Looking for information on DIRECTV TiVo? Here's a guide that gives you the information you need to know about DIRECTV TiVo and DIRECTV DVRs.

DIRECTV TiVo

TiVo is an electronic recording device that allows you to digitally record, pause, rewind, and play TV shows. TiVo was the first commercial DVR (digital video recorder), and was once marketed and sold by DIRECTV.

In 2007, DIRECTV developed its own DVR and started its own DVR service.
Instead of offering TiVo DVRs and TiVo service, DIRECTV now offers it's own DVRs and it's own DVR service. DIRECTV's DVRs are now free when you sign up for their service.

DIRECTV DVRs

The DIRECTV Plus DVR - This DVR allows you to record and play DIRECTV satellite TV programs with the push of a button on your remote. You can also:

* Pause the show you're watching so your can get a snack, then resume watching when you're ready.

* Record up to 100 hours of satellite TV programs.

* Store your recordings on your DVRs hard drive - no more hassling with video tapes or DVDs.

* Record two shows while watching another show.

* Set your DVR to automatically record future broadcasts of your favorite shows with the push of a button.

* Restrict the TV shows your children watch with parental controls.

The DIRECTV Pus HD DVR - This DVR has all the features of the DIRECTV Plus DVR, and includes:

* The ability to record your shows in HD (high definition) format for a near-lifelike picture.

* Dolby digital audio for three-dimensional sound.

* Up to 200 hours of recording time.

The Bottom Line

The DIRECTV Plus DVR and HD DVR let you watch the shows you want, when you want. Unlike old-fashioned VCRs or newer DVD recorders, recording with a DVR is a piece of cake - push a button and you're done.

If you want to be able to store up to 200 hours of your favorite programs and watch those programs in crystal-clear digital or high def format, then a DVR from DIRECTV is just what the doctor ordered.

Direct TV Tivo Equals Compromise

Do you own your own satellite TV system and subscribe to Directv (aka Direct TV)? Then consider an upgrade to a Directv Tivo system. Tivo is a type of digital video recorder that allows you to record one thing while watching another. So ladies, if your man wants to watch the game at the same time that your favorite television show is on, you can have your show recorded while he watches the game. Or make him suffer by taping the game.

When you have a Direct satellite TV, you have a lot of options to choose from, including the Direct TV Tivo. Like mentioned above, the Directv Tivo records one show while you watch another. Well, other digital recording devices do that too and have for a while now. The Direct TV Tivo is a little special. You can actually record two different shows at the same time!

When a customer first gets their TV satellite dish through Directv, they turn down the Directv Tivo option. However, after a few months of realizing all of the cool shows they miss because of the plethora of programming choices through Direct TV, they decide to go the Tivo route after all. People tend to get attached to certain TV shows and when they start to conflict, agony pursues on deciding which show to watch!

Your Direct TV Tivo is also easy to set up and program. You just bring up your Directv programming guide on your TV screen and choose the TV shows you want to record. And voil ! You will soon have a digital recording of your favorite shows. The neat thing about this Tivo is that you can program your set to record an entire season of shows! There are no more worries about trying to remember to set your Direct TV Tivo each week.

Another advantage to the Tivo is that, unlike a VCR, you are not fumbling with the buttons trying to set the time and date. You also don't have to worry about recording gray static or whether the VCR tape gets stuck in the machine. Then there's that pesky double checking to make sure you have the television on the correct channel as well as the VCR being set properly too.

Direct TV's competitor the Dish network has digital video recorders available but they can only tape one show, unlike the Directv Tivo option. So if you do not have a TV satellite dish and satellite TV receiver yet, think about the Tivo option before deciding on the satellite TV service you want to go for. Directv Tivo may be just the ticket to make your decision.

Kids want to watch one thing while mom and dad also disagree on what to watch. Direct TV Tivo equals compromise in many households. You might say that it makes a great peacekeeper. Now all you have to do is decide on who gets to hold the remote control!