TiVo Desktop 2.3 adds conversion tools, scheduled transfers

We've been waiting a long time for TiVo to get it in gear and release version 2.3 of their desktop software, and judging by the new features they've gifted us with, it's been worth the wait. Actually, it was probably inappropriate to use the term "gifted," since one of the two major enhancements -- tools to convert your recordings into portable device-friendly formats -- finds TiVo charging for software for the first time since dropping the $99 fee on the Home Media Option. Still, $25 is a small price to pay for hassle-free, integrated MPEG-4 or H.264 conversions for your iPod, PSP, or Treo, and combined with the upgrade's second major addition -- the ability to setup automatic, scheduled transfers of selected shows -- you now have a one-step option for turning last night's episode of Law & Order into this morning's subway-ride entertainment. Both the free and paid versions of the update are available immediately by following the Read link, and don't forget to also click on that Via link for some more screenshots and insight.

[Via ZatzNotFunny, thanks Alex]

[Brian James @ Jun 21st 2006 6:49PM]

Woohoo! Finally the PSP can live up to it's "media player" reputation!

[Frank Webber @ Jun 21st 2006 6:57PM]

This is exactly what the service was lacking. As a user of the software I was amazed at how unfeatured the previous version was compared to actually using the Tivo itself.

[Sad TiVo owner who is contemplating giving up at this point due to TiVo's continued delay of the Series 3 TiVo not to mention Ma @ Jun 21st 2006 7:32PM]

And still no Mac version?

[Gordy @ Jun 21st 2006 7:37PM]

Hmm...I've had a portable video device (iPod) for about 8 months now, and I think I'm over the whole thing. It was cool back then, but since buying a flat screen HDTV, I needs my pixels. Maybe I'll use the feature the next time I fly, but probably not otherwise. Ho hum.

[Angel @ Jun 21st 2006 7:45PM]

It's a little too late for me. I'm already addicted to a FREE solution, TVHarmony AutoPilot.

[adm @ Jun 21st 2006 8:02PM]

angel, thanks for the tip about tvharmony. i was unaware of this product and had been using the tivodesktop -> directshow dump -> videora ipod converter method (which I think i learned about from engadget).

i also agree with sad tivo owner. it is really, really beyond absurd that there is no way to watch tivo shows on your mac. i mean really. when i talked to them about it last year at one of those electronics shows in nyc, they were blamed apple's mpeg implementation. you could've reimplemented mpeg in the time that has elapsed since they started offering TivoToGo for PCs.

[dalton @ Jun 21st 2006 8:35PM]

I know Tivo thinks it's OK to ignore Mac owners, because we only make up about 5% of the computer using population. But I have a feeling, if they checked a little more closely, Mac users are probably early adopters who took to the Tivo technology early. I am so through with Tivo, as soon as my series 2 dies, I'm looking for something else and will never look in Tivo's direction again.

[AndrewNeo @ Jun 21st 2006 9:11PM]

Now does this media conversion work at full resolution, or does it force it down to media size?

[Backradinc @ Jun 21st 2006 9:54PM]

i kinda wish they would hurry up and the mac version

[Sean @ Jun 21st 2006 10:58PM]

What feature the tivo really needs is to be able to plug directly into the ipod and load shows via USB why do i need to go thru my computer? make it an option like record to VCR have a record to ipod? Would it be that difficult doesnt need to say ipod 'record to 3rd party digital media player' Is this already being done or is this possible?

[Carlos Rivero @ Jun 21st 2006 11:14PM]

yeah right... but still no linux....

mean while .. i'll be using http://galleon.tv/ with my tivo....

[Neal Saferstein @ Jun 22nd 2006 12:43AM]

I 2nd the Mac version comment.

Neal Saferstein

[Tom Boucher @ Jun 22nd 2006 9:42AM]

I cancelled my service a few months ago because of no Series 3 HD and no Mac support, told them those were the reasons, and then they just stuttered a bit and let me cancel. I was sad after 5 years of using a TiVo.

[Matt @ Jun 22nd 2006 10:17AM]

Sorry, I think I'll stick to using directshow dump + psp video 9, both free and does the same thing.

[chrisr @ Jun 22nd 2006 11:34AM]

Just installed this last night. Kinda lame honestly. The portable files (iPod, PSP, etc.) can only be created when copying something from your Tivo. So all the shows I already have sitting on my PC would need to be copied back to the Tivo, then back to my PC to get a portable version. Weaksauce. Still...I guess it's a limp in the the right direction.