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Is a new TiVo imminent?
It is no secret that we have a love hate relationship with TiVo. Many of us use them everyday and could easily fill your ear with gripes. It is one of the reasons we've had TiVo on a deathwatch for almost half of the company's 10 year life. Now we do believe it is the best HD DVR set-top on the market --which isn't saying much -- and because we believe that there is something here to salvage, we try our best to offer some constructive criticism. So when our optimistic side saw news about the $50 price break on the current models, we started to think, dream, that this might be a closeout and that a new TiVo might be imminent. Here are the facts. TiVo hasn't released a new DVR since the TiVo HD in the Summer of 2007. The last major TiVo announcement was September of 2008 when a new DirecTV HD TiVo was revealed. The chip that makes the TiVo magic happen just got a big upgrade when Broadcom announced the super feature rich BCM7125. A new 802.11N WiFi adapter was submitted to the FCC, even though the current TiVos can barely utilize all of a 802.11G connection. Add all of this in with the fact that 2010 is supposed to be the big year for a real tru2way launch, and we officially have our hopes up that TiVo has a big announcement for 10th CES in January. Now before you get too excited, we should point out that TiVo hasn't made any big announcements at CES since 2005, and has even told some that TiVo won't make big announcements at the show because they tend to be overshadowed. Now we'd argue that if you have something big enough to be a highlight of the show, then there is no better time, otherwise yeah, wait for a slow news day. All that being said, the original DirecTV TiVo HD (2004) and the Series 3 (2005) were both announced at the big show. Of course we will have to wait to find out, but in the meantime click through to see our personal wish list.
DIRECTV HD TiVo finally gets 6.3 update
DIRECTV customers with the HD TiVo are finally getting what we have been waiting for; the 6.3 update that every other TiVo in the world had had for years. This update includes folders to help you organize your shows as well as performance improvements, which we all know the HD TiVo can take every performance improvement it can get. Despite the box's fabulous features, it can be slow as molasses. Of course the next question is when? It seems that you can expect to see the update as early as one week or as late as 3 months. The update is pushed out via Satellite and activated with a phone call. If you can't wait, you might want to follow the thread over at the TiVo community forum.Thanks Frankie!
HD Tivo - Series 3 release date?
As most of you know I can't wait to get my hands on a standalone HD TiVo; also known as the series 3. TiVo's non announcement at CES didn't make me fee any better and I won't be right until they have an official release date I have one. There still isn't an official release date, but some solid speculation is the next best thing. Thanks to Dave Zatz for making my day, he noticed that TiVo is holding a contest and the winner receives a series 3 TiVo. The really interesting part is that the prize will be rewarded in the September or October time frame and the estimated value of the prize is $1500, including a lifetime subscription. Dave is estimating September 1st and a MSRP of $800. I sure hope he is right, the real question is; will the unit be fore sale when they give the item away? I am not taking any chances and will be voting on American Idol. It will be hard considering I don't watch the show, I supposed I can TiVo the last few minutes of it so I know who to vote for.
