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TiVo quietly rebrands the Premiere Elite DVR as the Premiere XL4 under cover of darkness
TiVo's rebranding its Premiere line of DVRs in order to eliminate customer confusion in the lineup. The range will now comprise of the Premiere, the dual-tuner Premiere XL, and the quad-tuner Premiere Elite is now called the Premiere XL4. The first two are suitable for over-the-air programming, while the latter is limited to those of you with cable or FiOS subscriptions. New livery and branding should arrive in stores soon, although TiVo's website has yet to reflect the changes.
TiVo Premiere 500GB coming Sunday along with lower prices for service, XL and Elite DVRs
The new TiVo Premiere featuring an upgraded 500GB hard drive (65 percent more hours of HD storage than the old 320GB unit) that we spotted this morning is official, and will start shipping March 25th -- but that's not it. As we also noted, it only requires a one year service agreement at $14.99 per month or $12.99 for users with multiple boxes, which is cheaper than last year's $19.99 / month package (Lifetime Service is still available as well). If you need more hard drive space, THX Certification or more tuners then you're also in luck, as price cuts are in order for the 1TB Premiere XL (down $50 to $249) and the 2TB Elite models (down $100 to $399). The new pricing should let multi-TiVo homes compete even better with cable company DVR offerings, and once the new multiroom boxes arrive this summer things should only get better. Stake out various online retailers or your local Best Buy to snag one or three on Sunday, but until then check out the press release after the break for all of the numbers.
Woot's deal of the day is a refurbished TiVo Premiere XL for $199
Desire a TiVo Premiere XL with its 1TB HDD but the price is holding you back? Woot.com is offering refurbed units for $199 today only, $100 less than the usual price from TiVo directly. You'll still need to sign up for the $12.95/month service plan with 1 year commitment and it might not make up for missing the standard Premiere DVRs when they were on the site for $65 last month, but when you're enjoying the THX certified audio and video and holding the premium backlit remote none of that will matter.
TiVo Premiere UI gets a shot in the arm with iPad remote control
TiVo Premiere users won't have to be jealous of Comcast's Xfinity TV remote for very long -- soon enough, they'll have an DVR-scheduling, content-searching, program-pushing iPad app of their own. Called the TiVo Premiere App, it'll feature a full touchscreen TV programming guide, playback controls, and the ability to search Netflix and Amazon on Demand for shows when it arrives "in the coming weeks." There's also basic social network sharing via Facebook and Twitter, and if that "Livingroom TiVo" drop-down menu is any indication, the ability to control multiple TiVo boxes from a single tablet. Also, the search box and remote icons in the upper-right hand corner that suggests that TiVo's integrated the iPad keyboard and some virtual buttons too, so maybe you'll be able to exercise control over the entire experience without diving into your couch (or your pocketbook) for a TiVo Slide Remote. One can only hope. No word on smartphone versions, though. PR and another shot of the interface right after the break.
TiVo Premiere now free on contract for $20 monthly, as TiVo introduces (and enforces) tiered subsidies
Well, it seems we finally know why TiVo was waxing poetic about software in recent months -- it's the way the company primarily plans to charge for its DVR hardware from now on. Following a week-long experiment of free-on-contract DVRs conducted last month, TiVo's opening up subsidized and partially subsidized pricing tiers to the entire US for those willing to chain themselves to a pricier $20 monthly fee. You can now get a TiVo Premiere for $0 on a two-year contract or $100 with a one-year arrangement, or pick up a TiVo Premiere XL for $300 on a one-year deal -- the same price the regular old 45-hour TiVo Premiere cost originally. TiVo's also kept the original $12.95-a-month plans around in case you want to pay full price for your hardware, which would normally make better financial sense after about three years, if not for the fact that there are still lifetime subscriptions available for $400 if you're truly in it for the long haul. We're all for expanding our buying power in this arena, but there's one group of customers who are liable to get mighty pissed at the new arrangement -- the regular Joes and Janes headed to Best Buy right now to pick up a $99 TiVo Premiere "on sale." You see, retailers apparently didn't get the memo about the new tiered pricing and are advertising the arrangement as a $200 discount instead, which leaves TiVo's fine print the unenviable role of explaining that they're going to pony up $20 a month from now on. 2.1.2 When purchasing a TiVo Premiere box from a third party retailer at $99.99 (includes an instant $200 savings off MSRP) for the TiVo Premiere box or $299.99 (includes an instant $200 savings off MSRP) for the TiVo Premiere XL box, you may only subscribe to the TiVo Service on a monthly basis for $19.99 a month with a one (1) year commitment (renews monthly after one year). Choices, choices. [Thanks, Daniel and Chris R.]
Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access
TiVo users, even with boxes provided by their cable company in the case of RCN and Comcast, have so far had to make a compromise: Choose their cable company's video on-demand offerings, or bring their own DVR and access online video from sources like Amazon and Netflix -- but that's no longer the case. Cox and TiVo have reached an agreement -- sound familiar? -- that will see allow retail CableCARD equipped TiVo Premiere DVRs to access Cox's VOD, as well as all that over the top internet video we've come to love. The SeaChange powered VOD will work similarly to RCN's, but we're waiting to see if this can give the new universal search an extra source to pull from as well. The deal also means Cox will cross promote the TiVo in its own marketing, and provide free installs for units purchased at Best Buy and other outlets including the TiVo website. The only bad news here? While TiVo plans to start testing later this year, it won't see a wide rollout (in "all major markets") until 2011. Check out the press release for all the details before calling your cable company, why should Cox customers get to choose between two different modernized, integrated set-top box platforms while the rest of us are stuck with interfaces and access rules that have been around since before the X-Games?
RCN launches TiVo in Chicago, credits positive customer response for accelerated rollout
Completing a process that began in April, RCN now offers the TiVo Premiere in all of its markets. Following up D.C., New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley, PA, Chicago's launch includes some demo time at the RCN Booth during Northalsted Market Days this weekend. Of course, this unit still differs from retail models like the one we reviewed because it adds RCN VOD access and subtracts internet offerings from Amazon and Netflix, plus it doesn't yet run the new Flash based UI -- which may be a good thing. While we wonder what the pair will pull out of their bag next, interested customers can hop over to RCN's website and get to ordering, the pricing should be very familiar by now.
TiVo Desktop Software hits version 2.8.1, adds folder view from PC, export for iPad, Pre & more
The latest version (2.8.1) of the TiVo Desktop software is official, and it's added a few new features in both its free edition and the upgraded Plus package. The basic software has added a few additional settings, but the most notable is the ability to view folders on a PC from the DVR itself. Those paying $24.95 for TiVo Desktop Plus should notice increased video quality on PSP TiVoToGo exports, plus new profiles for the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, DROID, Pre and several Blackberry models. Dave Zatz has already gotten his hands on the latest version, reporting some issues connecting to a TiVo Premiere; hit the download page for your own copy and let us know how it works.
TiVo Premiere patched to version 14.4 for better performance
Say hello to another software update for the TiVo Premiere, now up to version 14.4. TiVo reps tell ZatzNotFunny that it's still only running on one processor core, but reports indicate speed has been noticeably improved on the new HD menu system. Considering that's likely one of the main reasons for people to purchase the new boxes it's a very good sign for this "performance and stability" update, but don't get too excited, it could take a while before the phased rollout reaches your box. Anyone out there already living the 14.4 lifestyle want to report in on what it's like?
TiVo's $90 Wireless N Network Adapter now available
Took you long enough, eh TiVo? Just under five months after the AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter splashed down in the FCC's database, the company responsible for the Premiere has finally decided to ship this here dongle. The newly christened TiVo Wireless N Network Adapter is designed to function with all dual-tuner TiVo boxes (though it won't play nice with the DirecTV DVR with TiVo), enabling those who'd rather not run a 50 foot Ethernet drop to still access web features. Fortunately, it's available now for those who've waited; unfortunately, it'll cost you a staggering $89.99. Check it out now from TiVo's website or pick it up later this week at your local Best Buy.
How would you change the TiVo Premiere?
TiVo loyalists have waited a long, long time for this. The Premiere is marketed as the DVR to end all DVRs, and unlike those plain-jane boxes served up at your local pay-TV provider, there's actually a decent amount of ingenuity within TiVo's freshest set-top box. Unfortunately, those good intentions didn't really lead to a beautiful implementation, and we found quite a few bones to pick during our time with it. Make no mistake -- TiVo's still charging a small fortune for the privilege of using its user interface and hearing its bloops and beeps, and frankly, we expected more for the premium. Are you in the same boat? Couldn't disagree more? We're anxious to see how you'd retool the Premiere if given the opportunity, and what you'd do differently now that you've been relying on it for the past couple of months. Go on, comments are waiting for you.
TiVo Premiere now on sale, will you pick one up?
From first leak to our review, the TiVo Premiere has finally progressed to "officially on sale." So, is a slimmer package and new UI enough to make you pull the trigger, or are the reports of slow speed and some remaining rough edges keeping you on your current TV watching setup? The only possible way to know this is through a poll, choose your answer wisely. %Poll-43584%
TiVo Premiere review
When we first heard rumors of new TiVo hardware back in April of 2009, our imaginations started racing. The current TiVo HD and HD XL have been the best DVRs on the market for their entire three-year run, and while they've received significant feature updates in that time, the overall experience of using a TiVo simply hasn't kept up with the explosion of online content and the revised viewing habits of consumers -- in fact, the interface has remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade. So while the actual TiVo hardware has actually gotten smaller and simpler, it's the software that's received a substantial makeover this time around -- it's migrated to Flash, and the main elements have been totally redesigned for HD displays and the invisible integration of online video services. Is it enough to keep TiVo afloat in a sea of cheap cableco DVRS? It is worth upgrading from an existing TiVo HD? There's only one way to find out -- read on for our full review. %Gallery-88972%
TiVo returning to the UK thanks to partnership with Virgin Media
It looks like TiVo's freshly minted Premiere hardware will soon be setting sail eastwards as The Daily Telegraph is reporting Virgin Media's next generation set-top box will be built around it. Loyal readers of Engadget HD will already be aware that TiVo and Virgin hooked up last November and this latest news relates to the first hardware to be spawned from that relationship. According to TiVo CEO Tom Rogers, the Premiere will "heavily inspire the development work" going into Virgin's next TV appendage, which may or may not mean that the cable company will simply rebadge the well-received new boxes. What's assured though is much greater integration with online content, with search linking you out to Amazon, BBC's iPlayer, YouTube or good old standard broadcast channels. The whole thing's about unlimited choice, apparently, and should be showing up on the Queen's isles by the end of this year. We can wait, but we'd rather we didn't have to.
Engadget HD Podcast 181 - TiVo Premiere
A new TiVo isn't something that happens everyday -- in fact the last time was almost three years ago -- and because so many love and hate their TiVo at the exact same time, these same people get very passionate about the changes they expect. This is a task we weren't willing to take on our own, so we invited Engadget Classic Editors Nilay and Paul (one is a die hard TiVo user and the other actually went to the event) and just for a little outside perspective, we also had TiVo expert Dave Zatz. Who's been following the company as long as anyone we know. We went a little long and deviated off topic into the land of Media Center a few times, but overall there is some podcast gold in here -- if we can say so ourselves.Get the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator[Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace[MP3] Download the show (MP3).Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard LawlerGuests: Nilay Patel, Paul Miller and Dave ZatzProducer: Trent WolbeProgram00:02:05 - TiVo Premiere and Premiere XL usher in a brand new interface, optional QWERTY remote00:23:15 - TiVo Premiere hands-on (update: video!) 00:47:00 - Oops: TiVo Premiere won't have Comcast On Demand01:33:10 - Poll: So what's your reaction to the TiVo Premiere? LISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)
Oops: TiVo Premiere won't have Comcast On Demand
This TiVo Premiere screenshot with a large Comcast On Demand logo on it certainly set a few hearts aflutter yesterday when it was released from the company, but our dreams have turned into bitter, bitter ashes: TiVo tells us this screenshot is actually just a mockup and not indicative of any actual partnership. And double-oops: that other interesting screenshot with "Friends Recommend" on the Browse screen is also a mockup, meaning our hopes for some social-media integration have also been dashed, at least for now. Oh well. Let's hope our forthcoming Premiere review units can somehow turn these frowns upside-down.
Poll: So what's your reaction to the TiVo Premiere?
March 2 has come and gone and we finally have the answer to what TiVo has been up to. After scouring the specs and hands on information, are you a disappointed Series 3 owner because you won't be getting the upgraded UI, in a rush to unload your old units on eBay to make room for a new Premiere XL or feeling something else entirely? The company has focused on integrating internet video alongside traditional TV sources in its guide, if that's what you were looking for in your next DVR let us know. Of course, you can also roll back around at 6 p.m. for our live podcast and let us know what you think, but first, check one of the options below. %Poll-42433%
TiVo Premiere hands-on (update: video!)
We've gotten our first look at the new TiVo Premiere interface, and it sure is shiny. You sure wouldn't see that it's running in Flash at first blush, since the UI is quite responsive and "native" feeling, with live streams of video playing without a hitch. The biggest hint that there's a big amount of reliance on the internet is the fact that the choked connection here was causing thumbnails and even some UI icons to take a little while to pop in. The rep we spoke with said that TiVo is still considering what elements exactly they'll be caching. The new ways to find and promote relevant content are pretty intuitive and helpful. Everything is "connected," so it's easy to start from a category like the "Oscars" or an actor like "Jack McBrayer" and end up on the other end of the universe, IMDB style. There's a certain amount of dumbing down, to be sure, and nothing's going to beat your laptop for speed or comprehensiveness in bopping around this sort of information. Although, TiVo helps out a bit in this department with the optional QWERTY remote. Unfortunately, while we appreciate the full QWERTY input, the sliding mechanism is utterly cheap and shoddy -- we're assured that it's a couple revisions away from a final design, and we certainly hope so! The QWERTY buttons themselves are rubbery and not very clicky, but perhaps they'll helped along as well by this promised revision. Update: We've got video. It can be found after the break, though unfortunately you can't hear a single thing our helpful guide says because she's drowned out by the "fist pumping" good times of the party that TiVo's event devolved into. %Gallery-87052% %Gallery-87053%
TiVo Premiere and Premiere XL usher in a brand new interface, optional QWERTY remote
Over three years after the original Series3 launched, TiVo's back with Series4 -- say hello to the new TiVo Premiere and Premiere XL, which will arrive in early April. The new slimmer hardware is nice, but the big news is the totally revamped HD interface built on Flash -- yes, Flash -- with all kinds of new options for discovering content from recorded, on-air, and internet sources. The new UI is only for the Series4, and TiVo's pitching the Premiere line as a single-box solution for getting content on your TV, so although there's long been support for services like Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand, it's now being pushed to the front -- content will show up in searches and be exposed on the main screen. There are also new partnerships with Pandora and FrameChannel, both of which will also come to Series3 boxes. And yes: there's finally a capacity meter. We could kiss the ground. Both models will do up to 1080p output and have single multistream CableCARD slots and eSATA jacks for storage expansion; the $299 Premiere will do 45 hours of HD recording on the 320GB internal drive, while the $499 XL will do 150 on 1TB and adds in THX certification. The bad news? There's still no support for tru2way, so you still won't have access to your cable company's video on demand service -- although one of the screenshots has a Comcast logo on it, so we're intrigued. There's also a new optional Bluetooth slider QWERTY remote, which will ship later this year for an undisclosed price -- we played with a hush-hush prototype at CES and we can say that it'll be a must-buy for Premiere owners. We're actually a little miffed that it's not packed in the box as the standard remote -- all that searching almost demands it. Same with the new Wireless N Adapter, which will be $90 and go on sale with the Premiere; it should at least be included with the Premiere XL. We're okay with the omission of the new optional phone line adapter, though, it'll be $30 and only sold online. Press release after the break, a full set of pics in the galleries, and PDF spec sheets at the read links. %Gallery-87041%
TiVo Premiere, XL DVRs show up in Best Buy systems for $299, $499; due March 27
It's not March 2 yet, but we do have another early indication of what TiVo's big announcement will be as a tipster spotted two new DVRs in Best Buy's intranet. Other than the shocking revelation that the two SKUs would allow users to record, pause and rewind live TV and pack in HDMI cables, they went on to mention pricing information and ship dates not seen in this screen grab pegging the new Premiere at $299 and THX Certified XL edition at $499 with an expected arrival of March 27. No word on any subscription fees, features or hard drive sizes, we guess there's a few secrets left to be revealed next week in New York. %Gallery-86518% [Thanks, anonymous]
