TivoPremiere
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TiVo Premiere multiroom streaming already enabled?
We'd heard that the most recent software update for the TiVo Premiere set the stage for TiVo-to-TiVo streaming, and now multiple posters on the TiVo Community forum report it's already working. If you only have one Premiere in the house you may want to wait for the Premiere Q (or the Preview, if you don't need any additional tuners) but those already living the multiple box lifestyle can select shows as though they were going to be transferred and simply press play instead. Check the threads for details and let us know how if it works for you, if this is intentionally enabled an official announcement can't be too far off. [Thanks, @BrennokBob]
TiVo's retail plans for quad-tuner Premiere DVR revealed in FCC filing
If your TiVo-loving heart was crushed last week when we found out the new Premiere Q DVR was only for cable companies with no plans for retail sales, allow us to put the pieces back together. Zatz Not Funny has dug up an FCC filing, dated June 7th, indicating TiVo will bring the quad tuner Premiere Elite DVR with 2TB of hard drive space to retail. The purpose of the filing? To get the FCC to waive requirements that the Elite -- which is designed for digital cable reception only -- contain an analog tuner that it claims would increase costs by $80 - $100. There's no word on price or timing but it's clearly intended as a high end product that TiVo plans to offer online, through custom installers or specialty outlets like Best Buy's Magnolia stores. If it gets approved we could still see the Elite set-top box this year, assuming the FCC has its approval stamp ready and inked.
FrameChannel is going away and so is its suite of TiVo widgets
When TiVo launched the Premiere DVR it promised "nearly 1,000 content widgets" thanks to a partnership with FrameChannel, but those will soon disappear. According to its website FrameChannel will shut down at the end of the month due to financial trouble, while Stephen Mack of TiVo says the DVR company is "looking into" replacements for the service that provided weather, news, custom RSS feeds, and stock market data. It may not be a major loss for most however, since the general consensus seems to be that FrameChannel wasn't that great. All the same, a few of you may miss it when its gone, and take note of the unfortunate potential downside of dealing with cloud based services. [Thanks, Joe & Dave Zatz]
TiVo Premiere Q and Preview boxes are official along with an updated iPad app
An early release over the weekend took any surprise out of the news, but now TiVo has officially announced its plans for the new TiVo Premiere Q and TiVo Preview set-top boxes and an update for its iPad app at the 2011 NCTA Cable Show. Both boxes are firsts for TiVo, the Premiere Q (pictured above) because it has four tuners and can stream video to up to three other boxes in the home, and the Preview because it lacks a hard drive or any DVR capabilities entirely. The Preview can function on its own or as a multiroom thin client streaming from TiVo DVRs, and both promise full integration with video on-demand and other cable-provided services. There's no word on any retail plans and as expected RCN and Suddenlink will be the first to offer the boxes. The TiVo iPad app is also getting a cable-friendly makeover with a new version that can browse video on-demand offerings and flick them to any available TiVos for viewing, just like it does for internet video. We complained about the slow pace of updates for the existing Premiere DVR yesterday, so we'll try to have a fresh outlook on the official announcements (PR and more pictures are after the break) and consider a future where TiVo isn't tied to DVRs or being offered at retail. Update: @BrennokBob points out a post on DSLReports revealing the Premiere Q will ship (at least for RCN) with a 500GB hard drive, up from 320GB on the standard Premiere but less than the 1TB of the XL model or Virgin's TiVo in the UK.
TiVo Premiere Q, Preview boxes bring quad-tuner or non-DVR options to the lineup
In an early preview of TiVo's plans for The Cable Show this week in Chicago, TMCNet has posted information on two new set-top boxes that will be offered by cable operators RCN and Suddenlink. As suggested by recent surveys and forum posts, the Premiere Q is a quad-tuner DVR with multiroom streaming of up to three HD feeds via MoCA or Ethernet, while the Preview is TiVo's first box without a hard drive and serves as a client to the main box. Another revelation is news that an updated version of TiVo's iPad app will include be able to browse cable VOD, allowing users to select it on the tablet and then "flick" it to their box where it starts playing. If the information holds up the new hardware seems competitive and modern enough, but we're wondering if TiVo will continue to serve end users who prefer to buy equipment instead of lease and are waiting for things like the new DirecTiVo or software updates that enhance performance on the Premiere and finish off its HD menu system. [Thanks, @BrennokBob]
Latest TiVo survey queries Facebook activity, VOD preferences and on the go viewing
With Hulu Plus on the TiVo Premiere and multiroom streaming apparently coming soon, we'll look again to the company's surveys to see what may be next on the list. One of our readers sent in a few screens of this month's poll, which went out of its way to find out the importance of access to video-on-demand from one's cable provider (an initiative that seems well underway) and some queries on Facebook usage (a: we're still playing Farmville all the time, is anyone else?) Finally, it asked about if users are still watching TV content on the go and if so, how they're doing it. It's been a while since we heard about any TiVoToGo updates, but with TV Everywhere spreading, maybe TiVo feels it needs to revisit its strategy. [Thanks, Michael]
Hulu Plus on TiVo Premiere hands-on
As rumored, Hulu Plus is now officially available on the TiVo Premiere, and according to TiVo, this "further extends its lead as the only one-box solution that integrates in one easy-to-use user interface." We supposed this is technically true, but it depends on your definition of "integrates" -- we'll discuss why after the jump. Hulu Plus of course comes at a monthly premium, but the other news is that new TiVo Premiere owners will get the privilege gratis for six months, while existing Premiere owners get what is described as a "free trial" which we assume is the standard one month risk trial -- as opposed to the variety that doesn't require a credit card. %Gallery-124194%
Hulu Plus on TiVo promos pop up in stores and online, suggest launch soon
Although TiVo announced it would offer Hulu Plus back in September we're still waiting for it to arrive on those Premiere DVRs. Twitter user @dlayphoto spotted these materials in their local Best Buy promising six months of the $7.99 / month service for free with the purchase of a new box -- with a new price tag -- although it's hard to see if this will apply to existing users as well. The URL on the cards leads to a (now deactivated, but larger screenshots are over at Zatz Not Funny) page where TiVo owners can input their serial number and email address to get access. Judging by the dates on the promotions, things should get rolling within the next month or so, but we'll let you know when we hear something official.
RCN exec confirms TiVo Premiere multiroom streaming in latest update
Over on DSLReports, RCN's Director of Video Product and Video Operations revealed details about the 14.8 software update coming to the cable company's TiVo Premieres, including the multiroom streaming support that posters at TiVo Community have already found evidence of in retail boxes. Apparently this is all a part of RCN beta testing a move to the Premiere's HD UI on its boxes (currently still using the classic interface) and adding support for features like the TiVo iPad app and even TiVo-styled menus for browsing VOD. As Zatz Not Funny points out, we still have no idea when the streaming may actually get activated, but hopefully it will get knocked off the list of features we're still waiting for (dual-core support, DirecTiVo) sooner rather than later.
Latest TiVo Premiere update sets the stage for multiroom or iPad streaming?
While we're still not sure exactly what's been changed in the most recent 14.8 software update some users have gotten on their TiVo Premieres, a poster on the TiVo Community forums has found a change in the TiVo's XML file that suggests its getting ready for streaming support. Every TiVo provides an XML feed that can be read by other devices or software on the network and moyekj noted there is a field he hadn't sen before marked "StreamingPermission." Rumors have indicated streaming to other TiVo Premiere boxes, a multiroom companion extender or even to the iPad previously so it's not immediately clear what this switch could toggle if it were marked yes, but for now, it's marked no so feel free to speculate as wildly as possible. [Thanks, @BrennokBob]
TiVo pricing changes May 19th: $100 Premiere, $20 / month service, $500 lifetime for all
According to emails being sent out to existing customers, TiVo will streamline its pricing options in a couple of days, offering the Premiere for $99.99 and the Premiere XL for $299 with one year service commitments at $19.99 monthly or product lifetime service for $499.99. The new options are seen above in the picture posted by skaggs at TiVo Community, detailing the pricing that will apply to all TiVos, no matter where they're purchased from. The new pricing drops the total cost for lifetime service, but we'll let you figure out all the arithmetic and decide if you want to upgrade or jump into the Premiere before or after the service plans change. If you still need convincing, there's also word of a new 14.8 software update just starting to roll out, while the Virgin Media TiVo can apparently expect a fix for standard def picture quality to arrive soon.
Comcast will open up its video on-demand to TiVo Premiere DVRs and offer them for installation
One of the downsides to bringing your own DVR is usually giving up access to any access to your cable company's video on-demand programming, but TiVo has worked out a deal with Comcast to bring its Xfinity VOD to retail TiVo Premiere DVRs. This isn't entirely surprising, given the Comcast On Demand logo that snuck into the original set of screenshots at the Premiere's debut and the other cable companies allowing VOD access like Cox, Suddenlink and RCN. It appears this is going to be a market-by-market upgrade, with the San Francisco Bay Area up first (no word on exactly when) and others to follow. The old Comcast TiVo project is dead, as Multichannel News points out the two companies dissolved their old agreement upon entering into this new one, with Comcast licensing TiVo's IP through 2019. If you're not already living the TiVo lifestyle, Comcast will also start offering the Premiere alongside its own boxes and install them at no extra charge once the service is available. We're still waiting for TiVo to scrub some of the rougher edges off of the Premiere but if you want a bigger hard drive, (partially) HD UI and access to online services all in one box without compromising access to VOD, then this should fit the bill once it arrives.
Virgin Media TiVo updates to include multiroom, iPad/iPhone apps and more
Wondering what's next for Virgin Media's TiVo? Other than the upcoming 500GB model, The Virgin Media TiVo Blog points out a Q&A-style post on TiVo Community indicating users can expect functionality , multiroom streaming, apps for iOS and an end to the current blackout of Sky channels while viewing them in the guide. It also claims the VHD boxes will be able to become hard driveless TiVo boxes, although there may be a fee for the upgrade, while interactive red button functionality is also expected to expand with Sky Sports arriving late 2011/early 2012 and apps for the 2012 Olympics. Hit the source link for all of the info and to put in a few questions of your own if you're so inclined.
TiVo survey hints at multiroom companion box, four tuner DVR in the future
If you were wondering what is next for TiVo, another leaked customer survey may give some indications. ZatzNotFunny has a few screenshots, and the questions ask customers about their interest in a companion box that could sit in another room and stream live TV or recordings from the DVR on a second TV, as well as their interest in a DVR with four tuners. Windows Media Center fans with four tuner InfiniTV setups or Moxi owners with three are unlikely to accept anything with less, and TiVo itself already ships a three tuner box for Virgin Media in the UK while cable and satellite providers have largely stuck with two, making it a logical feature to beat them on. Those weren't the only features users were asked about, they also ranked items like the ability to hide SD versions of channels from the guide, browse recorded shows on every DVR from any box and other UI related options. TiVo is apparently figuring out where it should allocate resources going forward and while we'd suggest enabling the second core of that processor and extending the new Premiere UI across all menus, they didn't ask us. Check out the full text of the survey a tipster forwarded to us after the break and see if TiVo missed anything else you might want them to focus on. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Virgin Media TiVo issued second update in a week, but is it getting better or worse?
Just that fast, the Virgin Media TiVo has received another software update, apparently to address a few UI and reliability issues. That comes within a week of the patch that turned on the unit's third TV tuner, and update that the Virgin Media TiVo Blog has published the full changelog for, noting several other fixes built in including being quicker to restore TV service after a reboot, working trailers for movies, and other issues. A few responses in the TiVo Community thread note lockups after the most recent update, users should give it a look and let us know if things are headed in the right direction.
Virgin Media enables the third tuner on its TiVo DVR
Overnight, Virgin Media has pushed upgrade to users of its TiVo box enabling the third tuner, which had lain dormant since they started shipping at the end of last year. Digital Spy points out that the next step is delivering new apps to the box, while Virgin Media is reportedly also considering upping the speed of the internal cable modem from 10Mbps to 20 Mbps. There's no word on whether or not this update has taken care of any other niggling issues users have noticed and as our friend Dave Zatz mentions, we're all waiting for the day the software is able to actually take advantage of the dual-core processor housed in the TiVo Premiere. Update: The Virgin Media TiVo Blog also mentions the algorithm for calculating recording space has been updated, while the hard drive didn't get any bigger, it's gone from reporting 325 hours of SD and 99 hours of HD recording space available to 477 and 121 hours, respectively.
TiVo Premiere DVRs on sale for $49.99, but only for the next 90 minutes in Amazon's Gold Box
One of Amazon's Gold Box deals today is the TiVo Premiere, usually available on the site for $83.99, but now all the way down to $49.99 for a short time. Of course, there's a slight catch due to the new subsidized pricing arrangement which means signing up for a one year service commitment at $19.99 per month. It's been about a year since the new box debuted -- maybe a few software updates and iPad app since our initial review plus this discounted price are enough to make you click the buy button now?
Virgin Media TiVo experience is similar to the Premiere in all the wrong ways
Even if it's just "inspired" by the Premiere, ZatzNotFunny points out a few posts on the new Virgin Media TV Powered by TiVo section of Tivo Community suggesting the new DVR box is plagued by many of the same old issues. While we knew the 3rd tuner would be inactive at first, the company is running out of the "early 2011" period it promised for a software update, and as seen in the video after the break, there's still some glitches and sluggishness to be found in the new UI. On either side of the pond we're seeing far too many reactions matching the one from this frustrated UK user adamvietnam: "For ten years I used to tell anyone who'd listen that Tivo was the best piece of consumer electronics they'd ever own but at the moment the new box just feels like another PVR..." Time and software updates will tell what TiVo can do about it.
Older TiVo Series 3 / HD boxes will work with the iPad remote app soon
The companion app for TiVo Premiere DVRs worked out well when we reviewed it, but ZatzNotFunny points out it could get even better soon when it will feature "limited support" for Series 3 / HD boxes, along with TiVo DVRs offered by cable providers like RCN and Suddenlink. This "coming soon" info was included in an update yesterday that added a new DVR selection screen to the setup process, ability to run in the background plus assorted performance enhancements and bug fixes. Of course, we now know that TiVo's "lifetime" offers won't last forever (ten years, give or take) but for users who would prefer to stick with their existing hardware instead of upgrading to a Series 4, there are still a few new features coming down the pipe.
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.
