The Week in TiVo

Amazon Video on Demand… in HD?

We had a brief glimmer of hope earlier this week when TiVo units appeared to offer Amazon Video on Demand in high definition… for about half a day. Sadly, the link directed subscribers to standard definition video rentals. After checking in with TiVo, it appears this was a layout test inadvertently released to the public. But it’s nice to know HD content downloads will be coming. One day.

TiVo Series3 & TiVoHD Software Update

The software that started rolling out to Series2 owners last month is now arriving on Series3 and TiVo HD units. Actually, while there are cosmetic similarities, the versioning is vastly different. S2 units are running 9.3.2, while high def TiVos now sport version 11. I’m hoping whatever else is included behind the scenes facilitates Netlflix streaming later this month. And we can officially give up hope on seeing a new UI in 2008.

i.TV to add TiVo scheduling?

iPhone app i.TV has a secret… Code and graphics buried in version 1.1 indicate TiVo scheduling may be available in the not so distant future. No word on timing, and I’ve been unable to confirm with TiVo if this is sanctioned. But it’ll certainly be a step up from TiVo’s recently unveiled, lightweight mobile scheduling site.

Get your TiVo Cookie Cutter
Though they’re now out of stock, TiVo was offering freebie cookie cutters to pretty much any takers. After seeing the holiday promotion land on quite a few random sites, TiVo may want to consider limiting future giveaways to subscribers. Though, I did manage to get my request in as soon as the offer showed up on Twitter. First rule of blogging: Take advantage of deals before publishing them, or risk losing out. Not that I’ve ever baked a cookie in my life.

TiVo to broadcast Blip.tv?
An article in AdvertisingAge indicates TiVo will begin offering Blip.tv video content. The article clearly states the service will be available to all TiVo units (stand alone, DirecTV, and Comcast), but I highly doubt that and suspect we’re talking about delivering the web video to broadband connected Series2 and Series3/HD units only. Selections could be offered as a subscription-based TiVoCast or advertising Showcase. I’ve inquired with TiVo, so we shall see…

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