CES 2006 – TiVo announces that it will introduce a new
HD-ready DVR that supports CableCARD, the new standard for content security
that is currently being distributed by service providers. The new TiVo will be
equipped with dual HD tuners and has been anticipated by users for a long time
coming. Motorola already has a dual HD PVR on the market -- the HDTV 6412 DVR
-- which is available from Comcast. During the press event, TiVo did not
mention how many new devices it will be releasing, but they did mention that we
can expect to see something in 2006. No exact date was given but TiVo CEO Mike Ramsey
mentioned that we could expect a high-definition CableCARD ready DVR unit early
this year.
TiVo also announced that it will be expanding its line of
DVRs that will be fully upgraded with broadband-enabled features. Connectivity
was also a primary concern for TiVo and the next generation Series3 units will
be able to connect to Windows PCs and Windows Mobile devices to transfer
content. Owners of Series3 units will also be able to grab HD programming
through cable and over the air broadcasts. During Bill Gates’ CES 2006
launching keynote, Microsoft announced a partnership with TiVo which will
result in users being able to watch programs recorded with their TiVo device,
directly on their PDAs.
A new service being launched by TiVo this year, dubbed Tahiti, will enable new connectivity features
for users who are on the go but wish to stay connected to their TV programming.
TiVoToGo, which is part of the Tahiti service
aims to let Windows Mobile users stream recorded content directly through an IP
based connection. Locally, users will also be able to transfer content through
a USB connection. The new service will also allow users to store content onto
their computers incase their TiVo unit runs out of space.
In terms of DRM, users will be limited to accessing their
content from 10 devices by using a Media Access Key. Unfortunately to replay
content, users will have to re-enter a password each time. Content being
streamed can be played using Windows Media Player 10. Interestingly enough,
users will be able to take their content with them by recording shows onto DVD
which has no rights management features.
