Category: TiVo News

Once again, a new OS update is coming, and once again, there’s a Priority List.

If you’ve been around TiVo DVRs for a while, you know that TiVo releases software updates slowly at first (the little switch) then, after they make sure there are no horrendous problems on that subset of people (not exactly beta testers, since they do that too, but, maybe, chi testers) they through the big switch, and release the software to everyone.

Anyway, during the “little switch” time period, customers who want to be test victims and to get their hands on the latest software fastest can pretty much always sign up at the priority link:

http://www.tivo.com/priority

The list of units changes depending on what’s being updated, but the URL is always the same.

In this case, the update is 9.3 for Series 2 units. And the update seems to focus on making the interface faster. So I’ve signed up!

TiVo has announced another avenue for internet downloads: YouTube. A press release says downloads from YouTube will be available later this year to TiVo HD and TiVo Series3 hardware. Presumably, this will be in the form of a software update, and the DVR will need to be connected to broadband.

While it’s great that this will be an officially supported option, and will be yet another way to get video content into a TiVo directly without the use of an intervening computer, there remain a few problems with the announcement.

First, the service only covers the HD TiVos. Considering that YouTube videos are not generally uploaded originally at HD quality, why shouldn’t this option be available to Series2 users with broadband connections as well?

Then, also, this feature has existed for a while on competing video platforms, like Media Center PCs, and the AppleTV. Not to say they shouldn’t also add this to the arsenal of video download methods, but it doesn’t seem to be a huge factor in gaining users to other platforms. In many ways, YouTube is suited best to a computer, since a computer makes the searching process faster, using the keyboard.

With the changes on the video download andscape this year, we’re hoping for more content from larger providers. Netflix, iTunes, and now Hulu are pushing a lot of video out there. Amazon Unbox on TiVo is great, but let’s get another big player on the roster!

Well, today is the 14th of February (yes, yes, Happy Valentine’s Day). The word was that lifetime service for new TiVo DVRs for existing TiVo customers would no longer be available after the 13th of February. But it’s still on their site for now – see this screenshot, just taken:

View image

We haven’t had any word from TiVo as to whether this will continue or if they just haven’t changed their site, but for now, if you want lifetime on a new unit from us, and you have an existing TiVo.com account, then you can place your order and ask for your TSN (TiVo Service Number) right away so that you can catch this deal.

Phone or web orders are fine – just be sure to ask for the TSN so that you subscribe right away!

Right now, current TiVo customers can add a unit to their TiVo.com account, and activate that new DVR with lifetime service for $399. These current customers have to have a TiVo.com account in good standing, with a TiVo DVR that has dialed in within the last six months.

As far as we know, this lifetime offer is ending on 2/3. So if you want a new Series3 TiVo, a TiVoHD, a Humax DVD TiVo, or a Dual Tuner TiVo, and you want lifetime service, order fast!

If you order from us up to and including the 3rd, we can email you your TSN (TiVo serial number) so that you can go to TiVo.com and subscribe right away, and get lifetime service.

Now, it’s certainly possible that TiVo will extend this offer, but if you want to be on the safe side, order before the deadline!