Comments on: TiVo goes mobile with new free service

The DVR maker unveils its TiVoToGo service, which lets subscribers transfer programming to their laptops.

[Earl Benser]

One more attempt...

... to find something useful for TiVo to do. And this time, they
have just about surrendered to the PC. Next, we should see
software (not fromTiVo) to download video from the cable/
satellite box into H-264 format for storage in hard drives.

For those who have a TiVo, don't get too attached to the device.
It will be obsolete all too quickly.

[David Arbogast]

Why H.264?

Th H.264 codec (not format) is just one option. It is Mpeg 4, and is the technology used by QuickTime and RealPlayer and DivX. None of which have gained any considerable respect with regards to DRM. If TiVo is partnering with Microsoft, chances are, they realize the benefit of DRM, and native H.264 recording will not be supported. Besides, TiVo still records in Mpeg 2. Why reencode to Mpeg 4 if you can't add DRM? What's the point?

Article Writing 101

Biggest point missed. How do they intend users to get the video to their laptops?

USB? Ethernet? Bluetooth? RS-232 Cable?

A little follow up on the whole point of the article would be great.

SD

No Mac or Linux Support, No Use

Well since TIVO decides to only support Windows, I won't be using their new service.

Get a clue TIVO, with Macs you can already do this using El Gato software.

[David Arbogast]

Not just Macs

Not just Macs. You can do this with RePlay or with MediaCenter and PCs. TiVo must play catchup to remain competitive. If you were trying to roll out services to a customer base, would you start with technology that 93% of your users can use? Or would you start with technology that 3% of your users can use? Of course they started with Windows compatibility. It only makes good business sense.

I see that Macrovsion protected products will not be used with TiVoToGo.

Why is that and will SunnComm protected products which are Windows Certified be ok for TiVoToGo?

[Llib Setag]

MSTVTiVoPC...Fun times ahead!

Cool!
Now I can watch Citizen Gates video getting a cream pie in the
face OR Citizen Ballmer screaming like Howard Dean at an MS
Keynote OR watch CES 2005 Keynote where the MSMediaPC
crashes with the blue screen of death while I am traveling the
globe...
Thanks MSTVTiVoPC!
Just what we all wanted for our New Year!
I think I will wait awhile for all of the "convergence zonies" have
calmed down a bit...
Happy New Year 2005!
Have fun!