TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: TiVo to Launch Integrated Video Recorder

TiVo to Launch Integrated Video Recorder

Monty Solomon (monty@roscom.com)
Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:35:20 -0500

TiVo to Launch Integrated Video Recorder
- Jan 7, 2005 10:45 AM (AP Online)

By MATTHEW FORDAHL AP Technology Writer

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- TiVo Inc. wants to declutter living rooms and
simplify changing channels with its television recorders as it
announced plans Thursday to launch models that integrate the converter
boxes required by many cable TV companies.

Currently, most TiVo customers with digital cable must connect their
digital video recorders to a separate box using either a low-speed
data port or a device that shoots infrared signals to the converter,
mimicking a remote control.

But not all cable boxes have the data port and so-called infrared
blasters aren't always reliable. That means a show might not record
properly because the TV failed to switch to the correct channel.

By incorporating an emerging technology called CableCard, the new TiVo
recorders would essentially have built-in converter boxes after a
cable company-provided card is slipped into a slot. Like a standalone
cable box, it would convert the scrambled TV signal.

Alviso-based TiVo said it expects to release CableCard models as a
premium product in early 2006. The devices also will allow TiVo
customers to access high-definition, premium cable and other channels
from multiple sources.

Prices were not disclosed.

- http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=46069972

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