TiVo and DirectTV back to making DVRs together

[ZeoTiVo]

TiVo and DirectTV back to making DVRs together (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=404044)


or just read it in this forum ;)
For all the naysayers out there, check out this announcement .... TiVo is back! http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200809030700PR_NEWS_USPR_____AQW143.htm

easier to read it right here :)

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200809030700PR_NEWS_USPR_____AQW143.htm

Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DIRECTV, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTV), the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, and TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), announced today that they have extended their current agreement, which includes the development, marketing and distribution of a new HD DIRECTV DVR featuring the TiVo(R) service, as well as the extension of mutual intellectual property arrangements.

Under the terms of the non-exclusive arrangement, DIRECTV and TiVo will work together to develop a version of the TiVo(R) service for DIRECTV’s broadband-enabled HD DVR platform. The product will support the latest TiVo and DIRECTV features and services, including TiVo’s Universal Swivel Search and TiVo KidZone. TiVo will develop the new HD DVR for an expected launch in the second half of 2009.

[zalusky]

Maybe this is Earl's secret project.

[BlackBetty]

Maybe this is Earl's secret project.

nah. I'm sure Earl is punching holes in walls today.

[20TIL6]

You have to wonder what kind of day a DirecTV DVR+ platform developer is having today.

Yes, the PR says that DTV will offer both platforms to new and existing subscribers. It's going to be interesting to now hear the other side speak of the merits of having both systems, when just a while ago only one made sense to them.

As a consumer, DirecTV is once again an option for me. Thank you Chase Carey.

[jlb]

This is good news. I wonder if it will allow for things like the ol' transfer of programs to a PC, MRV, etc.

I know this will bring a few DTV folks back to the TiVo service.

Great work!

[dig_duggler]

This is good news. I wonder if it will allow for things like the ol' transfer of programs to a PC, MRV, etc.

I know this will bring a few DTV folks back to the TiVo service.

Great work!

And based upon how my cable card experience has been, it will bring some Tivo folks over to DTV.

[vdubuclet]

It's been so long since I been here that I had to reset my password. Can't wait to get my dual live buffers back. Happy day

[nathanziarek]

This is just smart business for DirecTV.

While I think CableCard is a pretty lousy technology so far, it will, long term, make cable a better product. DirecTV needs to fight that, and I think working with an established, DVR-only company to develop the technology for other hardware to integrate into your system is a brilliant move. I'd imagine the USB box (HDPC20 or something like that) was another step in this direction.

D* just won me back. I imagine there will be lots from this board like me.

[osborn4]

Sorry. Didn't see this thread when I started the other.

This just popped up on engadget.

Hell freezes over, new DirecTV HD TiVo on the way (http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/hell-freezes-over-new-directv-hd-tivo-on-the-way/)
We had to pinch ourselves and check to see if it was April 1st, because after three years of hearing TiVo fans complain that DirecTV killed off the HD DirecTV TiVo on its move to MPEG4, the satellite company has finally listened. TiVo and DirecTV announced today that sometime during the second half of 2009, a new HD DirecTV TiVo will be available and will include "the latest TiVo and DirecTV features and services" -- there is however no word if this will include favorites such as TiVoToGo or Multi-Room veiwing.

Like the previous TiVo models made specifically to work with DirecTV, it will be sold and marketed through DirecTV -- at a yet to be announced price -- and as we've seen in other recent TiVo deals, DirecTV will continue to market and support its own DVR as a "primary offering" which is just fine with us, just so long as we have a choice in the matter, we're cool.

[dswallow]

It's good to see it happen, but it's probably not going to win me back. It might let them be an option at some point in the future again should I find reason to leave Comcast. But things work well; the price is significantly better than DirecTV; Internet and phone service is included; and I have all the HD channels I have any interest in, except for 2 minor ones and I fully expect we'll have them before a new DVR could come from DirecTV anyway. Heck, Verizon FIOS should be in my neighborhood before DirecTV will have a new DVR, so they'd have to compete with that option as well.

[Bodie]

Even though Dtv sent me quite the offer yesterday (4 mos of *everything* free, free hookup and free HD DVR), I've got to agree with Doug on this one.

[dig_duggler]

This is just smart business for DirecTV.

While I think CableCard is a pretty lousy technology so far, it will, long term, make cable a better product. DirecTV needs to fight that, and I think working with an established, DVR-only company to develop the technology for other hardware to integrate into your system is a brilliant move. I'd imagine the USB box (HDPC20 or something like that) was another step in this direction.

D* just won me back. I imagine there will be lots from this board like me.

CableCards should win out, but it when a product depends on support from 100's (taking a guess here) of companies versus just one, the average level of support will be worse. Especially when cc users make up such a small user base (and that's not necessarily going to change for awhile), the motivation for training and just plain competence isn't there. Right now cablecards are a crap shoot depending on where you live and what providers are available. When it's bad it is bad.

[wedenton]

I will switch to Direct immediately IF TiVoToGo and Multiroom Viewing are part of the deal. While I will put up with Direct's HD Lite I won't settle for TiVo Lite.

[acvthree]

DirectTV moving away from Tivo and the HDLite that was being transmitted pushed me to Fios. I can't see going back. I think this is great though. I've got friends that like their DirectTV Tivos that were wondering where to go and this could be their answer.

[atmuscarella]

So why is it going to take almost a year to get this "new" DVR out of the door? Seems like with what Direct and TiVo already are doing they should be able to part this together in less time than that.

[Mike_TV]

Wow. I guess I really shouldn't be surprised but it just goes to show everyone how fast technology and businesses can change.

I'm still running two Series 2 DirecTivos and a really old Series 1 DirecTivo but have moved onto Vista Media Center along with Media Center Extenders for all my primary OTA HD viewing.

I'll be watching this closely though and would love a Directv / Tivo HD DVR.

[Tivoli]

This is great news! It is good to have options and DTV is going to back in the list of options for me :up::up::up:

[Okeemike]

So why is it going to take almost a year to get this "new" DVR out of the door? Seems like with what Direct and TiVo already are doing they should be able to part this together in less time than that.

Don't look a gift TiVo in the mouth. :D

[JohnTivo]

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here. I used to check this site multiple times a day before I switched out my DirecTivo's for DirecTV's version of a dvr.

I am so happy to hear that DirecTV is bringing back a HD capable TIVO! I can't wait... though I do like the VOD feature on the DirecTV boxes. Hopefully that will find its way into the new box.

[dshinnick]

We're retiring to our motor home in about two years. I was planning on going to Dish because their user interface gets good reviews. But, with a Tivo-based HD Directv, I know where I'm going! It's a no-brainer. Every time Directv sends me a notice saying "Come on back! We miss you!" I throw it in the trash, muttering, "Give me a Tivo interface and I will come back.".

Good job Directv!

[Ellipse]

I would like to officially like to request my personal slice of frozen hell. Funny thing is that yesterday I finally said that if we didn't hear anything by CES this year, it would have been time to give up.

Glad I don't have to give up now! (now to patiently wait....and wait....and wait...)

[LI-SVT]

This is great news.

Ding dong the DVR+ is dead!

[tivoupgrade]

It's good to see it happen, but it's probably not going to win me back. It might let them be an option at some point in the future again should I find reason to leave Comcast. But things work well; the price is significantly better than DirecTV; Internet and phone service is included; and I have all the HD channels I have any interest in, except for 2 minor ones and I fully expect we'll have them before a new DVR could come from DirecTV anyway. Heck, Verizon FIOS should be in my neighborhood before DirecTV will have a new DVR, so they'd have to compete with that option as well.

I am skeptical, as well.

I'd be very surprised if this offering makes it into the marketplace in 2009. The announcement is very early relative to the projected delivery date and that means there is a greater probability of the project being later than anticipated.

Secondly, it looks like this will be similar to the Comcast initiative in that it will be TiVo software running on DIRECTV hardware. Not that its a bad thing, but for devoted TiVo users, it may pale in comparison to the features and performance of the full-blown TiVo platform many of has grown to love (especially those of us with Series3 and TiVo HD units).

Probably a good thing for DIRECTV customers who would like to have a TiVo and are not happy with the HDDVR, though.

Lou

[ZeoTiVo]

I am skeptical, as well.

I'd be very surprised if this offering makes it into the marketplace in 2009. The announcement is very early relative to the projected delivery date and that means there is a greater probability of the project being later than anticipated.

Secondly, it looks like this will be similar to the Comcast initiative in that it will be TiVo software running on DIRECTV hardware.

I disagree - no reason to shoehorn the software into some already designed box. Since they have access to Tivo intellectual property and an already working HD recorder capable of mpeg4(S3 and TiVo HD) and a history of making boxes that work on directTV I see every reason for TiVo to have a big say in the design of the hardware.

Plus at another point in the article they say TiVo Box.
This new TiVo box will be offered as an alternative choice to those DIRECTV customers who would like to add TiVo to a full line up of DIRECTV services.

with the history of the two companies already working together, I think mid 2009 is doable. TiVo certainly has incentive to be quick and stop the TiVo subscriber bleeding at DirectTV.

I think it is tru2way that we will not see for some time :(

[tivoupgrade]

I disagree - no reason to shoehorn the software into some already designed box. Since they have access to Tivo intellectual property and an already working HD recorder capable of mpeg4(S3 and TiVo HD) and a history of making boxes that work on directTV I see every reason for TiVo to have a big say in the design of the hardware.

Plus at another point in the article they say TiVo Box.


with the history of the two companies already working together, I think mid 2009 is doable. TiVo certainly has incentive to be quick and stop the TiVo subscriber bleeding at DirectTV.


I wish that were the case, but the wording doesn't really read that way to me:

Under the terms of the non-exclusive arrangement, DIRECTV and TiVo will work together to develop a version of the TiVo(R) service for DIRECTV's broadband-enabled HD DVR platform. The product will support the latest TiVo and DIRECTV features and services, including TiVo's Universal Swivel Search and TiVo KidZone. TiVo will develop the new HD DVR for an expected launch in the second half of 2009.

Perhaps it is intentionally ambiguous, but given the trends-in-play with TiVo and DIRECTV these days, that means "TiVo software on DIRECTV hardware, late in 2009."

Hopefully, there will be more clarifications, soon!

[Hemi]

Happy Happy Joy Joy :)

Dan

[ZeoTiVo]

I wish that were the case, but the wording doesn't really read that way to me:


Hopefully, there will be more clarifications, soon!

here is something posted from a good source


from directTV forum (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=6646426#post6646426)
I just checked in with TiVo. They will be using DirecTV hardware (not the TiVo HD platform as I had assumed). Who knows if it'll be available as a software "upgrade" for existing boxes or a separate box (as they've done in the past).

[TechDreamer]

Of course DirecTV will cripple the good features, but at least it will be a Tivo.

[kb7sei]

TiVo software on DTV hardware sounds like a recipe for issues to me. I'll wait and see, but if that's the case, it's not likely to stop me from switching at some point. Between HDLite and TiVoLite, I wouldn't be satisfied. No MRV is a deal-killer, the WAF depends heavily on that. TTG is important to me as well. HD is becoming more and more important as time goes on.

Of course, me switching would be better for TiVo, they would get more money from me than they do now.

Welcome news, but I think it may be "too little, too late" for me. It's always nice to have options though.

[bigpuma]

nah. I'm sure Earl is punching holes in walls today.

:confused: Why would he be punching holes in walls?

[bigpuma]

This is good news. I wonder if it will allow for things like the ol' transfer of programs to a PC, MRV, etc.

I would think they would include those things considering they are working on them for their own DVRs.

[20TIL6]

:confused: Why would he be punching holes in walls?

ventilation??

[ebockelman]

TiVo software on DTV hardware sounds like a recipe for issues to me. I'll wait and see, but if that's the case, it's not likely to stop me from switching at some point. Between HDLite and TiVoLite, I wouldn't be satisfied. No MRV is a deal-killer, the WAF depends heavily on that. TTG is important to me as well. HD is becoming more and more important as time goes on.

Of course, me switching would be better for TiVo, they would get more money from me than they do now.

Welcome news, but I think it may be "too little, too late" for me. It's always nice to have options though.

I keep seeing "HDLite" in this thread and it makes me wonder if I stepped back in time a few years. Directv's MPEG-4 gets consistent accolades for picture quality.

[johnf@home]

It's good to see it happen, but it's probably not going to win me back. It might let them be an option at some point in the future again should I find reason to leave Comcast. But things work well; the price is significantly better than DirecTV; Internet and phone service is included; and I have all the HD channels I have any interest in, except for 2 minor ones and I fully expect we'll have them before a new DVR could come from DirecTV anyway. Heck, Verizon FIOS should be in my neighborhood before DirecTV will have a new DVR, so they'd have to compete with that option as well.

Me Too.

Maybe I'll revisit the decision a year from now, when the new DirecTiVo is actually shipping. But until then I'll stick with Comcast (unless FIOS shows up on my street before then, of course)

[JJ]

Depends
on what Late2009 really means. Looks to be a lure in the water but I'm way too jaded to jump in and chase this early.

Nice to see that TiVo,Inc expects to still be around in late2009...

[ZeoTiVo]

Nice to see that TiVo,Inc expects to still be around in late2009...

looks like TiVo is committed to innovation and has plans way beyond 2009. ;)

[kb7sei]

I keep seeing "HDLite" in this thread and it makes me wonder if I stepped back in time a few years. Directv's MPEG-4 gets consistent accolades for picture quality.

I'm just going by reviews I've read online. It may be good, I don't know for sure because I'm unwilling to sign up for a 2 year commitment to try it out. So I have to reserve personal judgment until I run into someone that has it so I can compare to the ATSC OTA I'm using now. Interestingly, I can try Comcast with zero commitment. It seems the tide is turning a bit and it may benefit me to give Comcast a go, even if they have really pissed me off in the past. I never thought Comcast would be the more customer friendly of the two.

I can say for sure that unless the TiVo features are 100% on par with the standalone TiVo-HD, out of the box, I'm not interested. I don't want to have to hack my boxes anymore. I have too many drains on my free time as it is.