TiVo drops word of updated TiVo with full two-way functionality
by Donald Melanson 
posted Nov 29th 2007 at 2:22PM
We've already heard about some of TiVo's plans for two-way communications, and it now looks like the company has used its third quarter earnings to drop a few more hints on the matter, including word of what sounds an awful lot like a Series 4 box. According to TiVo, it and the cable industry have come to an agreement on a "blue-print for a retail TiVo DVR" that would be based on the OpenCable Application Platform and have "full two-way cable service functionality." In less cryptic words, that means it'd give you access to cable video-on-demand, and other two-way services that have been previously off-limits to TiVo users. What's more, TiVo says that this yet-to-be-named box could "fully substitute for a cable operator set-top box," which would certainly be a nice bonus. Of course, there's no word as to when that magical box might be released but, as Electronista points out, the news was mentioned as part of the company's guidance for the new fiscal year, which could suggest that it'll be available before it ends in October 2008.[Via Electronista, thanks Jonathan]
Filed under: Set-top boxes, Others
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Guruintraining @ Nov 29th 2007 3:10PM
Ive been waiting a long time for my ole lady tivo to tell me she wants to go both ways. one word "heaven" :)
Lawrence @ Nov 29th 2007 3:16PM
It's been suggested that the new "Series 4" would offer "access to cable video-on-demand, and other two-way services that have been previously off-limits to TiVo users". But isn't that the whole point of the upcoming two-way dongle/adapter? DOesn't that suggest that the only real difference (so far) between a a Series3 (and Tivo HD) and the "Series 4" that the S4 may have the adapter "built-in"?
digason @ Nov 29th 2007 3:36PM
My understanding is the two-way dongle/adapter is for switched digital service, not general two-way communication.
MegaZone @ Nov 29th 2007 11:01PM
Correct. The Tuning Resolver USB dongle is only for SDV.
Loban @ Nov 29th 2007 4:21PM
That would be sweet. Then i can get rid of my crappy Motorola box. Man, I hate that thing.
daryl austin @ Nov 29th 2007 4:39PM
what does that mean for dish providers who is using the dish dvr?
Jeff @ Nov 29th 2007 7:32PM
cable only