Generally, we'd say it's hard to tell what TiVo has up its sleeve with this newfangled "Hawk" software, but given that we already took a peek at what's potentially the next big TiVo interface late last month, we can't help but think the two are related. TiVo has been sending out solicitation e-mails to select Series3 / TiVo HD owners in order to enlist them in a beta program to test out a software release slated for launch sometime this fall. Users are being asked to deal with a few quirks and report them in a timely fashion, and they're promised a small parting gift for their participation. Of note, "Hawk" won't work with Series1 / Series2 boxes, and while "fall" is definitely mentioned, so is the word "December." Meaning? Don't get your hopes up that this release will be headed down the pipes in gold fashion anytime soon.

[Thanks, NotMe]

Well, what can we say? Here we have a TiVo HD with a subtle "XL" logo there on the bottom left, a more capacious hard drive and a Series 3 remote. That being the case, at least the one parked at CEDIA was outstandingly shiny -- seriously, check it out.

Aw, snap. Not even 24 hours after we learned that a new DirecTV HD TiVo was on the way, in flies word from Denver that a new standalone TiVo is hitting even sooner -- like, today. The TiVo HD XL will become the flagship unit in TiVo's line by offering up 150 hours of high-def recording space, THX certification, a Series3 premium backlit remote and a bundled HDMI cable. As with the TiVo HD, this one boasts dual tuners for recording two HD programs simultaneously and a pretty similar design, but unlike the TiVo HD, this one will set you back a full $599.99. Those unaffected by the price tag can order one today from TiVo's website, and we're told to expect the box at various other retailers "as early as next week." Full press release after the break.

Back in May, TiVo's VP of product marketing got all of our hopes up that the next announcement involving it and Amazon would include HD Unbox content. As you can very clearly see, this is most certainly not the case. Instead, we have the immense pleasure of informing internet-connected Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD owners that they can now buy wares from Amazon without leaving their couch. If browsing through Amazon's extraordinarily huge store with just a remote sounds appealing to you, you're in luck (and mildly insane). Also of note, the new Product Purchase feature will enable advertisers to "market products sold through Amazon on any broadcast or cable network, any TV show, or via any of TiVo's extensive interactive advertising features." In other words, next time you see Dwight using that iconic shredder, you can buy that bad boy right then and there. Take that, Staples.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Oh, glorious day! TiVo HD and Series 3 owners can rejoice, as the v9.4 software update is finally being pushed out (ahead of official schedule, might we add) to select users. Truthfully, the update doesn't add much, but the Play Folder -- which enables users to store up episodes in sequence and watch 'em at once -- and easier closed captioning operations are much appreciated. Check the links below for the formal verbiage, and chime in with your impressions once it finds your box.

[Thanks, Zatz Not Funny]

It's hard to look around your house without seeing a bunch of devices that could be affected by the upcoming digital transition in 222 days. From old TVs, to emergency radios -- you know the ones that let you listen to audio from TV stations -- to digital video recorders; if you have an antenna hooked up to it and it doesn't have an ATSC tuner, then it's going to stop working. For the most part it's going to be up to consumers to figure out what they need to do to be ready, but TiVo is taking an interesting approach. TiVo is looking at the configuration of your DVRs and when you have analog antenna connected, TiVo is sending out letters giving you your options. The options aren't too bad either, it includes a list of digital convert boxes that will make your old TiVo keep ticking, or if you want to "treat yourself" TiVo is offering a $40 discount on the TiVo HD -- puts it at $259. So yeah, sure, $40 isn't that great of a discount, but it's more than we've heard of any other consumer electronics company offering.

Aw, now isn't this just the sweetest thing you've ever seen? Cox has found the generosity to not only send out information to let Phoenix, Arizona subscribers know about the forthcoming implementation of SDV (July 1st, if you're wondering), but to promise a free tuning adapter to CableCARD-using TiVo Series3 / HD owners to boot. In all seriousness, we only wish every other cable company out there would handle this situation in a similar manner, but things just can't be this easy everywhere, right? Check the read link for the full letter.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

Yeah, TiVo's Blue Moon special has been alive for a few weeks now, but for those unaware, we figured it prudent to pass along the deal in case you're interested in grabbing hold. From now until June 16th, interested consumers can snatch up a TiVo HD DVR, TiVo Wireless Adapter, a lifetime of service on the unit and an incredibly amazing TiVo plush doll for $698. Yes, that's less than the original price of the Series3 alone. So there you have it -- at least you've got ample time to think it over before deciding either way.

[Thanks, Jonas]

It's been a while since our TiVo Series 3 upgrade how-to feature -- the Series 3 is no longer in production, and has been replaced by the HD model. Even though functionally the Series 3 and HD models are nearly identical, it turns out that internally they're not quite the same beast. In our original post, we referred to a boot CD from Weaknees that had all the necessary Linux and MFS utilities and SATA drivers in one tidy package. When the time came to upgrade our TiVo HD, we did a little research, only to find that the Weaknees CD doesn't support the HD model. Follow us below the fold to see the approach we took to upgrading our TiVo HD.

Oh goodie. Sometime "later this year," Tivo owners will be able to login to their YouTube accounts directly from their Series3 and TiVo HD devices. Using their fat, deceitful, meat sticks on the TiVo remote salvaged from the matrimonial wreckage, subscribers can search, browse, and watch enough content to realize just how badly they suck at Photoshop. Press release available after the break.

When we forced the TiVo HD and Series3 to go mano-a-mano back in October of last year, we had a sneaking suspicion that the latter was actually no longer being produced. Fast forward (har) three months, and sure enough, it seems that the end really is nigh for the Series3. According to TiVo Lovers (who heard directly from DVRupgrade), TiVo is accelerating the EOL (end of life) of the Series3 and "focusing all efforts on the recently launched, lower cost TiVo HD." Apparently, the firm managed to sell through oodles of Series3 boxes over the holidays (thanks in large part to a sizable rebate-based promotion), and rather than searching for creative ways to solve the "continued component shortage," TiVo is reportedly choosing to nudge potential customers in the direction of the TiVo HD. Granted, we'd still take this with a (light) dose of salt for the time being, but don't be shocked to see Series3 stock start dwindling in the coming weeks.

[Via TVSquad, thanks Brad L.]

If your holiday shrubbery was missing that TiVo HD you wanted, here's a chance to reclaim some happiness. From now until February 17, if you pick up a TiVo HD and sign up for 1 year of monthly service (at $12.95/month), TiVo will give you the first three months of service for free. The ad on the TiVo site might confuse you -- it reads "TiVo HD DVR + 1 year TiVo service @ $12.95/mo... Total $299.99;" you're in fact getting the TiVo HD and 3 months of free service on a $12.95/month contract for that $299.99. Still, it's not too shabby: over the first year, you'll actually come out slightly ahead of a comparable package combined with a multi-service discount! Speaking of which, sorry -- this deal cannot be combined with a multi-service discount.

[Via TVSnob]

Earlier this year, we saw that WeaKnees was offering up TiVo HD boxes with enough storage to hold a staggering 144 hours of HD content, and now the company is aiming to make a few holiday wishes come true by more than doubling that previous number. You heard right, TV packrats can now order up a TiVo HD Series 3 DVR from WeaKnees that can hold 292 hours of HD programming (or 2,800 hours of SD content). The DVR itself will house a 1TB SATA hard drive and come bundled with a 1TB external drive, and will cost you a whopping $1,599 (after $200 rebate, no less) to claim one as your own.

It seems as if we've been waiting a lot longer than a year for TiVo to add two of our favorite features to the Series3, and while complications with CableLabs haven't exactly made the process possible before now, we're elated that TiVoToGo and Multi-Room viewing are finally a reality.

Both new features had to be enabled via TiVo.com by logging into our account and enabling transfers, and we've detailed the process below:

• Log into TiVo.com and under Manage My Account, enable transfers on each of your TiVos.
• Wait 24 hours for the TiVo to phone home or force a call
• Check System Information page on your TiVo and verify that TiVoToGo has a value of a,a,a and not i,i,i.
• If all else fails, force another call and reboot.

You've waited long enough, so click on through to take a look at these two long-awaited features in action.