TiVoPony announced today that the promised update to fix the macroblocking issue on the TiVo HD has been released. Owners of the TiVo HD should see their unit update to 8.1.7c2 over the next day or so as they ‘call home’. With the previous two updates fixed some of the issues, this update reportedly fixes the majority of the remaining issues.

If you want to get it right away, check your Messages & Settings -> Settings -> Phone & Network screen. If it says ‘Pending Restart’ then your box has the new software. If not, then ‘Connect to the TiVo service now’ and it should download it. Once it says ‘Pending Restart’ go to Messages & Settings -> Restart or Reset System -> Restart the TiVo HD DVR to force a reboot, and it will install the software.

Initial reports are positive. I’d love to see comments from people who have had issues with their TiVo HD as to if this update fixes your problems. And, if not, what you’re still seeing.

Well, it looks like Acer is remaining on the fence. Last week they joined the Blu-ray Disc Association, now today the North American HD DVD Promotional Group announced that Acer has joined them as well. It does make sense, as with their acquisition of Gateway they have PC products with both formats now. So they’re already de facto in both camps. Though as a member of the BDA, Acer is more deeply involved with Blu-ray. The BDA sets the standards, the HD DVD group is, as the name implies a promotional/marketing organization.

Press release below:
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TiVo emailed out a promo for the TiVo HD, you can see it below.
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