Interestingly, both companies also have relationships with TiVo. TiVo recently added downloadable content from Disney, which is provided through CinemaNow. More CinemaNow content is promised going forward. And, of course, Sonic’s Roxio Creator, Toast, and Popcorn are the only commercial products officially sanctioned for use with TiVoToGo.

Press release:

Nov 19, 2008 16:00 ET

Sonic to Acquire CinemaNow

Acquisition to Serve as Foundation of New Sonic Premium Content Group

NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ:SNIC) , the leader in digital media software, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CinemaNow, a privately held online entertainment provider based in Marina Del Rey, California. CinemaNow is at the forefront of digital video distribution, offering over 6,000 high-quality Hollywood movies, TV shows and music videos to users across multiple platforms. The company has relationships with more than 250 content providers, including all major Hollywood studios, and supplies premium entertainment services to a host of PC and consumer electronics device manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Samsung, TiVo, DivX, and ARCHOS.

Sonic® and CinemaNow recently announced a collaboration to enable the download and burn of DVD movies by integrating CinemaNow’s content delivery system into new Qflix™ DVD drives. Qflix drives have recently become available from a number of companies including Dell, Pioneer and Plextor. CinemaNow will combine with Sonic’s Qflix team to form a new Premium Content Group under the direction of Mark Ely, Sonic’s EVP of Strategy. The group will focus on increasing the placement of CinemaNow’s storefront on PCs and consumer electronics devices, and expanding the adoption of the Qflix technology platform.

“With broadband-connected consumer electronics hitting the market in ever greater numbers, there is a growing need for a service that gives consumers one-click access to premium entertainment on any device in the digital home,” said David Cook, president and COO, CinemaNow. “The combination of CinemaNow’s content and embedded device strategy with Sonic’s technical prowess and broad PC and CE distribution promises to fulfill CinemaNow’s original mission — giving consumers easy access to the best of Hollywood from their PCs, TVs, mobile phones, or anywhere in their digital ecosystems.”

“The digital delivery of premium content is at a tipping point,” said Dave Habiger, president and CEO, Sonic Solutions. “By providing consumers and OEMs user-friendly content services and software that works across multiple platforms, we will make it possible for any device or PC manufacturer to add an online movie store of Hollywood hits to its products. With CinemaNow, we look forward to expanding and deepening our relationship with OEM and retail partners as well as with the millions of consumers that we touch today through our Roxio®-branded digital media applications and online services.”

As the leading provider of professional software systems used in the creation of Hollywood titles on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Sonic has deep ties to the entertainment industry. Sonic’s technology solutions and Roxio applications power the management and playback of Hollywood content on PCs and CE devices ranging from set-top DVD players and game consoles, to in-car entertainment systems and portable media players. CinemaNow’s vast content libraries and innovative delivery systems will enable Sonic’s product portfolio and technology expertise to span the entire premium entertainment supply chain — from creation through distribution and consumption.

The acquisition is expected to close shortly.

Conference Call Details

Sonic will conduct an investor conference call at 1:30 p.m. PST, or 4:30 p.m. EST, today to discuss details of the transaction. Investors are invited to listen to Sonic’s conference call on the ‘investor relations - webcast’ section of Sonic’s website at www.sonic.com or by dialing 877-591-4959 (for domestic callers) or 719-325-4885 (for international callers). A replay of the web cast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call. An audio replay of the conference call will also be made available shortly after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until midnight PST November 22, 2008, and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 (for domestic callers) or 719-457-0820 (for international callers) and entering the passcode 9174829.

About CinemaNow

CinemaNow, Inc. (http://www.cinemanow.com/) is an innovator in digital entertainment technology, delivering high-quality Hollywood movies, TV shows and music videos to users across multiple platforms. Founded in 1999, CinemaNow has partnered with some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics and digital entertainment including ARCHOS, EchoStar Communications, Hewlett-Packard, Macrovision, Microsoft, Samsung, and Technicolor to deliver thousands of video titles directly to consumers. CinemaNow works with more than 250 licensors including 20th Century Fox, Disney, EMI, HDNet, IFC, Lionsgate, MGM, Miramax, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Sony, Sundance Channel, Vivendi Entertainment and Warner Bros.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com/) enables the creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content through its Hollywood to Home™ products, services, and technologies. Sonic’s products range from the advanced authoring systems used to produce Hollywood DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles to the award-winning Roxio-branded photo, video, music, and digital-media management applications and services. Sonic’s patented technologies and AuthorScript® media engine are relied upon by leading technology firms to define rich media experiences on a wide array of consumer electronics, mobile devices, set-top players, retail kiosks, and PCs. Always an innovator, Sonic has taken a leading role in helping professional and consumer markets make the successful transition to the new high-definition media formats and, through the Qflix™ platform, Sonic is defining new models for the digital distribution of Hollywood entertainment. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release and the conference call to discuss the CinemaNow acquisition contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are made as of the date of this press release based upon our current expectations. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenue, projected costs, projected savings, prospects, plans, opportunities, and objectives constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential” or “continue” and similar types of expressions identify such statements, although not all forward- looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to expectations regarding the expected closing date of the CinemaNow acquisition and the distribution and the market acceptance of CinemaNow technologies and services. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: risks related to the acquisition and the integration of CinemaNow’s assets, personnel and systems; the negative impact of current macroeconomic conditions on consumers and associated impact on their ability and inclination to spend on leisure and entertainment related activities and related software and electronics; the timely introduction and acceptance of new products and services, including but not limited to the rate of acceptance of Sonic’s Qflix initiative, online services and high-definition products by content owners, original equipment manufacturers and consumers; competing products and services that may, now or in the future, be available to consumers; pricing pressures associated with products or services offered by current or future competitors; Sonic’s ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and continue to fund its capital needs; the costs associated with new product and service introductions and the possible adverse effects on gross margins; fluctuations in demand for Sonic products and services; unforeseen increases in operating expenses; loss of significant customers, major distributors or key suppliers; and risks associated with international operations. Additional discussion of these and other risks, uncertainties and factors affecting Sonic’s business, prospects and future results is contained in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements unless otherwise required by law.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, AuthorScript, Hollywood to Home, Qflix, and Roxio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used under license.

Source: Sonic Solutions

CONTACT: Chris Taylor of Sonic Solutions, +1-408-367-5231,
chris_taylor@sonic.com

Web site: http://www.sonic.com/
http://www.cinemanow.com/

This service update reorganizes some of the TiVo Central menu choices, specifically adding a menu item for Video on Demand content from TiVo and it’s partners. If your DVR is connected to broadband, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest movies, television shows, and web videos directly from this menu. You’ll also find a new way to start Swivel Search anytime you pause a program!

Zatz Not Funny has several screencaps of the new interface. The Showcases item has been pushed off of TiVo Central, and is now a sub-item on the Music, Photos, & Showcases screen, renamed from Music, Photos, Products, & More. This has freed up a slot for a new Video on Demand menu item, which slots in just below the renamed Find Programs (no longer Find Programs & Downloads, thanks to the new item).

And now when you pause a program you may see ‘Press UP to show extras‘. When you so, you are presented with the option to find out more about the program, which links to Swivel Search. I expect that the extras could expand in the future to include other items, such as Amazon shopping for items related to the program, maybe links to bonus content, etc. EDIT: Correction - I was corrected in the comments, when you pause a program you see the Swivel Search link and can hide it by pressing ‘Down’, pressing ‘Up’ brings it back.

Like Dave, I’m sure we’ll see these new features added to the Series3, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL as well. Likely in a 9.4.x release in the coming weeks. TiVo traditionally has a fall update, and it is about that time. Although, unlike Dave, I’m not that surprised to see the S2 boxes getting an update. While the future is clearly with the HD units, with their newer hardware capable of things the S2 simply cannot do, the units still have a great deal in common with a shared core architecture. So it should be easier for TiVo to continue supporting the S2 than it was with the S1, which had a different architecture. Not to mention the sheer numbers of Series2 units in the field, much larger than the total number of S1 units sold. I think TiVo will continue to provide at least basic updates for the S2 platform for a while just to keep those users active.

While DVRupgrade is best known for their TiVo related offerings, they’ve also branched out into other areas. They sell VideoReDo, a popular video editing and DVR burning package often used with TiVoToGo recordings, and a number of accessories. They also offer VUDU, HDHomeRun, Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder II, and a number of other products such as Slingboxes, Logitech remotes, and more.

I’ve used DVRupgrade’s products myself. A few years ago I used InstantCake to image a drive to recover and expand an old Series2 before I sold it to a friend. A just a few months ago I picked up a 750GB replacement drive to replace the factory 80GB drive in my Pioneer DVR-810H when it finally gave up the ghost after four and half years of constant use. I’ve always been very happy with both their products and their service, and I recommend them highly.

Press release:

CONTACT:
Scott Jackson
DVRupgrade, Inc.
(773) 326-0189
Scott.Jackson@dvrupgrade.com

DVRupgrade® delivers new TiVo® Life-Extension Services

TiVo Repair & Upgrade Services Make an Old TiVo Better than New; Repair or Re-gift That Old TiVo

CHICAGO, IL – (November 18, 2008) – There’s new life for that old TiVo, hard drive and all, thanks to DVRupgrade’s new repair services.

For the past nine years TiVo DVRs have changed the way people watch TV, and for almost as long, DVRupgrade has been providing upgrade kits and services to advanced TiVo owners who want to increase the recording times on their TiVo. Taking things one step further, now everyone who owns an older DVR can repair and enhance it with DVRupgrade’s new repair service. There has never been an easier and faster way to repair a TiVo DVR.

“Try walking into a local electronics store to repair and upgrade a broken TiVo,” said Lou Jacob, President and founder of DVRupgrade, “they will try to sell you a new one! We have found that almost all TiVo failures are hard-drive related, and can be easily fixed with a simple hard drive replacement.” Lou goes on to say, “Also, for those who have a lifetime subscription on their TiVo, repairing your unit is worthwhile and will save you money.”

There are a few different methods to repair and upgrade your TiVo. One inexpensive approach is a “Quick-Install Kit,” where a mechanically inclined person can install, revive and upgrade a TiVo in twenty minutes. The kit includes everything required for a successful installation and requires no computer or technical experience. If the customer wants DVRupgrade to do the work, “Same Day Turnaround” service is also available. With the holidays in mind, and for those considering the move to high definition, DVRupgrade is also offering a “Buy a New TiVo HD and Re-gift the Old” special. This service is appealing to those who would like to either give their old TiVo to someone else or use their older TiVo with another TV in the home. By purchasing an upgraded TiVo HD from DVRupgrade, the customer gets both a repair and upgrade of their old TiVo and a new TiVo HD, all for a special discount.

Repair and upgrade options for your TiVo start as low as $19.99. Learn more about DVRupgrade products and current holiday specials by visiting the DVRupgrade website at www.dvrupgrade.com.

About DVRupgrade, Inc.

DVRupgrade is the original provider and market leader of value-added products and repair services for TiVo DVRs. With TiVo Life-Extension solutions, DVRupgrade is committed to protecting TiVo technologies and customer subscriptions, while reducing the effort to make a TiVo DVR “better than new.”

ITEM 2.05. Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.

On November 18, 2008, we commenced a plan to reduce our operational expenses, primarily through a reduction in headcount, as we manage through the challenges presented by a difficult economic climate and a rapidly evolving retail consumer market.

We expect to incur pre-tax charges of approximately $1 million, primarily for employee-related severance benefits and out-placement costs. We expect to record these charges in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 ending January 31, 2009. Substantially all of these charges will result in cash expenditures.

It isn’t too surprising, given the current economic climate, layoffs are hitting throughout the tech industry. But it is still a rough experience, and having been through layoffs a couple of times myself I hope my friends at TiVo will be safe in their jobs. Best of luck to everyone at TiVo.

Amy Poehler and Friends celebrate girls who are changing the world by being themselves.

Yes, that’s Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler. It seems aimed at younger girls, the ones they interview seem to be around 10 years of age. It looks like a positive program, a long way from Barbie’s “Math class is tough!” days. Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> Smart Girls At The Party

The second addition is a new show from TheWB.com, Rich Girl Poor Girl. It sounds like a modern reality show take on The Prince and The Pauper:

A wealthy Pacific Palisades girl and a low-income teen from Los Angeles switch lives for a week to learn what makes us different… and what we all have in common.

Since most reality TV gives me hives, I don’t think this one is for me. Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> TheWB.com -> Rich Girl Poor Girl

I’m glad to see more ON Networks content hitting TiVoCast, there are still some of their shows not available that I’d like to check out so this gives me some hope the rest will show up at some point. And it is good to see TiVo continuing to add broadband content in general.

I’d still like to see this expanded to cover local places. I checked it out as well, but the two Domino’s locations it offered me were pick-up only, I’m outside their delivery area. There used to be one a block and a half from my house, but I noticed just a week ago as I drove by that it was gone. So I guess I won’t be trying it out myself.

That aside, the application was fairly simple to use, and I can see this being useful. If it supported places I actually ordered from I think I’d use TiVo-based ordering. I host a regular movie night with friends at my place, and we always order dinner. Right now we do it by passing around take-out menus and I write down what people want, then I call in the order, or sometimes order online from my laptop - if the place supports it. But if people could just put in what they want on the TV screen, we could all see the order, and then place it - that’d really be convenient.

As they state in their press release:

The TiVo set-top-box data platform offers significant advantages over traditional panel-based services, including:

* Second-by-second granularity. Enables ratings for each specific commercial.
* National footprint covering all signal sources, including digital cable, analog cable, satellite, and over-the-air.
* Monitoring Live and Timeshifted viewing. Provides visibility into DVR viewing behavior and commercial fast-forwarding.
* Unprecedented 100,000 sample size. Dramatically decreases the margin of error, allowing us to provide stable ratings (both Live and Timeshifted) for networks with viewership too low to be measured by panel-based services.
* Passive Observation. No paid panelists. No obtrusive metering equipment. Everybody just watches TV as usual.

See the full press release for more details on Stop||Watch as well as some of the ratings data it provides.

Customers can login to their existing Dominos.com account, or register right from the application to place an order. You build your pizza(s), place the order, and pay cash when it is delivered. It would be nice to be able to pay via credit card while ordering - maybe in the future. Unfortunately, my local Domino’s is closed at this hour on a Sunday night, so I can’t put the app through it’s paces to see what the process is like. It is apparently aware of your local franchise’s status and doesn’t allow you to build an order if they’re closed. I’ll have to try it out soon, I’m interested to see if you can order more than just pizzas. Some Domino’s have salads, subs, etc, plus beverages of course. I’d expect that you can, but I want to see the process.

I’m glad to see TiVo introducing something like this, it is something I’ve suggested they do for a while now. And I’m not surprised to see them hook up with a national chain for their first foray into this territory. However, what I’d love to see them to is setup a kind of framework site where small, local places could be listed. I suppose a third party could do it, but it would be like Apps.tv - getting word out to TiVo users would be the hard part.

The concept I see is a website where vendors could register and enter their menus in a standardized way, along with order areas by zip code. They’d have to accept orders online, or perhaps via fax. (Net-to-fax systems are relatively simple.) TiVo users would only see options that deliver (or offer pickup) in their area. I think this would be an excellent way for TiVo to really support local vendors. And if someone wants to run with this idea as a 3rd party, ala Apps.tv, go for it.

I could see a few ways to make money from such a system, such as charging vendors to participate or simply skimming a percentage from orders placed via the system, which is probably the best option. Of course, an existing site like Delivery.com or GrubHub.com could also just add an HME interface. (Know of any other aggregation websites like that? Let me know in a comment, I’m curious. And if you use any of them yourself, why not suggest HME to them as a new feature?)

Press release below:

TIVO ADDS DOMINO’S PIZZA® TO ITS MENU

Domino’s is Pioneering a Whole New Way of Ordering…Via TV

ALVISO, CA & ANN ARBOR, MI — November 17, 2008 — TV has never tasted this good. That’s because TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, have teamed up to give broadband connected TiVo subscribers the ability to order pizza for delivery or pick-up, and track delivery timing, right from their TV sets using the TiVo® service. It’s a service that cooks up the perfect pizza purchasing recipe.

“Our commitment to customer satisfaction is what has helped us become the leader in the global pizza delivery market,” said Rob Weisberg, vice president of precision and print marketing at Domino’s Pizza, Inc. “We are confident that teaming with TiVo on this novel, easy, and convenient way to order pizza right from the TV will be very well received by our customers. This is the first step in the future of customer interactions with the brands they seek to engage with and buy from. This is the first time in history that the ‘on-demand’ generation will be able to fully experience couch commerce by ordering pizza directly through their television set. You’ll see a television ad for Domino’s and you’ll click ‘I want it’ through your remote. In about 30 minutes, your pizza will show up at your door.”

Karen Bressner, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales, TiVo Inc said, “Joining forces with Domino’s Pizza creates an effective marketing and commerce tool for Domino’s while enhancing and further distinguishing TiVo as the ultimate way to watch TV with a closed-loop advertising experience. This exciting new partnership offers yet another advertising solution as commercial avoidance continues to increase. With just a few clicks of the remote, TiVo users can pause their program, order a pizza, and then sit back, relax, and return to their favorite show without missing a single second. Now, TiVo delivers the absolute best television viewing experience…and a pizza.”

TiVo subscribers can seamlessly access their Domino’s Pizza order from various advertising entry points on the TiVo user interface including Gold Star Sponsorship, Program Placement, Interactive Tags in live TV spots, and through Music, Photos, Products, & More by clicking on “Order Your Dominos Pizza Now.” TiVo is serving up a piping hot new service that’s truly made to order and gives a whole new meaning to the term “TV dinner.”

TiVo subscribers can set-up a user name and password on Dominos.com so that each time they use their TiVo remote to place an order, they can log-in with a simple account number. Alternatively, TiVo subscribers can enter their delivery address, build their pizza order right from the television set by selecting type of crust, toppings, and sauces, and get the pizza delivered by their local Domino’s Pizza.

Bressner added: “Our commitment to revolutionizing interactive advertising and commerce on the television is a direct result of the innovative solutions and features we provide. TiVo’s growing list of interactive features also includes the ability to find and purchase products on Amazon.com related to a customer’s favorite TV show or the convenience of being able to search for a movie that’s playing nearby and purchase tickets through Fandango – all by using the TiVo remote.”

Starting today, this new service is free of charge to all broadband connected TiVo subscribers and supports both delivery and pick-up orders. Viewers pay in cash when the pizza is delivered.

Seven’s major competitor is the pay-TV service Foxtel, which offers their Foxtel iQ2 DVR. While the iQ2 is only AUD$200, AUD$500 less than TiVo, there is a monthly fee. The iQ2 costs AUD$10-15 on top of the standard Foxtel subscription (Foxtel is a Pay TV service), which runs AUD$37.95 up to AUD$105.95 a month, depending on the level of service. Since the TiVo records free-to-air broadcasts and has no monthly fee, it rapidly becomes the less expensive option.

Well, with TiVo selling well in Australia, it seems that Foxtel is making moves to remain competitive. Rapid TV News reports that Foxtel is offering discounts and better contract terms on their DVRs. The Foxtel iQ SD DVR is being offered without an install fee and free of the AUD$10 monthly DVR fee for one year. The iQ2 HD DVR is still AUD$200 upfront, but Foxtel is waiving the DVR fee for seven months. They’re also offering the service with a 12-month commitment, instead of their usual 24-month plan.

In the end competition is good for consumers.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> REHAB

More truTV content will be added in the coming weeks, and you’ll be able to see all the offerings for the channel online, or on your TiVo via Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> truTV

TiVoCast is also adding StreetFire TV, the video blogs from StreetFire.net. StreetFire TV brings you the best of the videos from StreetFire.net. As they say:

Streetfire.net is the web’s premier automotive enthusiast community. With millions of streams of video, photos, profiles and more, Streetfire is built for those that love cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> StreetFire TV

[F]or Seven Network, “the horse has bolted”.

“The iQ is the industry standard,” Mr Williams said.

“I see TiVo as a latecomer with little to recommend it.”

Sounds to me like someone is worried, you don’t need to take swipes like this at a competitor if they’re really no threat to your business.

The currently available SDK was last updated over a year ago, on 10/2/2007, and that’s an experimental release. The last official release was over three years ago, on 10/31/2005. The SDK is woefully out of date, even the experimental release has iffy HD support and there is no support for recently added features, like streaming video, which are possible as the hacker community has reverse engineered how to do it. I do hope the Australian developers will get an updated SDK so they can create some great applications, and they won’t be hobbled by the same lack of support as US developers. The good news is any application developed for Australia will probably work on US TiVos as well, so hopefully we’ll see some cool new applications.

Picked up from Gizmodo Australia.

Press release:

TiVo® media device opens up to local developers
Amateur and professional developers invited to expand the free games and services available on the Australian TiVo media device

iDEF, Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, 13 November 2008 - Today at the International Digital Entertainment Festival, Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensee of TiVo® products in Australia and New Zealand issued an invitation to anyone interested in building games and broadband applications for the media device to get involved with TiVo.

The Australian roadmap for the media device includes enhancements to the free Games and Services Packs in coming months. Today, local developers are invited to submit concepts for both games and services for distribution on the TiVo platform in Australia.

The media device’s open Home Media Engine (HME) platform uses Java programming, making it easy for developers to reach a growing audience of TiVo fans with their games and applications. Both amateur and professional developers who attend the breakout sessions at the eGames Expo (www.idef.com.au/egames_home.php) this week will be able to learn more about the product roadmap and revenue model in addition to understanding what is required to develop for the TiVo platform.

Hybrid TV CEO, Robbee Minicola, commented: “Every TiVo media device in Australia comes with a free Games Pack, with Sudoko joining the list in the coming weeks, and our Services Pack recently launched with the new Sunrise Weather application.”

“Our goal is to continue to add advertiser-funded services and games for our customers to enjoy without a pay-per-use or subscription cost. The games we have are traditional, low-to-mid skill based, nostalgic games that the whole family will enjoy. Australia has some of the most talented developers in the world and the opportunity to work with local talent and showcase their work through the TiVo media device will achieve the trifecta: great experiences for our customers; advertiser sponsorship in a viewer-engaged environment; and a revenue opportunity for our partner developers.”

Developers who are unable to attend the eGames breakout session can register their interest in developing for TiVo in Australia by emailing developers@tivo.com.au.

This version includes the following:

Version 2.5.4:
———————-
* Fix ToGo looping bug on null recording date (1811137)
* Added user-selectable range for local radar image (100, 300, 600 miles) in Weather
* auto-subdirectory publishing for GoBack, avoids the need to do it yourself and also avoids bugs in TiVo folder navigation in older TiVo service releases (Series 3 and HD should be OK without this).
(Probably needs some work to handle DOS shortcuts; should be OK on UNIX and OS X.)

* XML parsing of recording meta-data for non-Galleon-created video files in GoBack areas. e.g. if you post-process .TiVo files into .mpg, just put the XML output containing the show details, in the same format as it comes from the TiVo, into a .xml file with the same prefix. If you use tivodecode to unwrap .TiVo files, the metadata are in the -02-0002.xml file generated with the -D (dump-metadata) option.

* Enabled store-by-show handling in GoBack server (available on GoBack preferences pane).
* Fix for linux Makefile (1815568) and init script for distro independence

Known problems:
* not all galleon skins in HD cover the screen–use tivo skins
* still some layout glitches in HD
* still some HD menu highlights are too big for text

Versions for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux can be downloaded from SourceForge.

Galleon is one of the, if not the, longest running TiVo HME applications, actually stemming from pre-HME days as JavaHMO. It packs a lot of features into one application and really enhances the TiVo experience.

I have mixed feelings about this. It is certainly nice to have TiVo available, but I think it will make the most sense for people with extended stays. If you’re not going to be there for long, you probably won’t spend a lot of time programming your SPs, etc. But I can think of ways that this could be much more usable.

For a while now I’ve been asking TiVo to do something to allow users to synchronize their settings, SPs, WLs, etc, between units. This would be very useful when users upgrade to a newer TiVo, or when something happens that requires a replacement, or just the loss of the data due to a drive failure, etc. Such a feature would also be very nice for situations like these. You show up in the hotel, go to the TiVo and ‘log in’ to your account, and all of your settings automatically download and the TiVo is your TiVo. When the guest checks out the hotel could reset it automatically, ready for the next guest.

I’m curious if there is any integration with other hotel systems as well. I see a lot of potential there. Most of you have probably stayed at hotels and are familiar with the on-screen account systems that let you review your folio, check out, etc. That could easily be done using Home Media Engine to use the TiVo as the interactive platform. Beyond that HME applications could be used to make reservations for dinner, to access information on local events and services, etc. TiVo would provide quite a powerful STB platform with HME. And I could easily see TiVo used for video on demand services as well, with a local server and a fast network connection.

I can see many ways TiVo would be used in a hotel environment, beyond just a stock TiVo in the room, but it isn’t clear if anything along those lines has been done here or is in the cards.

Press release:

TIVO AND MORGANS HOTEL GROUP TEAM UP TO REDEFINE IN-ROOM ENTERTAIMENT

Deal Brings TiVo to the Hotel Room Enabling Guests to Watch TV on Their Terms

NEW YORK, New York and ALVISO, California, November 12, 2008 — TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC), the groundbreaking innovator that introduced the world to iconic brands such as Delano in South Beach, Royalton and Hudson in New York City, and Sanderson in London, today announced that they are bringing the luxuries of in-home entertainment to the hotel by offering the TiVo service in all rooms throughout Morgans’ newest property, the highly anticipated Mondrian in South Beach.

Joe Miller, Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales and Distribution for TiVo Inc. said, “When traveling, schedules can be unpredictable and television choices in hotels are typically limited, making it far more difficult to watch your favorite programs… until now. For the first time in any hotel, guests of the new Mondrian in South Beach can enjoy the TiVo service right in their rooms, so they know that after enjoying dinner in Miami their favorite show will be waiting for them when they get back to their rooms.”

Mondrian guests will be able to use the Emmy® award-winning TiVo user interface to record, pause, and rewind live TV, as well as set-up recordings of their favorite shows, and even use WishList® searches to find programs with their favorite actors or directors. The benefit of the TiVo experience doesn’t end there, as guests will have the option of recording two shows at the same time, while watching a third previously recorded show.

“We don’t want our guests to have a compromised TV experience when they stay with us. Quite the opposite,” said Scott Williams Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Morgans Hotel Group. “Our guests expect innovation from every encounter in our hotels. They love all things digital and TiVo is the coolest, most ground-breaking digital invention of the century and the perfect complement to our guest’s TV experience. We’re giving our guests cool tools to manage their lifestyle and maximize their experience; no more sacrifices when they travel.”

Miller added, “We are thrilled to be working with Morgans on this first of its kind initiative. Morgans has a reputation for providing only the best services and amenities to its guests and TiVo complements this commitment by offering the best, most personalized way to watch television.”

The TiVo service will be available to all residents and guests of Mondrian in South Beach when it officially opens on December 1st.

# # #

About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo (Nasdaq: TIVO - News) pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers and our website, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo’s DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass™ recordings and WishList® searches and TiVo KidZone, have elevated its popularity among consumers and have created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo’s DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo™ transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing “TiVo, TV your way.®” The TiVo® service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience research measurement.

TiVo, ‘TiVo, TV your way.’, Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo, Stop||Watch, Power||Watch, and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. © 2008 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Morgans Hotel Group

Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, Morgans, Royalton and Hudson in New York, Delano and Shore Club in Miami, Mondrian in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Clift in San Francisco, and Sanderson and St Martins Lane in London. MHG and an equity partner also own the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and related assets. MHG has other property transactions in various stages of completion, including projects in Miami Beach, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; SoHo, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Palm Springs, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and Dubai, UAE. For more information please visit www.morganshotelgroup.com.

“An Indie music video and lifestyle channel available via Mobile and Internet. They feature and showcase some of the best and coolest Indie buzz bands that are playing and touring in a city near you right now! Don’t miss out on the next big thing, but instead know who the bands of tomorrow will be today! Underground Sound, listen to the future.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> Underground Sound

Thanks to TiVo’s Stephen Mack for the tip.

Via Smarthouse.

“Our aim was to double the size of the digital video recorder marker, which was about 50,000 in 2007,” Mr Warburton said. “We are on track to sell 25,000 by the end of December and are confident of reaching our 50,000 target.”

The 50,000 figure excludes DVRs sold by pay-television companies such as Foxtel, which has sold over 365,000 iQ & iQ2 DVRs since February 2005. Another pay-TV vendor, Austar United Communications reported 57,744 MyStar recorders sold by late October.

Seven says TiVo sales are running ahead of targets, due perhaps to their extensive marketing campaign. Seven spent an estimated AUD$3.5 million worth of airtime to promote TiVo during the Summer Olympics (which Seven Network aired). Since the Olympics their monthly marketing spend has been roughly AUD$200,000 between TV and print.

Overall it sounds like TiVo is doing fairly well down under.

TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO) announced today that it will release financial results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2008 after the market closes on Tuesday, November 25, 2008.

TiVo will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its third quarter financial and operating results and guidance outlook for the fourth quarter at 2:00 pm P.T. (5:00 pm E.T.) on the same day. To listen to the discussion, please visit http://www.tivo.com/ir and click on the link provided for the webcast. The webcast will be archived and available through December 2, 2008.

There is also a Veteran’s Day Sale, featuring nine movies to purchase for $5.99 each: The Patriot, Air Force One, Black Hawk Down, Tears of the Sun, The Hunt for Eagle One, The Hunt for Eagle One: Crash Point, Stealth, Sniper, and Sniper 3.

Via Smarthouse.

Blue Water High is an Australian television drama series, broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on ABC1 in Australia and on various channels in many other countries. Each season follows the lives of a young group of students at Solar Blue, a high-performance surf academy where several lucky 16-year-olds are selected for a 12-month-long surfing program on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> TheWB.com -> Blue Water High

The other show, which does seem to be a new addition, is High Drama. This is a short form program described as:

The students at Barnstable High School are known for showcasing the best high school productions in the country. Follow the cast and crew as they put on their best show yet: The Wizard of Oz.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> TheWB.com -> High Drama

And while I’m on the subject of TheWB.com, back when I caught the addition of Sorority Forever I said “Yeah, so I’ll be giving that a miss.” Well, I lied. I actually intended to ‘give it a miss’, but I’d added a Season Pass to it in the process of checking it out for that post, and I didn’t kill it. So episodes built up and I watched them. It is glossy and just about as shallow as I expected, but not quite bad enough that I’ve killed the SP. So yeah, I’m still watching it, though if it went away I wouldn’t miss it either. I’ve nearly killed the SP a couple of times.

Jazz it Up! is the first web based TV news series to offer a direct look into the originated American musical art form of Jazz.

You will see and hear from some of the hottest Jazz performers, educators, students and promoters from around the world.

Subscribe online or on your TiVo via Find Programs & Downloads -> Download TV, Movies, & Web Video -> Browse Free Videos -> All -> Jazz it Up!

While I’m on the topic of TiVoCast, yesterday 3 Minute Ad Age seemed to go a bit crazy. My TiVo started downloading old episodes, going all the way back into September, again. And it downloaded some of them two or three times. I have my download limit set to 10, and I’d keep deleting them only to have ten more come down. So if you were seeing this, you’re not the only one. (Maybe I’m the only one, of course…) The good news is it eventually stopped, and today it downloaded a new episode as expected. So if your unit is still downloading old episodes just delete them and it’ll catch up.