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.”

Backchannelmedia’s system allows viewers to respond to ‘bugs’ on the screen during viewing. The remote click sends a signal through the cable system to the back end to ‘bookmark’ content online for the user to review later. So if you see a PSA for adoption and you’re interested in more information you can click your remote, then later when you go online you’re reminded and given the chance to review more information.

I think this is a neat idea - one I’ve suggested TiVo do in the past. TiVo’s interactive ads and on-box content are great, but the reality is some interactions are better via the computer interface. I wouldn’t want to read in depth information about autism on my TV, but I’m curious enough that I might on my PC. TiVo has XMPP in place to handle real time messaging. They could send clicks to a user page on TiVo.com, or, better, to widgets on social sites like Facebook and MySpace, or right to TiVo Desktop - where they could pop open the users browser when desired.

Anyway, in general I like the idea of linking the TV and the computer, each does what it does very well and leveraging the capabilities of the other platform makes a lot of sense.

Press release:

Ad Council to Utilize Backchannelmedia TV-to-Internet Click Through

Interactive broadcast TV technology to be utilized in Obesity Prevention, Inspiring Innovation, Adoption and Autism Awareness PSA campaigns

BOSTON, Mass. November 18, 2008 – Backchannelmedia today announced that The Advertising Council is now utilizing Backchannelmedia’s TV-to-Internet Click Through technology to help connect viewing audiences to more information about the issues addressed by the organization’s public service campaigns. The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that produces, distributes and promotes national public service advertising (PSA) campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. Four current campaigns will feature TV-to-Internet Click Through interactivity during Backchannelmedia’s Project New England Market Trials: Obesity Prevention, Inspiring Invention, Adoption and Autism Awareness.

Using the Backchannelmedia system, TV viewers have a convenient way to learn more about various interests by interacting with small, non-intrusive “clickable moments” in both programming and traditional commercial television spots. Viewers click on their remote control and forward bookmarks of their favorite TV content to a personalized and secure web site on the Internet for follow-up at the viewer’s leisure. Backchannelmedia’s technology allows viewers to learn more information about the Ad Council’s campaigns, sponsors and how to get involved in related causes.

The Ad Council is the latest nationwide advertiser to join Backchannelmedia’s Project New England Market Trials, the technology company’s initiative to introduce digital interactive broadcast TV in the New England region of the United States. Consumers are able to interact with the service through the over-the-air digital broadcast spectrum connected to a Backchannelmedia-enabled set-top box.

“Backchannelmedia’s innovative technology is a wonderful way to connect our viewers with the important information available online on how they can get involved on behalf of the critical social issues addressed by our campaigns,” said Barbara Shimaitis, Senior Vice President of Interactive Services at The Advertising Council. “We are very grateful for Backchannelmedia’s pro bono support.”

“Our partnership with the Ad Council demonstrates that the potential applications of the Click Through go beyond traditional commerce,” said Eric Martin, Director of Marketing at Backchannelmedia. “The Ad Council has been a staple for over half a century, and Backchannelmedia is pleased to be able to connect TV viewers with more information regarding these important campaigns.”

About Backchannelmedia Inc.

Boston-based Backchannelmedia Inc. (www.backchannelmedia.com) was founded in 2000. Backchannelmedia has developed technology that can be embedded into existing set-top boxes currently found in many TV viewer homes that allows the viewer to forward or “bookmark” their interests from TV to the online world. That interactive technology combined with the Backchannelmedia Portal on the Internet creates a secure link between the TV and Internet platforms. This secure link can be used to create a richer viewing experience for the TV viewer by linking it to content and e-commerce on the Internet.

Backchannelmedia’s opt-in solution answers TV viewer concerns for increased online privacy by extending controls to the viewer for the TV experience. Backchannelmedia’s patent pending technology can be deployed in consumer electronics equipment, TV sets, over the air receivers, cable head-ends, switched digital video and network DVR technologies, direct broadcast providers, as well as a multitude of devices and delivery providers.

About The Advertising Council

The Advertising Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Backchannelmedia Contact:

Eric Martin
Director of Marketing
Backchannelmedia, Inc.
(617) 728-3626 x217
emartin@backchannelmedia.com

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.

Well, maybe Amazon’s Holiday Toy List. It is a flashy (no pun intended… oh, who am I kidding, I meant that one…) interface for browsing a number of toy options. It is arranged in columns broken down by price and age. Nice, but it just isn’t the same as laying on the floor with a catalog and a pad. (Now get off my lawn! Damn kids!)

Amazon has also rolled out the first nineteen products under their Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging initiative.

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.

He also did a ‘Red Carpet Interview’ at the show:

All of the videos from the conference are available online.

Disclaimer: I work for Sling Media, so Blake is my boss.

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.

1) Death of the Moxi
This one’s just as much a rumor as the Launch of the BMC 3012
However here we are, with systems announcing year end lock downs etc and still no official hint of the 3012. As such I’m pretty much guessing it’s never left internal beta in St. Louis. Furthermore comments made from management recently here (SC/NC/VA group) indicate Moxi *WILL* be eventually phased out.

However at the same time, apparently we are apparently getting BMC9012s THROWN at us as no other MSO appears to be taking them. So for now the BMC9012 is alive and strong… I don’t forsee them closing up shop in markets with Moxi for quite a while (given we can’t get enough 6416s in to meet demand).

That being said, my “insider’s guess” at what’s going to happen next -
I predict no NEW MSO based Moxi boxes, but I also predict that Moxi will remain availible for at least 2 more years.

Hopefully DIGEO will get on the ball with the CableCard enabled boxes for retail, because from what I’ve seen, it seems like Charter was the last major MSO to hang on…

Thanks to Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny for the tip off.

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.

First up is a Buy Two, Get One Free deal running through December 31st. It appears to be on Warner titles, with 112 of them to choose from.

And then there is a deep discount sale on Sony titles. While it is labeled as ‘up to 45% off’, 13 of the 17 titles in the sale are actually 54% off, three 45%, and one 44%.

Picked up from Format War Central and Blu-ray Stats News Log, respectively.

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.

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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.

There’s some more interesting news in this area that I’ll be able to share soon…