Software to turn PC into TiVo TV Recorder
TiVo and Nero AG of Germany are set to announce today that they will be launching a package that turns a Windows PC into a TV recorder, just like a TiVo set-top box.
The kit costing $199 will go on sale Oct. 15, and includes a remote and an external TV tuner that plugs into the PC. The computer screen interface is identical to a TV equipped with a TiVo box.
Recording TV on a PC has been possible for years on computers equipped with TV cards, and some versions of Windows Vista include the necessary software.
But it will be the first time that both the TiVo interface and functions have been replicated on a PC.
The Nero LiquidTV/TiVo PC will go on sale initially in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, but it could open up some markets where TiVo does not yet sell its set-top boxes. Joshua Danovitz, general manager of international business at TiVo, confirms plans to launch in Europe next year, include Nero’s home country, Germany.
Britain is the only European country where TiVo currently has subscribers.
“It’s really part of a global TiVo strategy,” Danovitz said.
For people who already have a tuner-equipped PC, Nero will sell the TV recording software separately, for $99. Either way, buyers will get a one-year subscription to TiVo’s program guide updates, with renewal costing $99 per year.
The renewal cost sets the product apart from the digital video recording features of Windows Vista which has a free program guide. However, Nero and TiVo are counting on the popularity of the TiVo interface and brand to overcome that hurdle.
Similar to TiVo’s existing TiVo Desktop software, LiquidTV will allow users to transfer shows recorded on other TiVo devices to the PC’s hard drive, and bring shows out of the home either on a laptop’s drive or on an PlayStation Portable .
Nero’s LiquidTV also allows users to burn tv shows onto DVD if the computer has a DVD burner.
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This is one long desired function coming into implementation. I guess it will be some time before it becomes popular. Thanks for sharing.
@outsourcing
The TiVo dvr/set box was introduced to Aussie consumers a mere 2 months ago. Judging by the initial sales; my guess is that “popularity” when it comes to anything “TiVo”, particularly software that allows users to burn TV shows to DVD should not present a problem to TiVo’s Marketing team.
BTW. Your business model “Vindia” - is about outsourcing Indian employees to the Israeli consumer via the w.w.w. Customer support from staff based a world away in India is certainly topical at present, but has been a source of annoyance to me on more than just the one occasion.
Are you open to doing a short interview? Perhaps, providing a brief run down about the VIndian “outsourcing” connection for the benefit of our blog’s target audience; small business owners?
cheers
Rox