Tivo is slowly ramping it up, but “slow” might turn out to be the operative word here: Tivo has launched several new features designed to download from the Internet for playback on TV sets. The new options include a home movie service, through which users can create an Internet “channel” that automatically broadcasts clips of kids’ birthday parties and other movies over the Internet to family and friends with TiVo recorder boxes.
It is also extending its online-to-TV-donwload TivoCast service, launched earlier this year. New batch of partners including CBS, Reuters, Forbes magazine and others.
USAToday: Also, a free upgrade to $25 TiVo Desktop Plus software will let TiVo subscribers convert non-copy-protected videos on their PC into a format playable on TV. Another new feature: A deal with One True Media will let TiVo customers transmit videos via the Internet to other people’s TiVos. After five transmissions, senders will have to pay about $4 a month.
HollywoodReporter: TiVo and ICM announced a partnership that will create an artist-driven programming service consisting of celebrity “channels” that can broadcast an artist’s TV and film recommendations, original downloadable video content and personal messages about their favorite projects and causes. No money changed hands as part of the deal, which can potentially generate advertiser revenue for TiVo, ICM and the artists involved through sponsorship and promotional opportunities.