TiVo pulls together broadband, traditional TV

TiVo, Inc. is rolling out an upgrade to Series Two DVR owners that changes the way you find content with the device. Called “Universal Swivel Search,” the feature uses the DVR’s optional broadband connection to locate content (screencap below).

For instance, I pulled up a recording of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - then went to the Universal Swivel Search option. After opting in to the program, I was introduced to a lengthy menu of options, fed straight to the TiVo via the Internet:

- Under “Available Downloads,” users are given a list (and soon will be able to purchase and download) any past show through Amazon Unbox. This was a big “WOW” moment for me - if I miss an episode of a show, I can buy it and watch it on TV without ever touching my computer.
- “If You Like This…” included several (somewhat) similar shows. I clicked on Heroes, and was taken to a similar menu for that program
- A list of the actors on the program. For each one, a user can see other shows or movies the performer appeared in. TiVo checks both the programming schedule, and Internet sources. For Amanda Peet, her movie Identity isn’t scheduled to appear on my cable lineup over the next two weeks, but it IS on Unbox.
- Each show is tagged - for quick cross-referencing. One of Studio 60’s tags is sketch comedy, and programs like SNL and Mad TV were listed.

Previously, users were limited to searching the data downloaded to the TiVo hard drive, which is limited to about two weeks of program guide info on their TV service provider. Now you can find a vast array of content from multiple sources. TiVo says about 14 websites are included in the service right now - including the NY Times, CNet, iVillage and Rocketboom.

2 comments June 16th, 2007

AT&T to scour its network for bootlegged material

AT&T announced this week that it would start working with studios and recording companies to keep illegal content off its network. The company told the LA Times that recent efforts to offer pay TV services brought it in to the Hollywood camp. The initiative would only target “frequent offenders,” through yet-to-be-chosen technology. Ars Technica points out that its a “rare bit of traffic” on the Internet that doesn’t hit an AT&T backbone at some point

Add comment June 16th, 2007

NY Times Company sees slowing Web growth

The NY Times, who owns 30 websites like nytimes.com, boston.com and about.com, saw an impressive 21.4 percent increase in online ad sales in the last year, according to a press release. The growth in online ad sales is down slightly from year-ago growth rates, when the NYTimes reported 26.9 percent growth. The strongest growth for their online division comes from about.com, where sales were up 32.6 percent to $7.4 million. The company cites display ads increased “primarily because of strength in the Internet, pharmaceutical and technology categories.” The interesting thing about these growth numbers is how they seem to prove the Borrell report that came out just 2 weeks ago and forecast slowing online ad sales growth.

2 comments June 16th, 2007