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Archive for the ‘ReplayTV’ Category

A few years ago DirecTV entered into a deal with TiVo and began making several models of their DVR running the TiVo software. But, when DirecTV was purchased by News Corp they were forced to halt sales of the DirecTiVo and begin using DVR software from another company that News Corp also owned.

Now that DirecTV is out from under the News Corp thumb they announced back in July (2007) that they would once again support their TiVo boxes and users, like myself, soon got a software update. The most noticeable part of which was the addition of folders. And further updates were planned for early ‘08 (see Engadget).

But, to confuse things once again, in December (2007) DirecTV purchased ReplayTV (see Engadget). It would seem that DirecTV simply bought up ReplayTV for its patents and will not continue the hardware line. the ReplayTV website is of no help - as today is January 13, 2008 and the website is nothing but an ad for ReplayTV Personal HD “coming in November 2007″! That’s it. Not even a link to click on.

So, for now, I will assume that DirecTV will be, as they said last year, continuing their TiVo updates.

At this point though, DirecTV is still not offering the TiVo option to new customers, only their own DVR. A search of their web site found nothing of interest either.

So, on to the TiVo web site… Here I had some luck searching for DirecTV info. The first match to my search was this bit of not-so-good news:

Did you know that if you are a DIRECTV TiVo customer, you are not receiving the full spectrum of TiVo features such as Amazon Unbox, Home Movies by One True Media, Multi-Room Viewing and TiVoToGo?

On top of that, DIRECTV is also not providing its complete HD channel lineup to your TiVo DVR.

We believe all TiVo customers, regardless of whether they are a cable or satellite customer, should be treated equally. All of our customers should be able to enjoy our new products, services, and features.

To help create change, we recommend you reach out to the leadership at DIRECTV, as it is also important for them to understand your needs as a DIRECTV subscriber.

Please contact Chase Carey, DIRECTV President and CEO, at chase.carey@directv.com and Paul Guyardo, the Executive Vice President of Operations at pjguyardo@directv.com and voice your opinion.

We value you and your support. Thank you for your loyalty to TiVo

Unfortunately, that was all I found that was of any relevance on TiVo’s site.

Further searching found this on ars technica:

(dated August 1, 2007)

The recently launched TiVo HD has DirecTV’s leadership itching to look like anything other than a dead end for TiVo fans. Come 2008, DirecTV’s TiVo users will get a major update to their DVRs. The message from DirecTV HQ appears to be “don’t bail on us yet, TiVo users.”

In early June we reported on signs of renewed courtship between TiVo and DirecTV’s new ownership, Liberty Media. TiVo CEO Tom Rogers hinted at the possibilities between the two parties when he noted that Liberty isn’t in the business of making DVRs, unlike DirecTV’s previous owners, News Corp. TiVo’s profitable relationship with DirecTV came unraveled years ago when News Corp’s influence led them to roll their own DVR solution and begin phasing out TiVo altogether.

Clearly the road map has changed, as the two companies today announced something that I thought I’d never see: a series of major updates planned for Series 2-based DVRs. This includes all TiVo units DirecTV has rolled out in recent years, including the HD TiVo HR 10-250, which is based on the Series 2 platform.

According to the announcement, early 2008 will bring three much needed updates: web-based scheduling (”Remote Booking “), the Recently Deleted Folder feature, and Overlap Protection. The announcement was not exhaustive, and also noted that additional updates are coming, as the two companies “will continue to explore ways to bring future enhancements.”

“It is important to us that our customers with TiVo service also have access to the latest DVR technology and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities with TiVo,“ said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development for DirecTV, Inc.

Beyond all of this I was unable to come up with much concrete information anywhere on the web about what is going on. I am going to continue persuing this and, hopefully, get a rep from DirecTV to grant an interview. My initial call was met with a recorded message and, after selecting an option, the recording said “Thank you. Goodbye”!