TiVo Debuts Series3 High Definition Digital Media Recorder
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:58 am
After a long wait, TiVo announces their Series 3 HD recorder. Retailing for $799, this box features dual-tuners, THX, CableCARD, and 32 hours of HD programming (300 hours of standard def). One can only hope that these boxes are as "upgradable" as previous TiVos!
TiVo Debuts Revolutionary Series3 High Definition Digital Media Recorder
The TiVo Series3 HD Box is the World's first THX Certified DVR and Delivers the Best Home Theater Experience with Advanced Broadband Features and Two CableCARD Slots for Digital Cable Integration
Alviso, CA -- September 12, 2006 — TiVo Inc., the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), announced today the launch of the high end TiVo® Series3™ HD Digital Media Recorder — the first stand-alone TiVo product that is HD compatible. Available beginning mid-September, the TiVo Series3 HD box is the world's first THX®-certified, digital video recorder, delivering audio and video that truly maintains the fidelity of the original broadcast. Once again, TiVo is setting a new standard for digital cable users with its Emmy ® -awarding service and exclusive feature set...now in high definition!
"TiVo continues to be the best way to watch television and we are very proud to extend the TiVo experience into the world of high definition with the release of the TiVo Series3 HD box," said Tom Rogers, CEO and President of TiVo.
The TiVo Series3 HD box delivers the ultimate in high definition entertainment, allowing the consumer to experience TiVo's acclaimed service features, such as Season Pass™ recordings and WishList® searches, in sharp, vivid high-definition images. Extensive video analysis and performance testing by THX ensures content will always playback at the maximum quality and resolution. The advanced chipset in the TiVo Series3 HD box also lays the groundwork for support for more advanced download features in the future.
Dual tuners allow subscribers to record two different shows in HD at the same time, while watching a third pre-recorded show. With the high quality OLED front-panel display, the TiVo Series3 HD box will show what is recording, even when the television is off. The TiVo Series3 HD box enables the user to record up to 32 hours of HD programming, or up to 300 hours of recording capacity in standard definition. The TiVo Series3 HD box also features a new, sleek, backlit remote control.
The TiVo Series3 is designed to fit seamlessly into the most discerning home theater systems. It is compatible with digital cable*, analog cable and is the first TiVo to support over-the-air digital HD (ATSC). Later this year, it will also support the newly released TiVoCast service feature which allows users to access content directly through their broadband connection, introducing the next revolution of Internet and cable delivery. Future software releases can even enable advanced MPEG-4 based download features.
With a built-in Ethernet jack and USB ports, the TiVo Series3 HD box also provides advanced connectivity and easy networking, making it simple to access an additional suite of exclusive TiVo features.
"Our subscribers have eagerly anticipated the day they can use our services in high definition," said Jim Denney, Vice President of Product Marketing at TiVo. "The TiVo Series3 HD DVR gives our customers the best way to experience HDTV in visual and audio performance, an easy, intuitive way to find and record HD programming and a broad set of multimedia and networking capabilities that greatly exceed other generic offerings available allowing subscribers the freedom to enjoy their favorite programming whenever they chose to do so."
"As more and more digital video recorders get connected to HDTVs, the demand for higher playback quality rises," said Dr. Michael Rudd, chief of AV architecture at THX Ltd. "With THX certification, the integrity of HD content won't be compromised. Our collaboration with TiVo has resulted in a product that promises to capture, store and playback HDTV programs with the detail and clarity that is true to the original broadcast."
"We are excited to bring the TiVo Series3 HD box to the lineup of HES suppliers," said Jim Ristow, Director of Home Entertainment Source (HES). "The new TiVo HD box is at the forefront of technology, as are HES dealers, making the relationship between TiVo and HES an excellent match."
Favorite existing TiVo features included in the TiVo Series3 HD box:
* TiVo Online Scheduling: Schedule last-minute recordings from the office or on the road from anywhere you can access the Internet.
* WishList Searches: Easily find programs by actor, director, keyword or topic. The TiVo service works to find and record all the programs related to that topic — like an advanced search engine for your television.
* Season Pass Recordings: Automatically record every episode, even if the network schedule changes. It can even skip repeat episodes.
* TiVo KidZone: Coming later this year to the Series3 HD box, only TiVo gives parents the power to easily create a customized area for their children, with only the programs they've pre-approved.
Broadband connected TiVo Series3 subscribers will have access to a variety of multimedia services, networking options and entertainment choices:
TiVoCast: Download video programming via broadband to your TiVo box. Programming comes from a diverse selection of media brands and producers, including The New York Times, CNET, the NBA, iVillage, and many others. TiVoCast will be available on the Series3 HD later this year.
* TiVo Online Services: View both personal photo slideshows and those shared by friends with Yahoo! Photos, and check local weather and traffic from Yahoo!. Additionally, browse and buy movie tickets from Fandango, discover new music on Live365, and listen to entertaining podcasts.
* TiVo Mobile: Browse TV listings and schedule recordings directly from select Verizon Wireless phones. The downloadable program will be available later this year.
The TiVo Series3 HD box will join the existing TiVo product line, and will soon be available for $799.99 at retail stores including select Best Buy, Circuit City, Ultimate Electronics, Fry's and online at http://www.tivo.com.
This product will be shown at CEDIA in booth 378 beginning 9/13-9/17.
* A security card (CableCARD) provided by your cable operator is required to view encrypted digital cable programming. Two CableCARDs may be required for dual-tuner functionality. Certain advanced and interactive digital cable services such as video-on-demand, a cable operator's enhanced programming guide, and data-enhanced television services may require the use of a separate cable company-provided set-top box.
