TiVo
and ReplayTV
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TiVo
and ReplayTV
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| Since 1999, TiVo Inc. and ReplayTV have offered digital video recorders (DVRs) with mass storage capabilities and an MPEG encoder/decoder to create what they call "personal television (PTV)" [1]. Their services allow you to pause live TV, record your favorite show without having to use tapes or a VCR, and even skip through commercials. | |
| The DVR has a hard disk that records television either manually or at a set time. Both TiVo and ReplayTV have features that will automatically find the shows you want to record and will begin recording them even if the regularly scheduled time is different. |  |
| Both systems have a pause feature that will allow you to pause live TV for up to 30 minutes. They also have a rewind feature, instant replay (allowing you to go back 6 seconds to see that last part), and slow-motion viewing for both live and recorded shows. | |
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Both ReplayTV and TiVo must be connected to the Internet through a broadband connection. |
| The technology is still relatively new and the two major competitors are ReplayTV and TiVo. They are major business partners with AOL/Time Warner, AT&T Broadband, SONICblue, and DirecTV. Other DVRs include UltimateTV and DISHPlayer. For a comparison of features for all four, click here. | |
| Not since the introduction of VCRs and remote controls have viewers had so much control over how and when they watch television. It also gives your TV more interactivity through the Internet connection, allowing you to send photos through your TV. | |
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For more information
on TiVo and ReplayTV: 1. TiVo Home http://www.tivo.com/home_flash.asp 2. SONICblue Inc: ReplayTV 4000 Home http://www.sonicblue.com/video/replaytv/default.asp |
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[1]Zelnick, Nate: "TiVo's Alluring...Thing", Internet World: September 15, 1999 Marissa Cleaver |