DirecTV TiVo Owners: Updated Software Promised
During the time that NewsCorp owned DirecTV, the goodness that is known as TiVo was allowed to languish, and then finally dropped, because that company had some idea that they knew what the customer wanted.
They did not.
Most people I know who own [well, rent on a semi-permanent basis] one of the DirectDVRs is only mildly happy, at best. The units do have the ability to record 100 or so hours of standard definition television as delivered, which is the zenith of their utility. In most every other way the units operate, they are an annoyance to those having known the goodness that is TiVo, albeit the limited by DirecTV goodness. As most know, much of the stand-alone functionality of TiVo is not allowed by DirecTV.
The lucky bunch of subscribers who still enjoy their TiVo units have good news from the new owners of DirecTV. A new software revision is on track to be delivered in January of next year! By the way, this is for the Series 2 units.
One of the best features promised with the update is the ability to use the USB ports on the back of their devices, which for stand-alone users have been able to get updates through a USB to network interface adapter. This means not having to worry about updates by modem, as the unit can remain connected to a broadband connection and receive updates faster and more reliably.
The other promised options include all the features of the Home Media Option that Series 2 stand-alones got about 4 years ago.
This should be good for both companies, as TiVo has been having some financial troubles since the break with DirecTV. It seems the same options offered to cable companies has not met with the same degree of success.
Now the only thing remaining is what to do with all those DirectDVRs which will undoubtedly be returned. Perhaps the new owners can rebadge them and sell them in China. Ah, sweet justice.
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