TiVo's Digital Video Recorder (DVR)The DVR TiVo is among the most popular brands of DVR recorders in the United States. It allows consumers the in-home use of capturing video images via the television that can be watched at a later date. Jim Barton and Mike Ramsay are the creators of DVR TiVo, which was introduced to the public in the San Francisco area in 1998 and sold under the company name of Teleworld Incorporated. The first DVR TiVo video recorder was mailed on March 31, 1999. In 2000, TiVo became popularly used in homes across America. The original version of DVR TiVo compressed and digitized analog video from cable, satellite, or antenna, but by the end of 2000, DirecTV introduced a receiver with a TiVo DVR built into its operating system. DVR TiVo also has many features similar to a computer in its operating systems. The DVR TiVo can be compared to a traditional videocassette recorder in that both record television for later viewing, but the recording mechanisms are entirely different. A DVR TiVo stores television programs on a hard drive that is unseen and unable to be removed by the consumer. Programs may be recorded onto the TiVo and can be erased permanently whenever necessary. Among the most popular features of the DVR TiVo is the ability of the viewer to pause live television. This feature known as �trick-play� allows for the rewinding and replaying of up to a half-hour of recently watched television. In addition, TiVo can also be connected to the local area network of a computer to download video programs, games, and movies from the Internet for later use. The DVR TiVo software has many other unique features, including the �Wish List� feature. The viewer can search for a specific actor, title, keyword, category, or director that is desired. TiVo then automatically records any items that fit into the Wish List of the consumer. In order to use the DVR TiVo, one must subscribe to it on either a monthly or yearly basis, with the cost currently being anywhere from $4.99 per month to $299 for a two-year commitment, though the price depends on the type of service desired. TiVo service is currently only available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, though the company plans continued expansion. |