TiVo New Zealand coming before end of the year

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freitasm

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Topic # 31679 26-Mar-2009 15:29

Just got the release and will post more detaills later when using my laptop. But tivo is coming before end of the year with Freeview HD support too.

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Reply # 203542 26-Mar-2009 15:56

Ok, back in front of a PC. Here is the announcement:

TiVo comes to New Zealand!

The world's most popular media device launches in New Zealand, turbo charging free-to-air digital TV and putting viewers in control

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 26 March, 2009 - Hybrid Television Services (ANZ) Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensee of TiVo products in Australia and New Zealand, today revealed its plans for the launch of TiVo in New Zealand by Christmas this year.

The TiVo media device, which launched in Australia in July 2008 has met with outstanding demand responding to the consumer's desire to watch what they want, when they want.

TiVo lets viewers take control of their TV experience, combining free-to-air digital television with broadband content, services and games. Broadband content in Australia includes Blockbuster movies and services and later in the year will include the ability to order pizza through your TiVo. Services like these are intended to launch with the service in New Zealand.

The dual HD tuners are compatible with Freeview HD and New Zealand TiVo users will be able to enjoy internationally recognised TiVo features: the Season Pass feature, which allows users to record an entire TV series in a single click; WishList searches, which allows viewers to automatically record every programme containing their favourite actor or director. The TiVo media device even learns what you like to watch over time and records other shows it thinks you might like! The media device can also simultaneously record two programmes while you watch a third, previously recorded, programme. The once-off purchase includes a seven day electronic programme guide (EPG) helping consumers navigate and record their favourite TV shows.

Robbee Minicola, CEO of Hybrid Television Services commented on the launch; "TiVo has revolutionised the way Australians watch TV and now New Zealanders can be part of the TiVolution.

"Unlike subscription services, the TiVo media device grows in value, automatically updating the service via the broadband connection to provide an outstanding entertainment experience. Our intention is to continually delight New Zealanders with new products and services without having them commit to ongoing monthly fees."

Hybrid Television Services is owned by Australia's Seven Media Group and New Zealand's TVNZ. Jason Paris, Head of Emerging Business for TVNZ, commented on the launch; "The rapid adoption of TVNZ ondemand showed us that New Zealanders are keen to have more control over their TV viewing experience. TiVo transforms television, giving viewers an unprecedented level of control over their favourite programmes in an incredibly simple way."

New Zealand consumers and retailers can pre-register their interest in the TiVo media device at www.mytivo.co.nz.

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stevonz

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Reply # 203547 26-Mar-2009 16:02

Oh yes and be sure to watch out for having to pay for 'upgrades' to receive full features http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/biztech/tivo-cops-price-gouge-flak/2009/03/23/1237656823070.html

Cheers, Stevo

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Reply # 203563 26-Mar-2009 17:25

I owned a hacked TiVo in NZ for years and loved it, the interface is perfect. I recently switched to MySky HDi for the HD Sports but I can't stand the MySky interface.

If TiVo / TVNZ are able to get transmit SKY's content as well (I'm happy to pay for it) then I'll be jumping into the TiVo camp immediately.

7. Does TiVo NZ work with the SKY service?

No, the TiVo unit is a digital terrestrial media device, but Hybrid Television Services is open to discussions with SKY about the provision of SKY content to the TiVo device.

Lipex666

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Reply # 203564 26-Mar-2009 17:26

So wink wink dont buy a HD unit or a PVR and wait for Tivo???

Bummer just brought one with the 50% discount.

Yes. One of the many benefits of becoming a TiVo customer is that it
removes the need to purchase any other digital TV receiver to view
Freeview HD. The TiVo media device in New Zealand will be fully
compatible with Freeview HD broadcasting, capable of receiving all
free-to-air channels including TV One, TV2, TV3, C4, Maori Television,
TVNZ6, TVNZ7, TVNZ Sport Extra, Parliament TV, tvCentral, Chinese TV 8,
Radio New Zealand National, Radio New Zealand Concert, BASE FM and all
new Freeview HD channels.

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CYaBro

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Reply # 203568 26-Mar-2009 17:53

So once again those of us that live the better parts

of the country and can't receive Freeview|HD miss out again!
How about a TiVo that supports DVB-S??

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old3eyes

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Reply # 203579 26-Mar-2009 18:52

Why bother with the TiVo with TVNZ giving it all away to Sky you may as well get their MySky DVR and get both services..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Reply # 203582 26-Mar-2009 19:00

by this xmas? Do they use the same software/firmware used by the Aussies or do they have to implement their own?

In other words, why can't they roll it out in a few months?

BigMal

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Reply # 203596 26-Mar-2009 20:02

old3eyes: Why bother with the TiVo with TVNZ giving it all away to Sky you may as well get their MySky DVR and get bother services..

Becase the TiVo interface is far superior to MySky and if TVNZ are also allowed to distribute Sky content (obviously at a cost to the consumer) then the TiVo box would be the way to go IMO.

jonathan18

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Reply # 203598 26-Mar-2009 20:10

What I'm interested in is the expected cost - checking out Aus sites (eg DSE, JB Hifi) it looks like it's typically $699 there. By the time you take into account the currency and the fact that products are usually more expensive here, you're talking at least $900. Could end up being about the same price as the Zinwell, but I assume far easier to use.

The kicker, however, is in the size of the hard drive - 160GB for something that records HD is pathetic! Anyone know if they work with external drives?

I still think I'll buy one of the Vantage units - not sure if I can wait until Xmas and then fork out something like $1k! Hopefully in a couple of years the Tivos will come decently spec'd.

nate

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Reply # 203602 26-Mar-2009 20:26

Can you pull recordings off a TiVo (via network), or are they locked into the device?

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mjb

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Reply # 203610 26-Mar-2009 21:00

I think I've seen three ads for TiVo on TV tonight...

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JonC

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Reply # 203628 26-Mar-2009 22:09

nate: Can you pull recordings off a TiVo (via network), or are they locked into the device?

See the article Stevonz linked to earlier in the thread: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/biztech/tivo-cops-price-gouge-flak/2009/03/23/1237656823070.html

Maybe, if TVNZ allow it.

jonathan18

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Reply # 203656 27-Mar-2009 06:14

jonathan18: The kicker, however, is in the size of the hard drive - 160GB for something that records HD is pathetic! Anyone know if they work with external drives?

Thought I'd answer my own question.

Tivo Aus' website states it will record up to 30 hours of HD content - that's pathetic!

Also, it will apparently work with an external hard drive, but: "NOTE: Only the official 1TB TiVo Expander Drive by Western Digital will work with your TiVo media device." (not yet available though).

So, you pay AU$699 for a product that will record only 30 hours of HD material and, if you want greater capacity, you must purchase its own product at probably greatly inflated prices? Classic!

I wonder if people in the US have hacked this requirement so any brand of drive can be used...

old3eyes

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Reply # 203667 27-Mar-2009 08:28

nate: Can you pull recordings off a TiVo (via network), or are they locked into the device?

I seem to remember reading in an Ozz publication you had to pay $200 extra for the upgrade to do this..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Reply # 203691 27-Mar-2009 10:17

it will be very interesting to see whether talks with ISPs will end up removing datacaps for downloads off tvnzondemand and associates.
Here's a review of tivo hd from cnet Australia:
http://www.cnet.com.au/dvdpvr/pvr/0,239035858,339290237,00.htm

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