It’s been expected for some time, but yesterday finally saw the new YouTube service come alive on TiVo. The service will roll out on all TiVo Series 3 and HD boxes over the next few weeks.
The service comes as part of the 9.4 software update, and means that all YouTube videos will now be viewable on TiVo in H.264. This is the first time TiVo has rendered content in anything other than MPEG-2.
Streaming YouTube On TiVo
TiVo owners can now stream all YouTube videos, watch them in full-screen, and fast forward, pause and rewind them in the same way as any other video on your TiVo.
Here is a video demonstration of the service in full, working order, courtesy of Dave Zatz. It shows a very successful marriage of the TiVo interface with all YouTube content.
Video Demonstration
At the moment, account information isn’t part of the deal, so you still need a PC to rate and save favourites. Interestingly, there are no display ads visible on TiVo YouTube, but if the rumoured pre-roll adverts make an appearance, they would show up.
YouTube Does Deals
This is a clever move, both on the part of YouTube and TiVo. YouTube benefits from having its content accessible by more than just computer, while TiVo continues to build more content partnerships.
TiVo isn’t the first DVR to partner with YouTube though, and in that respect, it is playing catch-up. According to NewTeeVee, has already done deals with Apple TV, HP MediaSmart Connect, Sony Bravia and Panasonic TV sets, and Verismo.
DVR’s are becoming increasingly important in the US, and usually sit side by side with a cable or satellite television subscription. Deals such as these are likely to make them even more appealing to mainstream consumers.
Related Ad
Get the Latest TiVo DVR Box from TiVo.com
