The satcaster announced this week that in early 2008 it will deliver a software download to DIRECTV/TiVo DVRs that will add features such as a list of recently deleted shows and "DIRECTV Remote Booking" so users can set recordings away from home.
However, DIRECTV did not say until yesterday whether the download would also be delivered to the HD DVR owners.
The future of the DIRECTV-TiVo HD DVR is in question because the satcaster has said the set-top will not be able to display new high-def channels scheduled for launch starting next month.
DIRECTV, which is scheduled to add dozens of new HD channels over the several months, is planning to use a transmission system (MPEG4) that's not compatible with the HR 10-250.
Last year, DIRECTV suggested that TiVo-DIRECTV HD DVR owners would have to upgrade to DIRECTV's new HD DVR (HR20-700) to get the new channels. Existing high-def channels would still be viewable, but DIRECTV said last year that eventually all high-def channels would be delivered via MPEG4.
But as of this morning, it's unclear if that plan is still true -- and if it is, what will be the impact on the TiVo HD DVR. TVPredictions.com has asked DIRECTV for a further explanation and will report its response in a future article.
Also in question: The relationship between DIRECTV and TiVo. The two companies once enjoyed a strong marketing partnership, but that was severed more than a year ago when DIRECTV decided to market its own HD DVR. This week's announcement has led to speculation that the old partnership could be renewed.
"It is important to us that our customers with TiVo service also have access to the latest DVR technology and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities with TiVo," said Derek Chang, DIRECTV's executive vice president of content strategy.
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