Cool Tech Reviews

Back in February when Amazon.com and TiVo announced that they were hooking up the TiVo DVR with Amazon’s Unbox Internet video store, one problem I noted was that “it’s not perfect because you can’t order the downloads from the TiVo.” Instead you had to order through your PC for delivery to your TiVo. However, starting today, that gap has been bridged:

Now, PC intervention won’t be needed. The new ”Buy on TV” feature allows TiVo users to search Amazon’s video catalog and rent or purchase titles using their TiVo’s remote control.

The feature works for owners of TiVo Series2 and Series3 broadband-connected DVRs.

…

In conjunction with the new feature, TiVo developed a safeguard so users would have to punch in a five-digit password to complete the transaction, said Jim Denney, TiVo’s vice president of product marketing.

”We wanted to avoid the baby sitter scenario where you come home to find a bunch of movies on your TiVo that you didn’t order,” he said.

This enhancement just reinforces this offering as the most sensible idea for home TV downloads for the reasons I mentioned previously - it’s simple and and it doesn’t require a PC in the home entertainment center. If you have a TiVo and a high speed Internet connection, it’s worth giving Amazon’s Unbox service a try, especially as there is usually a special offer for you to try out the service at no or minimal cost. Follow the link and check the left sidebar for details on using the TiVo service.