Tivo released some very exciting information about their upcoming Series 4 set-top box, the Tivo Premiere.  In the home media market, bridging the gap between a regular cable box, and a net appliance has always been separated into two or three separate devices.  This integration is indeed the next evolution of digital media delivery to your Living Room.

Two models

TiVo Premiere

• 320GB storage space
• Can record up to 45 hours of HD programming or up to 400 hours in SD
• Supports digital cable, high-definition digital cable, antenna (ATSC) and Verizon FiOS
• Outputs: HDMI, Component video, Composite video, Optical audio, Analog audio
• Video output modes include: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• Inputs: CableCARD™ support (request a Multi-Stream cards from your provider), Cable coax, Antenna coax, Ethernet
• Ethernet connection, USB 2.0 ports (2), E-SATA support for external storage
• TiVo Wireless N and G Network Adapter support (optional- must buy separately)

TiVo Premiere XL

• Same network/video connectivity options as the TiVo Premiere
• 1 TB of storage space
• Can up to 150 hours of HD programming or up to 1350 hours in SD
• TiVo premium backlit remote control
• THX-certified
• THX Optimize- a video calibration tool that lets users fine tune color, black levels and other settings to improve picture quality.  A pair of THX Optimizer Blue Glasses, designed for adjusting Color and Tint settings, is included with the owner’s manual.

New Interface

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4xxHjXr2UY[/youtube]

The long-awaited interface refresh (Series 4) was done with Adobe Flash, which should give it a dynamic, content rich feel.  I put some pictures below to give you an idea of what to expect.  If you aren’t familiar with Tivo’s interface historically, it has always been far superior to the Cablevision / Time Warner / Brighthouse cable boxes.  The search functions have always performed better, and more logically as well.

New QWERTY TiVo Remote

Later this year, consumers will have access to a groundbreaking, slide-out QWERTY TiVo remote.  It will have a plug n’ play installation, extended range utilizing Bluetooth (about 30′) and backlit programmable buttons.  The remote will be shipped with a Bluetooth USB dongle that will be plugged into an available USB port on TiVo Series3, TiVo HD, or TiVo Premiere boxes.

I don’t know if I would use this, but I see a perfect use-case for a Tivo iPhone App.

TiVo Wireless N Adapter

Coming in May, the TiVo Wireless N Adapter allows for quicker transfer speeds and longer range, utilizing both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

What it means for you

The key to the success of this box, and it will be a success, is the integration of web-based content from places like Blockbuster, Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, and others.  Hulu is conspicuously gone.  The addition of that service would make this a killer device.

Another major feature is Tivo search.  It not only looks for future TV shows, or previously recorded items stored on your DVR, but looks for available web-based content as well.  This brings back the Saturday-night family movie night!  Microwave popcorn, anyone?

At the very least, this will be the beginning of a new type of DVR /set-top box offered by Cable /Satellite /Fiber providers.  One of the most obvious places for future home computing, and centralized media delivery, is the TV, and these devices will become more and more like a thin client solution.

After having paid an exorbitant fee for a monthly rental ($12/mo for 6 years = $864) for an excruciatingly painful DVR from Cablevison, I will gladly pay for Tivo’s service.

When and How Much

Premiere media box: 320 GB model for $299 or 1 TB model for $499

Wireless card: $89.99

Service plan: $12.95 (Month-to-month); OR $10.79/mo. (1-year for $129); OR $8.30/mo (3-yr for $299); OR $399 (lifetime)

Availability: Early April

I can hear the wives applauding now. 

Logitech just released information about two of their new Harmony Universal Remote Controllers.

As an A/V component madman, I can tell you that it is really difficult to get a truly universal, AND usable, remote control for under $200- let alone $100.  The new Harmony 600 and 650 are the newest additions to their award-winning line.

The entry-level 600 is has a monochrome backlit screen, controls up to 5 devices, and is expected to retail for $79.  The 650 is very similar to the 700, except that it only controls 5 devices (vs. 6), lacks backlit buttons, or a rechargeable battery.  The 650, however, can access the internet using 2.4Ghz Wireless, which is not available on the 700.  We are still waiting for more information about this feature, but sounds really exciting.

Personally, fumbling for unlit buttons in the dark can be frustrating, especially for remotes that have unremarkable differences between different buttons.  Fortunately, the 600 & 650 seem to have very clean, distinguishable, and natural button layouts.  So, if you don’t want to exceed your $100 price limit, you’ll have a high-quality remote, without the blind button hunt.

If you don’t already know about Logitech’s Harmony series, they are incredibly easy to setup (you can test drive part of the setup process here), has an online database of around 250,000 home entertainment devices spanning 5,000 brands, and can control virtually any device through their simple, well- laid out remote.

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one of these bad boys, and seeing how they compare to the 510, 880, and 900 series.  Expect availability in April.

Harmony 700 vs. 650: