technoculture203-09

Tivo is finally coming to New Zealand!! However, the catch is that it will be sold through Telecom and only Telecom members will get the full benefits of this nifty device.
If you don’t know what Tivo is, it’s a nice piece of technology that will let you record two digital television channels whilst watching a third. Also, you will be able to download television shows or movies at the same time so the Tivo box will need to be connected to the internet for these functions as well as for viewing the 14 day electronic TV guide, downloading software updates and for the ability to program the machine to record shows over the internet. The machine will be compatible with Freeview HD so users will need a UHF aerial install to be able to use the device.

So what will this mean for everybody with DVD-recorders or for the people who have just splashed out big bucks for the recently released Freeview HD recorders? I believe that people will still be able to use their DVD-recorders, but they will not be able to enjoy the luxury of recording 2 channels at once and recording in high definition. For the people who have bought the Freeview HD recorders, it seems like they have just wasted a whole lot of cash since Tivo will be sold for a slightly cheaper cost.

One major problem with downloading movies or television shows over the internet in New Zealand is that it eats up all your broadband data. To make Tivo a success, the company has teamed up with Telecom so Tivo related downloads will not count towards Telecom users’ broadband data allowances. This is a plus for Telecom, because it most likely will persuade broadband users to switch to Telecom as their broadband provider.

Tivo will be sold in New Zealand for a one-off cost for $899 in November at Telecom outlets. There are no ongoing subscription fees.