TiVo Adds Support for Video Podcast Subscriptions

TiVo has announced Series3, TiVo HD, and TiVO HD SL units can now tap into free Web videos...and video podcasters can push new episodes directly to subscribers.

DVR pioneer TiVo has announced that is has implemented support for accessing hundreds of new Web-based videos from its TiVo Series3, TiVo HD, and Tivo HD XL set-top boxes, including video from mainstream sources like G4, Fox, CBS, and Oprah as well as any video podcast that has a consistent URL. What’s more, users who subscribe to video podcasts using TiVo’s Season Pass feature can have new video episodes downloaded automatically to their Now Playing List as they become available. Podcasters just been to use RSS syndication and H.264 video.

"What makes this announcement unique is that everyone has the ability to publish their content to the TiVo DVR for users to watch on the best screen in the hom,," said TiVo’s senior director of broadband services Evan Young, in a statement. "With a robust library of Web videos already available through the TiVo DVR, and the ability to enter the URL for other podcasts you want, this announcement puts the control in the hands of the user to search for and retrieve exactly what they want to watch and from the comfort of the couch."

Podcast channels and episodes are also indexed by TiVo Search, so users can quickly find podcasts right alongside broadcast and other broadband content.

Owners of TiVo HD, HD XL and Series3 units can access the feature at no charge.