Wild rumor: DirecTV reps claiming TiVo coming to DirecTV DVRs

A friend of mine also named Matt recently canceled his cable and went with DirecTV. During the signup process he said two reps claimed TiVo software was coming to DirecTV boxes in a couple months.

I asked Matt for clarification on exactly what the DirecTV reps said and he told me this:

...they were both very convincing. The second guy even said "I have the paperwork on my desk right now." I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I'd be very surprised if DirecTV could work out a deal like this without anyone finding out (I have a feeling these same reps would be on various forums like tivocommunity leaking it), so I'm going to classify this as a wild rumor that is likely untrue, but with about a 1% chance of happening. Would the TiVo software run on HR20's? The upcoming HR21 Pro?

My guess is these DirecTV reps have been half-reading Engadget for the past year and crossed up the stories of TiVo releasing a OS updated to older Series 2 DirecTiVo combo boxes with the Comcast testing TiVo OS on their own boxes story.

Still, it'd make things interesting if it were true and since it came from a friend I trust, I'm posting it here.

Comments

[Scott]

When I cancelled DirecTV about two weeks ago (moved to Comcast and TivoHD from the Series 2 DirecTivo), the reps tried very hard to save me, saying that new software would be coming to the DirecTV HD DVR that would be much more like TiVo. Absolutely did not say that it would *be* TiVo software, however...

[Bill G]

My guess is that since the DirecTV guys weren't trying to *sell* your friend anything it's simple confusion on their part.

Scott, you will likely be quite happy on Comcast with a TiVoHD since you never used Comcast with their box.

The Comcast DVR box software is horrible, but it allows OnDemand show viewing, which I cannot now do without [small children]. However, if you've never used it, it's easy to do without ;)

[mg]

I doubt that Tivo would add their software to DirecTV's own hardware boxes (HR20 or newer). If they did, it would probably take a year or two to develop. The Tivo-Comcast partnership started in 2005, was continually delayed, had a demo at the start of 2007, and we still have not seen it released.

[Jory]

I remember reading an article in Multichannel News about this. They just agreed on a deal to develop software to add to the Directv DVR. This sparked interest from me because they just upgraded me from the TIVO HD recorder/receiver to the HR-20-700. I will see if I can find the story and link to it here...

[Jory]

hmmm.... maybe I stand corrected. Truble finding the article. Lemme check one more source.

[Jory]

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/AQW07629082007-1.htm

7th paragraph.

"Also on the distribution front, during the quarter DIRECTV announced a deal with TiVo to develop a software upgrade to enhance the user experience for DIRECTV customers who have DIRECTV DVRs with TiVo service. The announcement underscores DIRECTV's commitment to strengthening its relationship with TiVo and further highlights TiVo's appeal to consumers."

[Justin Thyme]

Read the sentences. Upgrade for whom? Upgrade to customers who have the old DTivo boxes. What kind of upgrade? Oh wow- DirecTv is allowing DTivo users to have a few features the rest of the Tivo users have had for years.... But not all of them.

No- they aren't going to allow them to buy or rent movies from Amazon. They aren't fools. They want to keep their users lined up only for their vending machines.

I'm with you Matt. Way way skeptical, but it would be nice. They could do a prophylactic move to insulate them from the fate Dish will likely suffer. What would it take? Who knows. Bolt the DBS tuner from the old HD DTivos in where the Series3 QAM tuner is now?
=JT=

[Charles]

I have already seen messages on my two(DirecTV/Tivo) boxes that coming soon will be a software upgrade to both bringing me the things you can do on regular Tivo boxes. Schedule recordings etc....

[ScreenRant.com]

Yup, it's regarding existing DirecTivo boxes, not HD.

Unfortunately.

Vic

[Chuck]

So the basis of your article is information given to you by clueless CSRs who never know anything? Hurts your credibility a lot.

[Bill G]

It does make sense that TiVo would work to try and keep current DirecTiVo subscribers.

There are more of them (2.5m) than there are TiVo "owned" subscribers (1.7m) and lately they have been departing at a rate of about 40,000/month.

[Steve]

My DirecTivo was upgraded from 6.2 software to 6.3 in the last few weeks. Perhaps this is what they were talking about. Although I can't say that I've used any of the new features...

[jory]

Yeah... um unfortunately its only for the Tivo boxes darn it. I had the HD Tivo enabled box with Directv tuner but they upgraded me to the DVR because the HD Tivo box was Mpeg2 not MPEG4 which is needed for the soon to be added HDTV channels. The 5 (five!) LNB Dish is getting a little outragous but hey... whatever it takes to get me some quality = mass quantity HD programming. We've waited and waited and waited long enough... by the way it really irks me when the local ABC affiliate runs live college football in standard def on the HD feed! This is 2007 folks. HD isn't a new concept.... you have a channel dedicated to HD and you force feed me this STANDARD def CRAP! UGH! Like getting all dressed up for a fine dining experience in a luxurious hotel and being fed a fastfood burger... Yuck :-~

[oneighturbo]

i received a flyer today in the mail from DirecTV (whom I do use)

Front:
it does state they have been working with Tivo.. blah blah blah

NEW TIVO FEATURES ARE ON THE WAY

Back:
.. youll soon have access to the latest innovations such as:

*DirecTV Remote Booking - schedule remotely via directv.com
*Recently Deleted Folder - restore deleted..
*Overlap Protection - clips ending or begining of show based on higer priority

The kicker is that these will be in early 2008

[Fast Follower]

I'm a long time Directv DVR/Tivo subscriber, and I received a flyer as well. It states that "New Tivo Features are on the way." What are these features? According to the mailing: 1) Remote booking, 2) Restore recently deleted folder, 3) Recording overlap protection.

The mailing goes on to say, "These features are completely free....In early 2008 the enhancements will automatically.

[christopher]

Here's my thoughts... Liberty Media is purchasing DirecTV from Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. The NDS boxes (that suck) are made by a subsidiary of News Corp. Once Liberty Media (who seem to be Tivo fans) takes over, there is no incentive to stick with NDS boxes. And every incentive to move back to Tivo. I also recently spoke to a Directv tech while troubleshooting a satellite problem who casually mentioned that Tivo may be back soon.

[Jay]

Just went through a whole afternoon of calls with DTV and TiVo. TiVo rep said they signed a contract with DirecTv. Couldn't say what for or when, but at least they are talking. Anything to not have to use the inferior NDS box. And christopher is 100%, no more News Corp, no need for NDS.

[Brad]

I added my 3rd DirecTiVo to my account last week. I have two series 2 SD, added a HR10-250. When the Dave rep explained that I would need to upgrade to new hardware to get the Mpeg 4 feed from the new birds, I pointed out that I was adding this receiver because it was a TiVo. They said that they had seen a bulletin related to Dave possibly working with TiVo on a new DVR. With no Murdoch, this may be true. Maybe Dave is blowing smoke in an effort to keep customers, but I also heard something similar from a friend at TiVo. My series 2 both run 6.3e and I read that 6.3 would be coming to the HR10-250's on Deal Database. Time will tell, otherwise there's always PTVnet for the regular TiVo features! I'll worry about HD later.

[DevTopics]

Tivo may be a victim of its own genius and success. True innovation often comes from the small upstart who is lean enough to launch a market but lacks the heft to own it.

http://www.devtopics.com/how-tivo-changed-the-world-then-missed-the-boat/

[Larry]

Just got a new update and a new feature was installed deleted program recovery at the bottom of your recorded programs page..looks good and works good i have tried it..hope directv and tivo get back together need a new hd receiver..