TiVo ToGo

From STB to Handheld

TiVo ToGo allows TiVo users to upload their programming to a computer, notebook or handheld via USB. To take advantage of TiVo ToGo you must ensure you have software revision 7.1 or greater and at least a Series2 PVR, earlier models aren’t compatible with this feature. TiVo is really testing the legal limitations of past rights management victories with this feature. It has its own DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection in place using a client application.

Client-side software includes a MAK (Media Access Key) from your TiVo unit, the MAK is required to playback the .tivo files. Armed with the correct the MAK from your TiVo unit you’ll be able to playback your recorded programming, sync it with a handheld or even burn it to a DVD.

Unfortunately TiVo ToGo is not currently compatible with Mac, but TiVo promises Mac support sometime in ‘06. New features added to TiVo ToGo will allow .tivo files to playback on an iPod Video unit or even a Sony PlayStation Portable. You’ll even be able to synchronize your TiVo programming to your iPod Video or PSP for regular updates that include the latest episodes of your favorite shows. Essentially you’re making your own TiVo Podcast. TiVo PSP-casting is another iteration (using PSP instead of iPod) that is sweeping the PlayStation Portable.

Play TiVo recordings on your iPod Video or PlayStation Portable

There are a host of Windows handheld devices like Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile that are also compatible with TiVo ToGo. Many users aren’t content to wait for video podcasting or PSP compatibility to be officially released. Many users are already taking advantage of TiVo ToGo on iPod Video and PSP.

The hurdle is to unlock the .tivo files that get transferred to your PC. Once unlocked you have a basic Mpeg2 file that can be converted to any number of formats including mpeg4 or Divx. These files are compatible with a variety of the most popular handhelds, media players as well DVD players. Once you’ve cracked the .tivo file and converted to Mpeg4, you can play these back on any Mpeg4-compatible device. That includes most portable devices with an LCD screen, including many cell phones.

One helpful utility specializes in converting the .tivo file to PSP’s Mpeg4 format and will even format the video so it fits seamlessly into the PSP’s screen. PSP Video 9 is an easy, effective way to send .tivo files directly to PSP. PSP Video 9 is a conversion management application that costs nothing but you use it at your own risk. The app is all-inclusive and will provide complete PSP-casting functionality before TiVo gives it away. It’ll allow you to convert and copy video to your PSP through a synch using BitTorrent or RSS.

Legitimate use of TiVo ToGo, however, is perfectly legal. The use of the MAK meets requirements that make TiVo ToGo a secure method of time-shifting your media files for personal use without infringing on existing copy protection laws.

Personal use of TiVo ToGo is protected under the Supreme Court ruling known as “Sony Corp of America Vs Universal City Studios, INC” Many network television broadcasters are making threats to take TiVo to court of the new ToGo features, but so far nothing suggests the operations are in danger of being abandoned.