A few days ago it was Apple and Intel. Today it’s [TiVo and Microsoft](http://www.tivo.com/cms_static/press_43.html). Tivo’s TivoToGo service and MS’s media products are being partnered to let you take TiVo content anywhere you go (as long as you have a MS powered smartphone or PocketPC). I think it’s a little odd since MSs Windows Media Center competes against TiVo, but MS has often partnered with competitors in the past.

Of course this is nothing that can’t be done today. I take shows off my TiVo and take them with me on my Treo, however I’m sure this solution will keep the DRM intact, which may help keep the content providers happy.

TivoToGo was “released” a week ago. I haven’t said much about it for the same reason I put releasted in quotes. They officially announced that TTG was officially available on Jan 3rd, however they have decided to do a phased rollout, and to date the update has yet to be pushed to my TiVo. In one sense I’ve been waiting for this for long enough I can wait a bit more, but enough is enough. One of the big reasons (other the the standard lack of time due to baby) I have yet to hack my series 2 is because downloading is the main feature I want, and TTG has been coming so I haven’t made the time.

Once the update comes I’ll see how things work. I already know it won’t be ideal, the series 2 only has USB 1 to hook the network adapter to, so transfer speeds will be less then ideal. Plus they are adding DRM to the downloads, which a hacked solution doesn’t have. I’m not really worried about the DRM since it will likely be cracked before I even have my first show downloaded, but it adds another step. At the worst I’ll just burn the recording to DVD (when they release the DRM compliant DVD burning software) and rip that. One can only hope that someday the lesson that trying to prtoect your content via a technology solution jsut isn’t feasable, you have to offer compelling contant at a decent price point. The music industry is starting to show signs they are trying, not television and film have the same road to travel.

All this is starting to make adding TV to my media PC more attractive, but so far the interface just isn’t as friendly as the TiVo.

>TiVo Their Way: Ads, Copy Brakes Plans for pop-up ads and restrictions on copying have some consumer advocates wondering about Tivo’s commitment to customer control. The company says it has to bow some to Hollywood and advertiser interests.
[via Wired News]

I’m a little concerned about how TiVo will fare against pressure from the media conglomerates. I’m also eager to see how the TiVoToGo service will actually pan out. When will these companies learn that no matter what copy protection they put in place, it will be cracked. This is not a technology problem, it’s a content and business model problem. People are stealing your stuff because you are not providing it in the way they want it.