Another TiVo software update released

Further to the post below I've learned from TiVo Community Forums that another software update was released this morning.  

• New loader to resolve Cisco failure to boot STBs.
• SD recording menus default for series link now set for New and reruns.
• Recording capacity accuracy improved
• In the VOD navigation pane, the “available until” pane is now displayed correctly.
• Greying out of channels now recovers when RF is recovered.
• Channel logos no longer overlap programme synopsis.

TiVo: not just the third tuner added

From the Virgin Media Community Tivo forum (and posted on other blogs too), here's a list of what was delivered with the recent "Third Tuner" software update on the TiVo boxes:

•3rd Tuner support

•Recommendations improved by incorporating customer collaborative Thumbs data into the Discovery bar and recorded recommendations

•Box no longer displays ‘Channel not authorised’ during normal channel changes

•Customers no longer PIN challenged on watershed compliant channels

•Bookmarks supported in Movies

•Trailers now available and working for movies

•STB no longer reboots when return path is lost.

•Green button now links to catch-up content correctly

• Music playlist fixes

• Metadata improvements

• Quicker to restore TV service after reboot

• Medium description utilised in VoD screens (adds rating guidance information)

• User presented with choice of HD or SD assets in ‘Get from On Demand’ screen

• Front panel LED’s now function when box is in standby

Also, HD capacity now shows at 125 hours rather than 99.

Mad Men latest

Latest reports from the US suggest that the much-anticipated summer premiere of Sky Atlantic's Mad Men will be delayed further. The US network AMC, series creator Matthew Weiner and studio Lionsgate are reportedly closer to a deal for the upcoming fifth season, but the protracted negotiations have pushed the production’s usual schedule. The show normally starts shooting in spring and debuts in the US July, but without an agreement in place don't expect season five any time soon. Who knows? We may even have Sky Atlantic HD by the time it debuts.

TiVo media launch: March 30th

Virgin has sent out invites to the media for a launch party on Wednesday, March 30th for "the launch of Virgin Media’s exciting new TV service"

More new HD series arrive

Returning soon to Virgin Media:

• Desperate Housewives - second half of season 7 - April on 4HD
• Doctor Who - April 23 on BBC One HD
• Fringe - second half of the excellent third season - March 23 on Sky1HD
• Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena - Mar 21 on Sky1HD
• The Chicago Code - May on Sky1 HD
• The Defenders - Apr 8 on FX HD
• The Runaway - Mar 31 on Sky1HD
• V - season two - Mar 24 on Syfy HD

Still waiting for TiVo?

Me too. Just got this email from Virgin Media:

Thanks for registering to be in the running to get one of 1000 TiVo boxes, to enjoy on us for a year.
As much as we’d have loved you to win one, sadly you weren’t successful in securing a free TiVo box in our prize draw.
If you’d like to upgrade to our supercharged TV service, just sit tight. We're launching in April so we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks with an exclusive offer, just for our customers.

So, sorry all, no Nialli TiVo review on this blog for another few weeks. Ho hum

Fringe returns to Sky1 HD on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10pm

I've just seen an ad on Sky 1HD for Fringe's return next Wednesday (it was originally announced as returning in April). Hurrah!

Third tuner activated on TiVo boxes (updated)

Thanks to Ben for the following info:

The third tuner on the TiVo box went live this morning. I can also confirm it will record three channels at the same time - I now have three programmes set to record at 10pm this evening, where last night it had found another showing of the lowest priority one.

There seem to be other small changes too but I'm sure more info will come throughout the day on the forums.

It's also just been Tweeted by Virgin Media:
virginmedia Virgin Media

TIVO:: Great news! We've just enabled the 3rd tuner on our TiVo-powered service! For more info on TiVo check out http://tivo.virginmedia.com/

And there are reports on the (ridiculously long) Cable Forum TiVo thread that HD recording space has increased too as part of the code drop, presumably as some development code is removed from the mix. HD recording time now increased from 99 hours to 125.
Can't verify this myself (still no TiVo call/email from Virgin Media) but hopefully the more fortunate can comment.

How Virgin Customer Service deals with questions about Sky Atlantic

Amusing-but-true from The Guardian:

Never let it be said that Virgin Media lacks a strategy to deal with the absence of shiny new Sky Atlantic from its screens. We only mention this after Monkey's uncle called the cable operator to inquire if it would be available to Virgin customers any time soon. The operator sounded mildly confused – we may paraphrase slightly – before searching his "system" for information. "Oh, here's something," he said, before appearing to read something from his screen. "Virgin Media customers will start calling and asking about Sky Atlantic. Do not tell them it won't be available to them. Instead emphasise all the great entertainment channels we have on Virgin Media." He added: "So in answer to your question, I don't know. You'll have to phone back on Tuesday."

BT Vision v Sky v Virgin Media

On The Register there's a pretty detailed comparison of the three main pay-TV providers for those not sure which will best suit them come the analogue TV turn off next year. Virgin Media comes out top, scoring 80% despite the review not covering TiVo, whilst Sky is scored down at 75% due to Sky's lack of a decent on demand service (Anytime+ is still "coming soon" for many areas). BT Vision lags last with a 70% rating, picture quality being the main criticism.