It's about time

SCI FI Tech
Watch one show while TiVo'ing another… finally

Yesterday TiVo announced the launch of the Series2 DT DVR, TiVo's first standalone dual-tuner (that's what the "DT" stands for!) digital video recorder. Being able to record two channels at once is a nice convenience, especially for anyone living in a Daily Show/Charlie Rose household, not to mention being able to watch one thing — or more likely surf around the cable spectrum — while saving something else for later. But I'd like to know whether TiVo expects me to install a cable box under my TV in addition to my DT recorder, as there's no mention of the DT being CableCARD-compatible, which would eliminate the need for that extra box. Still, provided setup is simple, this definitely trumps my cable company's DVR offerings, at least until I can get an DVR that actually records high-definition programming. The TiVo Series2 DT DVR also features the TiVoToGo functionality, so you can transfer recordings to some portable video players, and connects to the Internet for networking and remote scheduling. It will go on sale May 1; the 80-hour TiVo DT will sell for $100 after rebate and service activation. TiVo service is $19.95 a month with a one-year commitment. — Matt Schneiderman