Virgin Media + TiVo - coming 2010?

This past week it's become clear that Virgin Media are preparing to rollout TiVo-made PVRs and software in 2010, so there's been plenty of online excitement in certain circles. TiVo recently unveiled the design of their latest kit's new User-Interface (video above) and new PVR box (below) in the US, so there's widespread speculation that this is what British customers can expect from the TiVo/Virgin partnership...

The TiVo software allows you to stream video from online services such as YouTube or Netflix -- although the UK version will perhaps come packaged with BBC iPlayer and, possibly, SeeSaw? It also aims to provide a web-like experience: TV listings contain IMDb-style links to information on cast/crew, and it will recommend TV/films based on what you've already watched/recorded, or what other viewers with similar taste are watching. For more images of TiVo's new interface, visit Engadget.

The standard TiVo functionality will still be present, which I've heard is essentially a more effective, intuitive, faster and enjoyable version of Sky+. What's more, Tivo's use the Adobe Flash platform, which means there's opportunities for independent companies to create their own "add-on" applications, similar to how iPhone "apps" are created by third parties. You can read more at The Telegraph.

The "Premiere" TiVo box comes with a 330GB HDD (i.e can record 45 hours of HD), supports wireless N and G network adapters, and can play video from standard-definition 480i through to 1080p (Full HD). If you get the "Premiere XL" box, that will come with a massive 1TB HDD (i.e can record 150 hours of HD) and is THX-certified. Right now, it's not known if those exact boxes will be offered to Virgin Media customers, or if they'll create a unique spec for UK customers.

From browsing comments at various techie blogs, I get the feeling it's not likely Virgin will systematically replace existing V+ boxes with their new TiVo kit, so they'll probably ask customers to shellout again. This is something that's particularly galling to me, mainly because VM insist on saying you never own their equipment, you're only renting it, so all costs are classed as an "installation charge". Yes, it apparently costs a few hundred quid for an engineer to connect a cable and press a few buttons for 20 minutes!

Regardless, this is all exciting news. If these TiVo's are a decent price (say £100), I'll be tempted to get one. But given the fact my existing V+ box isn't even a year old, and will still be able to handle whatever VM throws at it post-TiVo rollout, I won't be in a rush to upgrade.