Comcast to begin testing HD TIVO service

Comcast is about to begin beta testing the HD TIVO service on their DVR boxes this month, according to the AVS Forum. The deal between comcast and Tivo was inked back in mid March of 2005.

The TIVO software will be downloaded directly onto existing Comcast HD DVR boxes, without the need to purchase or rent any extra hardware.

Under the terms of the agreement, Comcast and TiVo will work together to develop a version of the TiVo service that will be made available on Comcast’s current primary DVR platform. New software will be developed by TiVo and will be incorporated into Comcast’s existing network platforms. The new service will be marketed with the TiVo brand, and is expected to be available on Comcast’s DVR products in a majority of Comcast markets in mid-to-late 2006.

Although no official statements has been issued yet about the pricing and availability, we expect the pricing for the new service to be at about $5 per month, on top of the current DVR charges. The new Comcast/TIVO DVR service will include the popular TIVO user interface, and features such as the Season Pass and the WishList.

No word yet on which markets Comcast will test the new TIVO service on, or how to sign up. Comcast support was unable to provide us with any useful information when we called.