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TiVo Tries to Make a Move

As companies like Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard try to establish the personal computer as the primary entertainment portal at home, another company, with a totally different background, is making a move in the same direction.

TiVo, the maker of the box that allows you to digitally record and replay TV shows, wants to evolve into the provider of a veritable multimedia hub. Yesterday, the company announced several new features, including the ability to share digital photos and music between your computer and TiVo machine.

Additionally, users that have several TiVo boxes will pay full price just for the first box, paying a reduced price for the further subscriptions. This will position TiVo to be the "entertainment centerpiece in the networked home," according to a TiVo news release. Can you say, convergence?

The battle lines are now more clearly drawn between the computer and the television set. The power of the computer meets the simplicity of the television. It's a close call. But I'm not sure I'd make a bet on either one.