Have Tivo to Go on your PSP or iPod

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Is TiVo trying to hitcho onto the iPod halo effect? According to gizmodo you'll be able to move recorded shows from your tivo to your PSP or iPod. The current Windows-only method for getting shows off the Tivo onto a non-Windows device, involves stripping the DRM.

Testing of the software should happen in the next few weeks and all TiVo users should have access to it by first quarter next year with a one-time fee of between \$15 and \$30. TiVo also mentioned that it may take up to to 2 hours to transfer the program.

This method probably adds in PSP or Apple friendly DRM, I suspect, so that you can't play it on an unsanctioned device. But, if it is to be compatible with iPod, it'll need to have a native Mac application - and don't you know it but a few months ago Tivo was looking to hire an Apple developer. Will it be convenient enough to comepete with ABC/Apple (and other networks) schemes to distribute TV shows? I'm not sure it will be, you'll still have to remember to have your TiVo record a program you want to watch, then wait for it to download to your PC and have it transcoded (resized) to play on your TiVo or PSP. But, you're not restricted to only shows available on iTunes, for example, so for niche programming, like US Men's World Cup qualifiers, it may be your only option.

According to PVRBlog, either TiVo and apple worked something out or the files will not have DRM.

Tags: Digital Media, Mac, Tivo

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Major League Soccer featured on Marketplace today

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As I was walking to Simon and listening to Marketplace today (yes on the radio, I haven't gotten into regularly listenting to podcasts yet), I heard a very positive piece on Major League Soccer's 10th season, ABC and soccer: Goal?  Ed Derse states that MLS has made it (don't tell fans of San Jose Earthquakes yet) as a niche sport in the country. He correctly argues that while soccer is not going to displace the NFL, NBA, or MLB anytime soon, the league's finances are stabilizing and moving towards profitability. They discussed the recent ABC deal for World Cup rights, and the fact that NBC/Telemundo and Fox also put in bids this year.  Surprisingly, they did not mention stadiums at all, which are the key to securing the leagues future. Already 3 teams have stadiums - Los Angeles Galaxy, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas. The Metrostars and the Chicago Fire already have deals to build one, while DC United and Real Salt Lake have been working to secure their own stadium deals. With the league controlling their own stadiums, the future looks even more certain.

Tags: Soccer

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