TiVo to broadcast internet video

8 June 2006 11:49 GMT / By Amber Maitland

TiVo is launching a new service to broadcast broadband video directly to TV in the US.

TiVoCast will let viewers watch video from the Internet directly on the television sets instead of only on their computer screen.

Tara Maitra, TiVo's vice president and general manager of Programming said, "The TiVoCast service provides niche networks and broadband content suppliers, for which the economics of television distribution might not make sense, a way to connect with audiences in the living room via their favorite medium for watching video, TV and TiVo".

Some analysts say that bringing web videos to the TV will encourage web video producers and distributors to improve quality and variety.

Initially, video content through TiVoCast will include NBA and WNBA video showcases, video segments from the New York Times, programming from Heavy.com (apparently aimed at males "taste-challenged pop culture junkies" aged between 18 and 34), as well as clips from iVillage, CNET, Danger Rangers, and others.

TiVoCast content will be available through the TiVo interface's main menu, and will be free of charge to subscribers.

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