WPA is so long overdue, it’s not even funny… making TiVo’s support note that much more encouraging. They state they have WPA in the works and plan to initially offer it on their TiVo-branded wireless adapter. Yes!

(Thanks, Jim B!)

Never enough time…

• Hands on with Hauppauge’s wireless media streamer. (SnapStream)
• DivX launches YouTube-alike. (GigaOm)
• The demise of Sony’s PSP. (TechLore)
• Netflix movie download servers found? (HackingNetflix)
• AOL signs deals to offer movie video downloads. (TechCrunch)

According to a blurb in Popular Mechanics (by way of epiZENter) Creative’s Zen Vision looks to be getting a refresh with larger screen, larger form, and larger hard drive option. I assume we’ll also be seeing some tweaks in the OS to better support newer services such as Vongo. My only complaint with the original version was specific to the display — So if they’ve managed to improve that, they could make a very good device into a great one. Personally, I’d be fine with a slightly smaller screen in exchange for enhanced battery life. Speaking of PMPs, I’m trying to get my hands on a new Archos device and Gigabeat for review… Though I’d prefer someone finally add a hard drive and MS portable media software into a PDA phone. Maybe that’s too logical.

We’ve seen television content start to pop up all over the interwebs (some free and some pay) the last few months. Now HD aficionado web program guide TitanTV has got into the action by providing free Fox content. Since they’ll only be showing the first three episodes of Prison Break and Vanished, I see this as a method of series advertising. Unlike other “free” content, these Fox shows do not contain commercials and you can fast forward or rewind at will… I’m not sure how long that will last, but it’s pretty nice especially if you take the content full screen to avoid banner ads. Fox has also started providing programming directly through their web site.

TitanTV says: “We are proud to provide TitanTV as a venue for FOX to showcase full episodes of their compelling new programs,” said President and CEO of Decisionmark Corp., Jack Perry. “The video content is a logical extension of TitanTV’s powerful listings guide. Consumers rely on TitanTV every day to find out what’s on TV — now they can actually access their favorite FOX network programs right from our program grid. It’s a great way for FOX to extend their reach and accessibility to their programs.”

TiVo always implied they wanted to be a software and services company rather than a hardware manufacturer. Not only do deals with Comcast, DirecTV, and now Cox further those goals, they ensure TiVo’s business viability in the face of OCAP of SDV. As with Comcast’s Motorola 6412 boxes, TiVo software will be a download option for select Cox DVRs when available in 2007. I assume the TiVo brand name, advertising features, and patent portfolio helped secure this deal which Cox was evaluating in May.

TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), and Cox Communications, the nation’s fourth-largest cable television company, have entered into an agreement to make TiVo’s leading DVR and interactive advertising service available to select Cox subscribers.

Under the terms of the agreement, TiVo will customize its cable software for deployment on compatible Cox DVR set-top-boxes. TiVo’s downloadable software will allow Cox to deliver the TiVo(R) service in Cox subscriber homes without replacing existing DVR boxes, and without an install appointment. In this way, current Cox DVR customers who wish to enjoy the award-winning TiVo service, can quickly and easily add the benefits of TiVo to their DVR subscription.

“We are excited to add TiVo to the portfolio of Cox entertainment services,” said Steve Necessary, vice president of video product development, Cox Communications. “Cox is committed to offering our customers the best television experience possible. Our new joint service will allow us to build on the popularity of the TiVo brand while continuing to provide our customers with the simplicity of our products and the award winning customer service they have come to expect.”

Cox Digital Cable customers with DVR service who choose to add TiVo to their Cox subscription will enjoy the renowned TiVo user interface as well as new innovations that link the capabilities enabled by Cox’s broadband network like On DEMAND and High Definition service, with exclusive TiVo features like Season Pass(TM) recordings, WishList(R) searches and the recently announced TiVo KidZone. KidZone gives parents an easy way to safeguard their kids from video content while also helping them discover and choose great educational and age-appropriate shows. The service is expected to launch in select Cox markets in the first half of 2007.

Tom Rogers, TiVo’s CEO, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in the cable industry by partnering with Cox, a clear leader in driving consumer adoption of the DVR. By combining Cox’s marketing prowess and top-quality customer service with TiVo’s superior technology and product offerings, we have unleashed a highly scalable way of delivering the best television viewing experience to its customers.”

The agreement also provides for Cox to distribute TiVo’s interactive advertising platform which enables an industry proven advertising solution that is seamlessly integrated with the award-winning TiVo subscriber experience. The new advertising relationship extends Cox Media’s leadership in the advanced advertising arena and further expands TiVo’s national advertising footprint. Cox Media is the advertising sales arm of Cox Communications.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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TiVo says: Combine the best of both worlds: the Emmy® award-winning TiVo® service with high-definition television for the ultimate home theater experience. Experience HD digital cable like never before.