Why wait for Congress to do your dirty work when the content owners can recruit Macrovision to backdoor broadcast flag-like functionality without government bureaucracy and public scrutiny? While these restrictions aren’t new (or unique to TiVo), there still appears to be challenges in properly classifying content on TiVo units. I can envision current releases on HBO being flagged, but doubt this nearly 40-year old film was intended to be tagged. In fact, I believe Macrovision is only permitted to mark PPV and DVD content with copy/viewing limitations. TiVo, if you want to follow-up with this likely transmission glitch: John Campos, who provided these photos, was recording the Fox Movie Channel via Comcast in Seattle.

Macrovision copy protection rules include:

• Copy Never - This content is not allowed to be recorded by a TiVo DVR.
• 7 Day Unlimited - These programs can be recorded and viewed as many times as you like within 7 days of their original recording date
• 7 Day / 24 Hours - These programs can be stored for up to 7 days but once you begin watching the show, you must complete viewing within 24 hours.

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(Thanks Pete!)

Never enough time…

• Time Warner Cable kisses and makes up, will offer CableCARDs. (TiVoBlog)
• Sirius video around the corner? (Orbitcast)
• Ten HDTV myths. (PC World)
• Radio Shack announces what we already know, currently selling TiVo. (Yahoo)
• Digital Deck Media Connector reviewed. (PC Mag)

After 60 hours of voting… about 50% (myself included) believe we’ll see the S3 arriving in September or October, while over 15% have no faith in TiVo delivering this year as promised.

ZNF Poll

When will the S3 TiVo be released? August (17) 9% September (46) 24% October (49) 26% November (34) 18% December (10) 5% 2007 (33) 17% Total Votes: 189

Never enough time…

• LG scraps plans for dual Blu-ray/HD-DVD player. (CE Pro)
• An incomplete overview of online television guides. (TechCrunch)
• AOL expands online video offerings, will offer Viacom content. (eWeek)
• Walmart may have HD-DVD player for $350, though mine doesn’t. (HDBeat)

Heavy video downloads have joined CNET and Rocketboom on TiVo. Those with broadband-connected Series 2 units can subscribe to a weekly 5 minute humor segment. As with Rocketboom, I’m not particularly interested (I want movie downloads, and I’m willing to pay) — but if this is up your alley, subscribe via Showcases. Speaking of Showcases… I’d like to see a TiVo software update improve organization by adding a TiVoCast menu item while cleaning up the Music, Photos, Products, & More area.

TiVo, Inc has repeatedly stated the S3 would be released in the second half of 2006… and July is nearly behind us. So, when do you think they’ll be available?