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AOL-TiVo Beta Test
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Posted by: HeLLiX

Hey I know that the AOL-TiVo beta test just ended and was wondering if anyone participated in it. Also what features can we all look forward to seeing on our tivos and when.

Posted by: JimSpence

Their Non Disclosure Agreement is probably preventing those beta testers from responding until the release.

Posted by: jmoak

do a google search.

some opinions and info is out there, at least as far as functionality.
...or lack, thereof....

from:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-991788.html

quote:
"a viewer who pauses a live broadcast may see an advertisement before resuming. Skipping 30-second ads will be barred as well."

http://weblog.siliconvalley.com/col...es/000848.shtml

quote:
"...it also lets networks set the parameters, dictating which shows users can reschedule, and it also creates ways for networks to insert commercials."
"The day is coming when time-shifting your favorite TV show will be an artifact of history. This will reduce the audience for television, but the control freaks who run the cartel continue to be oblivious to reality."

Posted by: HeLLiX

Yeah the NDA would prevent them from giving exact details about the beta test. But that never stoped me. Anyways I was just wondering about the new features in the beta test. Like I heard rummor that with HMO you will be able to check your AOL e-mail and limited instant messaging capibilitys.

Posted by: HeLLiX

Oh yeah and if anyone was involved in the test I am also wondering when it is going to go public

Posted by: ufo4sale

i'm confused, i thought that aol has nothing to do with tivo anymore?

Posted by: HeLLiX

AOL payed tivo to make aplications simlar to what AOL did for cell phone companies to add their AIM clients to phones

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by jmoak
do a google search.

some opinions and info is out there, at least as far as functionality.
...or lack, thereof....

Just to be clear, TiVo is not involved in the project mentioned in that post.

Nor do I think it is what the OP was asking about...

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: jmoak

quote:
quote from Pony
Just to be clear, TiVo is not involved in the project mentioned in that post.

THANK GOD!!! Bless your heart, that makes me feel better!;)

quote:
another quote from Pony
Nor do I think it is what the OP was asking about...

That's what comes up when you do a google search for "AOL-TiVo". ...
:confused:
after additional searching....
AAhhhh!!
I was assuming.(that's where I screwed up!) I think I've found what it's about.
http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layo...icleid=CA217176
(old link, but it explains my confusion)

quote:

"AOL, TiVo DVR Deal Revamped" ...
TiVo, the developer of one of the first digital video recorders (DVRs), said it revamped an agreement with AOL Time Warner that will enable it to offer new features such as instant messaging and online chat on its Series 2 devices.
The new agreement replaces one announced in 2000, under which TiVo and AOL's AOL TV unit was to jointly develop and market DVRs under both brands.

Instead of just deleting my posts here, I'll leave them to serve as a testament to what happens when you jump before you know what conclusions your jumping on.
;)

Posted by: martinp13

Mmm-mmmph-mmmmv. That's about all I can say. ;)

Posted by: phone1

Mail and online chat? Going to be tough composing mail and chatting using the ouija board! :D

Posted by: martinp13

Nah, it's more along the lines of AOL masquerading as TCO.

Posted by: Dan203

quote:
Originally posted by phone1
Mail and online chat? Going to be tough composing mail and chatting using the ouija board! :D

They could easily add support for a Wireless keyboard. As denoted by the incisive blinking of the LED the IR receiver in the TiVo is capable of responding to a whole range of IR signals. All TiVo would have to do is teach it how to respond to the commands sent out by those IR keyboards.

Alternatively they could go USB. However I doubt that would be as convenient.

Dan

Posted by: m750

are people forgetting the usb port on their tivos? they are certainly capable of using that for keyboard input, even wireless... :-D
Now just to wait for an hdtivo... That's all I'm asking, then HMO will be an option, because, right now, I won't replace my series 1 with a II knowing that there will be a higher quality version on the horizon.
AO

Posted by: martinp13

Guys, it's not AOL on your TiVo. Promise!

Posted by: foo monkey

If memory serves, this project allows AOL users to remotely schedule programming, via their AOL accounts, among other things. Your Tivo dials-up several times a day, to pick up the programming. This was developed separately from the old AOLTV/Tivo integrated box, which was canned years ago. Tivo was also given the software resources to build AIM and Buddylist-like services. Dunno if they did anything with it.

Posted by: HomeTheaterJock

For clarity why dont we call the AOL-Time Warner project by it's given name -Mystra?

Just because someone is trying to use features pioneered by Tivo doesnt make it a Tivo and it would be good if we avoid the habbit of calling them Tivos if they are not.

In addition to the clarity argument, if we want the Tivo User community to thrive we need it not to becopme a generic label slapped on any device with pvr functionality.

Posted by: rogo

Mystro.

Posted by: Timber

Not sure if I'm stating the obvious here but some of the postings seem to indicate that this needs to be said. I'm not a beta tester for any AOL/TiVo product so this is all IMHO.

We are talking about two different products:

One from AOL/Time Warner Cable, a PVR-like product called Mystro

One from AOL allowing some kinda interactive AOL/TiVo experience.

I believe this thread was started on the latter item.

-=Tim=-

Posted by: aadam101

OH now I get it.

Posted by: ATLMike

Looks like they're going live now - You've Got TiVo :

America Online is launching another feature tomorrow. This one's aimed at users of TiVo, the digital video recorder for television. AOL members with TiVo boxes will be able to program them via AOL by typing in the keyword "TV Listings," clicking on the show they want to record and clicking "record to my TiVo DVR." The free AOL service requires a Series 2 TiVo recording device.

Posted by: martinp13

If anyone can get this to work, please let me know. :( AOL certainly didn't try to help me.

Posted by: rODbegbie

Yeah, I fired up my fiancee's AOL connection, and was able to schedule from AOL keywords "TV Listings". Click on a show, and a little TiVo icon shows his smiley face.

Just curious, does this work even if you don't have HMO?

rOD.

Posted by: ATLMike

quote:
Originally posted by rODbegbie

Just curious, does this work even if you don't have HMO?

rOD.

That's what I'm wondering too. And for that matter, does it work with Series 1 machines?

Posted by: Turtleboy

quote:
Originally posted by ATLMike
That's what I'm wondering too. And for that matter, does it work with Series 1 machines?

From what I can tell.

1. You don't need HMO. If you did, what would be the point? I can already do remote scheduling online with HMO, so adding this AOL feature adds nothing. What this does is add remote scheduling for AOL users that do NOT have HMO.

2. No, it does not work with Series 1 machines. It doesn't look like any of the new features ever will.

Posted by: Fofer

I also note that it doesn't work on DirecTiVo units, series 1 *or* 2.

Drat.

TivoWeb, here I come. <grr>

Posted by: Fofer

From the online FAQ:

quote:

What is the Online Scheduling service?
Online Scheduling lets you find programs to record when you're away from your television and then sends your requests to your TiVo® DVR to record them.

Who can use this service?
This online scheduling service is exclusively for AOL members with standalone TiVo Series2™ DVRs running 4.0 (or higher) software. (Sorry, this feature is not available for the DIRECTV® DVR with TiVo.)

How does online scheduling work?
Once you've requested a show, the next time your TiVo Series2 DVR connects to the TiVo service your request will be processed and you will receive a message on your TiVo DVR. (You can also check your To Do List and Recording History to find out which programs will or will not be recorded.)

The DVR will attempt to schedule the recording at the time and date shown when you selected the show. Careful though! If the featured show airs before your TiVo DVR connects to the service and receives the request, it will NOT be recorded.

If your TiVo DVR connects to the TiVo service through a regular phone line, you can request a show up to 36 hours before it is scheduled to air. For faster handling, connect your TiVo Series2 DVR to broadband and request a show as little as 1 hour before it airs.

How do e-mail confirmations work?
If you choose to receive e-mail confirmations, you'll receive one e-mail at the time you request your show, and a second e-mail after your Series2 DVR receives your request. The second e-mail tells you whether or not your show was scheduled successfully; if not, the e-mail includes the names of conflicting shows.

Please Note: These e-mails may contain information about the programs recorded on your TiVo Series2 DVR. In accordance with the TiVo Privacy Policy, this information is never associated with any personally identifiable information without your consent. However, since this e-mail is sent over public networks, it is possible that someone other than yourself could view its contents. If you do not with to receive these e-mails, please leave the e-mail confirmation checkbox unselected. Selecting the e-mail confirmation checkbox gives your consent and permission for this information to be sent.

What's involved in setting up an account?
By setting up an account, you authorize AOL to transmit your AOL Screen Name and remote scheduling requests to TiVo, and authorize your TiVo DVR(s) to receive your remote scheduling requests. To set up your account for the first time, you will need to know either:

(a) the e-mail address and password that you (or someone in your household) set up the first time you logged in to tivo.com or Manage My Account (TiVo's online billing and address service), or

(b) the e-mail address you (or someone in your household) used when activating TiVo service.

In order to protect access to your DVR, a temporary password will be sent to this e-mail address. If you don't know what e-mail address was used, or if you no longer have access to that account, you will need to call TiVo Customer Support and provide them with the name and address of the person who activated your TiVo service, along with your TiVo Service Number.

Can more than one member of the household use the service?
Sure! Each member of your household who would like to schedule recordings can simply log in to AOL with their AOL Screen Name, and use the above e-mail address and password to link their AOL Screen Name to the household's TiVo DVR(s). From that point forward, each member can schedule recordings without having to re-login.

Can I prevent people from gaining access to my DVR?
Yes. Simply don't give them your login e-mail and password, which is required to link their their AOL Screen Name to your household's TiVo DVR(s). However, if another AOL member already has access to your TiVo DVR and you would like to prevent future access, you can log in to TiVo Manage My Account and disable access to your DVR.

Posted by: TiVoPony

Yes, it's true. AOL subscribers will be able to remotely schedule their Series2 standalone systems (running 4.0) as part of their AOL subscription. Home Media Option is not required.

This was one of the projects we worked on with AOL, and they've decided to offer it to their subscribers.

It's another option for those who want remote scheduling. But you don't get music, photos, or multi-room viewing.

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: randyf

Well, I never thoght I would type something like this, but I hope the next step is to offer AOL (or some type of browser) on the TiVo via wireless kb.

Now, I have no desire for it, but it would be the PERFECT thing for my mom, who has a TiVo now, and is interested in the net.

I tried to go with the MSNtv route, but it is SUCH a POS that it isn't usable at all IMO. AOL Via TiVo would allow an interface that she is used to, and I wouldn't have to factor in yet another video source to try and teach her about. Also, it could utilize the broadband that it is already connected to!

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
Yes, it's true. AOL subscribers will be able to remotely schedule their Series2 standalone systems (running 4.0) as part of their AOL subscription. Home Media Option is not required.

This was one of the projects we worked on with AOL, and they've decided to offer it to their subscribers.

It's another option for those who want remote scheduling. But you don't get music, photos, or multi-room viewing.

Cheers,
Pony

Pony,

So, based on this kind of news, I am sure you can offer your users to pick and choose what they want.

Of the four based features of HMO.
1. Digital music player
2. Digital photo viewer
3. Remote scheduling
4. Multi-room viewing

I would like.
Remote scheduling
Multi-room viewing

at $49 for this first and $25 each additional.

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
Pony,

So, based on this kind of news, I am sure you can offer your users to pick and choose what they want.

I don't follow your logic. But no, the Home Media Option features are not available ala carte from TiVo.

Pony

Posted by: Marc

Man... I hope DirecTV catches up with the rest of the world and gives us pseudo-Series2 owners some HMO offerings, too!

Posted by: rasheed

Are there any AOL BYOA users who have tried this new free service from TiVo/AOL?

While the only feature I would be interested in paying for would be remote scheduling, I have a S1 device so I guess it really doesn't matter (unless TiVo changes it mind and realizes that it could make some more money from S1 users), and it also still isn't enough to have AOL from my point of view.

Rasheed

Posted by: Fofer

I have an AOL Bring-Your-Own-Access account. I was able to access the service -- it opened in AOL's web browser, not in the regular part of the AOL client (on a Mac, AOL for OS X.)

But I couldn't use it, since I use DirecTiVos. Didn't look like there would have been any problem though..

Posted by: Stu_Bee

I always thought that Remote Scheduling should not have been part of HMO. Where it fit into photos/Music/Multi-Tivo viewing didn't make any sense.

The reason they did it was just to try to get people to spend an extra $100 bucks just in case that was the only option you wanted. Why give something away for free when people are willing to buy it?

The fact they are giving it away for free now to AOL subscribers is a little strange to me. It's like your Telephone company giving you a lower monthly rate if you use DirectTV. Seems like an unfair pricing practice.

But I have learned something from Tivo....don't buy any new options that come out. After a couple of months they will drop the price by half, and then probably give some of the features for free.

Doh.
Stu

Posted by: foo monkey

quote:
Originally posted by randyf
Well, I never thoght I would type something like this, but I hope the next step is to offer AOL (or some type of browser) on the TiVo via wireless kb.

This project was effectively terminated in August 2001. It gimped along like some half-dead zombie for another year, but it's dead now.

Posted by: martinp13

quote:
Originally posted by rasheed
Are there any AOL BYOA users who have tried this new free service from TiVo/AOL?

While the only feature I would be interested in paying for would be remote scheduling, I have a S1 device so I guess it really doesn't matter (unless TiVo changes it mind and realizes that it could make some more money from S1 users), and it also still isn't enough to have AOL from my point of view.

Rasheed

Yes, I have used it, and it worked one time. Now if I try to schedule something, it says it can't find that show on my TiVo (tho if I look on the TiVo, it's right there), but it will keep looking. Of course, it never finds it. :(

Posted by: Blonde

Finally! I've been really wanting remote scheduling, but not for $99 (or even $59). I have a S2 TiVo without HMO connected via broadband, and an AOL account. I'll give it a try today and let everyone know how/if it works.

P.S. This is my 100th post.

Posted by: Riggstonia

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
Pony,

So, based on this kind of news, I am sure you can offer your users to pick and choose what they want.

Of the four based features of HMO.
1. Digital music player
2. Digital photo viewer
3. Remote scheduling
4. Multi-room viewing

I would like.
Remote scheduling
Multi-room viewing

at $49 for this first and $25 each additional.

it's
1. Digital music player/Digital photo viewer
2. Remote scheduling
3. Multi-room viewing

so if tivo was owned by burger king and you could have it your way, it would 66% of $99 and $49.
Tivo would have to rewrite the software. it's kind of like buying a car and not wanting a glove box because you don't have any gloves.

Posted by: mmascari

quote:
Originally posted by Stu_Bee
The fact they are giving it away for free now to AOL subscribers is a little strange to me. It's like your Telephone company giving you a lower monthly rate if you use DirectTV. Seems like an unfair pricing practice.

They (as in TiVo) aren't giving anything away for free. AOL is paying for this feature for all of it's subscribers. A better analogy would be if the Telephone company paid your DirectTV bill so you would have a reason to keep your phone line. In this analogy, DirectTV gets paid either way, just like TiVo gets paid for remote scheduling either way. It's really a marketing cost for AOL.

Now, with the exception of "exclusive" part of the AOL contract, you could probably set up your own web access and buy just the remote scheduling from TiVo. But before anyone thinks this is a cheap answer, the cost is probably rather significant. So if you have have say 50,000 (or whatever the very large number is) close TiVo friends and want to pool your resources go for it. :D

Posted by: Blonde

Ok, I go to AOL, I go to keyword TV Listings. I do the grid thing as normal. I click on a show. It's window pops up with all the guide data for it, including all future airings. There's a little TiVo guy, with a link that says "Record on my TiVo DVR". I click it... A new window pops up: "Welcome to AOL Online Scheduling with TiVo" I have to either sign in now with my tivo.com account or create one if I don't have one yet. I get a Terms and Conditions thing that I have to agree to.

Now new page, welcomes me and shows me guide data for the show I want to record. (I've never seen regular remote scheduling, but I'm guessing it's the same as what I get now.) I can setup a season pass, or record just this showing. I choose which of my DVR's to record on. What priority. and what quality. (and the rest of the recording options) and if I want email confirmations of the recording being scheduled. I clicked schedule it, and I get a confirmation screen. We'll see how it goes...

P.S. I only had to login to my tivo.com account once, after that, my AOL acct and tivo.com acct are linked.

Posted by: Blonde

Just a question, how is my TiVo going to know to check in every hour at least now instead of every 24 hours or so? I'm guessing it won't start doing that until it updates at least.

Posted by: foo monkey

quote:
Originally posted by Blonde
Just a question, how is my TiVo going to know to check in every hour at least now instead of every 24 hours or so? I'm guessing it won't start doing that until it updates at least.

During the next scheduled dial in, you'll be tagged as an Elroy user. After that, your box will dial in multiple times a day. Might take longer. Depends on how they're managing the registration data.

Posted by: Fofer

According to the FAQ:

"If your TiVo DVR connects to the TiVo service through a regular phone line, you can request a show up to 36 hours before it is scheduled to air. For faster handling, connect your TiVo Series2 DVR to broadband and request a show as little as 1 hour before it airs."

Posted by: Turtleboy

Boxes connected through broadband ping hq every 15 minutes or so, to quickly see if there is new info.

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

quote:
Originally posted by Riggstonia
it's
1. Digital music player/Digital photo viewer
2. Remote scheduling
3. Multi-room viewing

so if tivo was owned by burger king and you could have it your way, it would 66% of $99 and $49.
Tivo would have to rewrite the software. it's kind of like buying a car and not wanting a glove box because you don't have any gloves.

ok cool, ala carte works for me.

Posted by: Drewster

Fofer - what keyword accesses this service?

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by atlauren
Fofer - what keyword accesses this service?

It was "TV Listings".

Posted by: Blonde

quote:
Originally posted by atlauren
Fofer - what keyword accesses this service?

Make sure you go to Keyword TV Listings because I guess they changed the default, and when I typed in TV Listings in the address bar, it did an internet search for it.

Posted by: Squeak

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
ok cool, ala carte works for me.

You can repeat it as many times as you want....it doesn't mean that it will happen.

TiVo has been *real* open about this: No Ala Carte...they know some people want it, but they are not doing it.

Let it Die! :D

Posted by: aadam101

Do they allow you to use search features online like wishlists? Or do you only get a grid? This may be a reason to go back to AOL.

Posted by: esperantisto

DRAT! Remote Scheduling was 90% of why I got HMO! Oh well, it's not like I would get AOL anyway...

Posted by: Blonde

quote:
Originally posted by aadam101
Do they allow you to use search features online like wishlists? Or do you only get a grid? This may be a reason to go back to AOL.

You can search AOL's TV Listings if that's what you mean. The only thing I don't see yet but I thought was said to be included were checking my ToDo lists.

Posted by: ydkj0022

The interface provided through the AOL program is MUCH MUCH better than TiVo's own TiVo Central Online feature with HMO. Being able to browse in the grid, select the program and record is much better than the very static way TiVo's own online guide works.

I'd like to see TiVo improve their online guide to be similar to that of the interface that is provided in the AOL guide.

Posted by: Blonde

By the way, as an update to my testing it yesterday, the programs recorded no problem even though I put in the requests about 20 mins before air time. I guess my TiVo was checking the server every 15 mins as it was.

Posted by: Drewster

From the news.com article...

quote:
AOL and TiVo said they plan to extend the service to devices such as cell phones, pagers and PDAs later this year.

Users will also be able to change TiVo preferences through their AOL accounts. They will be able, for instance, to choose the priority of program recording, to manage multiple TiVo recorders and to control whether a show is recorded just once or for an entire season.

Can someone who has this explain how it's accessed? Where do you associate your AOL screen name with your TiVo service number? (TiVo's Manage My Account?) How are the TiVo-enabled TV listings on AOL different from the regular ones?

Please post screen shots, if permitted. Thanks!

Posted by: Blonde

quote:
Originally posted by atlauren
Can someone who has this explain how it's accessed? Where do you associate your AOL screen name with your TiVo service number? (TiVo's Manage My Account?) How are the TiVo-enabled TV listings on AOL different from the regular ones?

Please post screen shots, if permitted.

From the AOL client, you go to keyword TV Listings. You get a pretty nice for the web grid. You can search listings, when you click on a show you get some more detailed episode info and such. You also get future airings of the show listed. You then can click record on my dvr. If it's the first time you're doing it with that AOL screenname, you have to put in your TiVo.com manage my account email and password. After that first time, the screen name is forever approved to schedule to that acct without having to relogin. I'll post some screen shots when I'm home if no one else does before then.

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

quote:
Originally posted by ydkj0022
The interface provided through the AOL program is MUCH MUCH better than TiVo's own TiVo Central Online feature with HMO. Being able to browse in the grid, select the program and record is much better than the very static way TiVo's own online guide works.

I'd like to see TiVo improve their online guide to be similar to that of the interface that is provided in the AOL guide.

Can we get a small screenshot posted here?

Posted by: Drewster

I don't have a Series2, but I do have an AOL account. I was able to get the window which shows information for a particular show, and then the following screen for signing up your TiVo.

http://jungleland.acs.uci.edu/~atlauren/tivo/AOLTiVo1.jpg
http://jungleland.acs.uci.edu/~atlauren/tivo/AOLTiVo2.jpg

Posted by: HeLLiX

I don't know why AOL took so long to give this feature to the public. It has been done for like 2 months now. Hopefully tivo/aol will add some other features like being able to check your AOL e-mail though tivo.

Posted by: HeLLiX

Oh. I don't know if anyone else has done this but this makes it real easy to get to the tv guide page to program your tivo.

Add a favorite place name something like "TiVo Scheduler!"
and for the internet address put in "aol://1722:TVLISTINGS"

works great!

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by HeLLiX
I don't know why AOL took so long to give this feature to the public. It has been done for like 2 months now.

Maybe TiVo made AOL wait, just so they could milk as many people as possible for the $99 Home Media Option?

Posted by: martinp13

I think Pony said that TiVo was out of the loop on this project. Probably TiVo gave AOL enough data to do it, and AOL took it from there.

I still can't make it work. :(

Posted by: ydkj0022

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
Can we get a small screenshot posted here?

http://www.geocities.com/ydkj/TiVo/Grid.html

The AOL Grid. Select a program and this window pops up (i.e. I chose Dateline NBC on KSDK at 9p)

http://www.geocities.com/ydkj/TiVo/progdetail.html

Then selecting the "Record on my TiVo DVR" link will initially bring up a TiVo login screen. This was the same login to get onto TiVo's account management area. Future times, this screen comes up:

http://www.geocities.com/ydkj/TiVo/tivoptions.html

This will allow you to change the various options for the program on TiVo. After confirming it,

http://www.geocities.com/ydkj/TiVo/recordconfirm.html

comes up confirming all the options. Next time TiVo polls the server, it will be uploaded onto the DVR.

This is a MUCH nicer interface than TiVo's own interface for remote scheduling which doesn't let you look at programs in a grid style channel/time guide.

What I forgot I could do was setup a season pass... I ended up setting up a Season Pass for Dateline NBC!! Ended up cancelling it when it was uploaded to the TiVo.

Posted by: foo monkey

quote:
Originally posted by HeLLiX
I don't know why AOL took so long to give this feature to the public. It has been done for like 2 months now. Hopefully tivo/aol will add some other features like being able to check your AOL e-mail though tivo.

And it's been in development for over two years. You're not going to be able to check your AOL mail on your Tivo box. That project was cancelled years ago. I keep saying this, but nobody listens.....

Posted by: vdubuclet

Any info on why DirecTivo Series 2 units will not work with the AOL scheduling. Is there any info on when or if this will be available. Has any body tried with a DirectTivo just to see what would happen?