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Automated TiVo to iPod formating
Berkana writes "PVR Wire reports that 'TVHarmony.com has released a new version of its AutoPilot software that supports converting TiVo-recorded shows into a format that's compatible with the new video iPod. It also works with Palm devices that can view video.
"The software automatically transfers, converts and stores your TV programming. You can select shows to be downloaded automatically, in the middle of the night if you like, and process the transfers into popular formats. AutoPilot keeps track of the shows you've already downloaded so you can transfer an entire TV series without duplicates.'
. . . in other words, one of the biggest gripes concerning the new iPod has been addressed."
I didn't see anything in there about trimming out the commercials... and the video iPod doesn't have a skip 30 seconds ahead button.
". . . in other words, one of the biggest gripes concerning the new iPod has been addressed."
"gripes"? I must have missed something, but everyone in the media, and all the articles I've seen, have had nothing but good things to say. Occasionally I see someone say, "well the screen is to small to watch a movie", but then they quickly say "BUT that isn't what apple was going for anyways. Praise Steve. Amen." They all talk about anything apple does as the second coming of Christ.
I guess I'm just shocked to see that there were any gripes about the video ipod.
Other then that, that software is pretty cool.
Yes, because unquestionably the lack of this program on Mac OS will prevent would-be buyers from purchasing a Macintosh.
There will be a Mac equivalent in no time - almost certainly from a different source.
You shouldn't say something just because you think it sounds good, you know?
Ha, you're a marketing mans wet dream. You swallow all the lies and delude yourself that you're actually buying character and reliability.
Since Apple offers television shows, music videos, and other copyrighted content, I assume they must have support for some DRM.
I don't think this program is likely to be targetted. By transferring direct from Tivo to iPod the content industry can't claim that this is helping piracy, because the content can't be distributed. Yes, I'm sure there is a way to capture it in transit, but lots of other programs can do that much easier. This is not aiding in DISTRIBUTING the content, so I see no problems.
From the site:
"The current version of TVHarmony AutoPilot is 1.0 Beta 1, v05 and will expire on 12/31/05."
Stunts like this are why I like open source.
Their ploy means that without giving users any ability to rely on the functionality in the future, they effectively dissuade any competitor from offering a similar product.
This wouldn't be so annoying if it weren't for the fact that this is exactly the kind of software that could be banned by some future BigCo lawsuit. If the company gets sued out of business, not only is the source not available, but the existing copies of the software expire, at least for most people who aren't tuned into any hacks that might become available.