All for only $199!

German company Nero AG and Tivo have announced a collaborative software package that will allow users to record TV on their Windows box; LiquidTV. The bundle, which consists of a remote control unit and a television tuner that plugs into your PC, will be launched on October 15th with a price tag of $199.

Ok, it’s not cheap and it’s not the only TV recorder software out ther but what it does do is to bring the familiar Tivo interface to Windows. This is big news for Tivo. Currently, the only European county with Tivo subscribers is the UK. By parterning with Nero, the company looks like they’re seeking to make big inroads in the lucractive European market.

Users who already have a TV tuner in their PC are in for a bonues - Nero will be selling the Tivo software for $99 as a standalone package. For this price you’ll get a bundled one year subscription (if you want Tivo’s guide updates after 1 year you’ll have to stump up another $99).

As you’d expect,  LiquidTV allows users to transfer shows recorded on other TiVo devices in the home to the PC’s hard drive to pretty much any compatible device. You’ll also be able to burn programmes shows onto DVDs courtesy of the Nero burning software.

I’ve been a fan of Tivo since I managed to get hold of a box about 4 years ago. I have to admit that it’s actually pretty good and I know that $99 isn’t much but there are cheaper options (Vista includes a free programme guide).

I’ve also got a MythTV box that gives me all the functionality I need and is free (well, apart from the time and hardware needed to build it!). Admittedly, this option is far to complex and time consuming for the average viewer who just wants to point, click and watch and this is what Tivo are counting on. A familiar, simple to use interface for less than $100 per year - it’s probably going to be a winner.

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