Call it the content version of a home theatre in-a-box system: TiVo is launching a Premiere version of its set-top box that combines access to cable TV programming, movies, Web videos, and music in the one unit.

Typically, TiVo DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) work in tandem with a cable or satellite TV set-top box to afford customized options for recording content, like the ability to record based on perceived likes, a favourite actor, or based on a search for a specific program. But with the new Premier and Premiere XL boxes, consumers can also use the same unit to access content from other sources, and navigate through content via advanced search functions.

For example, a new function allows users to search for programs from a variety of sources at once, such that results might range from air dates and times on cable TV to funny YouTube outtake clips. Movies can be searched from several sources simultaneously, like Netflix (a separate subscription is required), Amazon Video On Demand, or Blockbuster On Demand.

TV shows are organized by category and topic, and the on-screen menu now displays things like movie posters and TV show logos. Other compilations will also be accessible, like Oscar Award winning movies.

The other day, I was watching a TV show and saw an actor I knew I had seen before, but just couldn't recall where. Knowing it would frustrate me to no end, I popped open my laptop, checked the show's IMDB page, and scrolled through the long list of actors until I found the guy; then cross referenced with his own IMDB page to recall the role I'd seen him. In all, it probably took about five minutes, but it's not the first time I've referred to the ‘Net to recall where I'd seen someone. Given this, I find the 'Six Degrees of Separation' function to be one of the neatest: click on a show or actor, and the program or person's enter entertainment resume and cast list appears.

TiVo says the user interface has been enhanced for HD screens, with two and three-column layouts that provides more information per screen versus the multiple screen experience of previous units. Other appreciated improvements include things like a meter that shows remaining recording space, a built-in 30-second span for breezing past commercials, and a video window for continuing to watch a show while scrolling through menus.

Additionally, the box is built on the Adobe Flash platform, which means that third-party flash-based apps can be accessed and viewed via the box. In the coming months, customers will also be able to listen to Pandora radio stations through the two Premiere boxes, as well as the Series 3 and Series 2 models. Other relationships have been forged with content partners like FrameChannel for Web widgets.

The TiVo Premiere box allows for recording up to 45 hours of HD programming or 400 hours in standard-definition via its 320 GB hard drive, and will sell in early April for US$299.99. The Premiere XL model (US$499.99) can store150 hours of HD programming or 1,350 hours of SD via its 1 TB drive. Note that a subscription to the TiVo service is also required.

Both models support a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI. The XL model adds THX certification, along with a THX Optimizer for fine-tuning colour, black levels, and other picture settings. The box even comes with a pair of THX Optimizer Blue Glasses for adjusting colour and tint settings.

The boxes will be followed up in May by some pretty neat accessories: a wireless N adapter; and a slide-out QWERTY, Bluetooth remote (shown above).

There's no word yet on when, nor if, the new TiVo boxes will be available in Canada. TiVo entered the Canadian market after a lengthy wait in late 2007. The brand has arguably not picked up in popularity here as it has in the U.S.; likely because we've only seen the SD Series 2 model. No HD TiVo box has been launched in Canada to date. Also, most cable/satellite TV providers offer pretty snazzy dual set-top box/PVRs (the term Canadians prefer to use, meaning Personal Video Recorder) that afford many of the same features, albeit without as slick an interface.

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