Although the TiVo Series3 has been out for more than a year, its external storage expansion port has remained inoperable - until now. With software update 9.2, TiVo customers can boost the amount of programming they can store by simply plugging in a verified Serial ATA hard drive.

The feature is also compatible with the new TiVo HD. The company has not yet said what will be considered a "verified" drive, or whether it will sell its own branded hard drives. The 9.2 update also brings an important feature for Amazon Unbox customers: progressive downloads. Users can begin watching the movie the moment it downloads, rather than waiting for it to complete.