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TiVo 9.3 software update to speed up the DVR's interface

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

April 2, 2008, 7:33 PM

TiVo will roll out a new software update to all subscribers in the next few weeks, which promises to remedy a common complaint among TiVo users since the service launched over eight years ago: speed.

TiVo software version 9.3 will significantly speed up nearly all of the common tasks that customers do with a TiVo. No longer will the DVR pause for nearly a minute while it reorders Season Pass priorities or stall for half a minute when a Season Pass is created. Users will see between 10 and 30 second speed improvements in these areas.

In addition, the interface will feel crisper, with TiVo Central (the default dashboard that pops up after you press the TiVo button on the remote) loading 1 second faster. Scrolling through the Now Playing list of recordings and changing the channel will also now be around 1 second faster.

Confirming a recording will be between 3 and 5 seconds faster in version 9.3 compared to 9.2.

It appears TiVo will not be introducing any new features into 9.3, such as the XMPP (Jabber) protocol that will eventually allow the company to push scheduled recordings and video downloads directly to customers' DVRs. However, some unspecified fixes have been made with regards to CableCARD support.

Like it does with all of its software updates, TiVo has posted a priority page on its Web site (Series2 only) for subscribers to sign up for 9.3 ahead of its standard rollout. An exact date for the release has not been specified, but it should arrive before the end of the month.

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By tigger4046

posted Apr 4, 2008 - 9:12 AM

I went into the site and posted the request for the update, my tivo will pull it sometime this week.

Score: 0

By tscar13

posted Apr 4, 2008 - 2:17 AM

Gee, it only took them 8 years. I'm impressed.

Score: 0

By vitiris

edited Apr 3, 2008 - 7:40 AM

I experience the slow interface on my HD TiVo more than my Series2. Why does the priority update only apply to Series2? Does the 9.3 update apply to Series3 and HD TiVo as well?

Score: 0

By forgie

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 11:05 AM

The biggest selling point for TiVo right now (especially for my wife) is the ability to rate shows and have TiVo record other shows it thinks you'll like. Gives the ability to always have something to watch, even when nothing is on. A big issue, which I'm hoping TiVo is addressing in this update, is that the video codec starts dropping frames badly every once in a while when watching HD channels, and is only fixed by restarting the TiVo (which takes 10+ minutes literally).

Score: 0

By nate

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 11:38 AM

Your problem is likely that your cable signal is of poor quality, and can't handle the HD signal. Call up your cable provider and have them come test your signal level.

I had a lot of issues with this before moving. Comcast couldn't keep their HD signal working cleanly.

Also, restarting the TiVo takes about 5 minutes tops.

Score: 0

By forgie

edited Apr 3, 2008 - 1:41 PM

Using the TiVo diagnostic tools the signal shows itself as 90% or better, whether the frame rate loss is occuring or not. This isn't specific to live TV, as when the issue might start occuring with live TV, I can go to a pre-recorded show that I had watched before fine, and it is also losing frames. I've posted my issue on tivo forums and been told by others with the issue that TiVo is aware of it and there will be a fix. So far it hasn't been a huge deal, but it's been annoying.

I'm not about to get out the stop watch, but even if restarting was closer to 5 minutes than 10 minutes, it still takes far too long.

Score: 0

By i2k

edited Apr 3, 2008 - 1:23 PM

Correct. No issues here with Verizon FIOS coming straight into the TIVO HD box. True QAM baby.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 11:33 AM

"A big issue, which I'm hoping TiVo is addressing in this update, is that the video codec starts dropping frames badly every once in a while when watching HD channels, and is only fixed by restarting the TiVo"

I've never had this issue. My biggest complaing is the guide is kinda slow...takes a second to populate the grid...sounds like this update will fix that though.

Score: 0

By bigshotshotdown

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 11:32 AM

Doubt the update is going to help. I think this is only for Series 2 (non-HD) TiVos.

Score: 0

By forgie

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 1:41 PM

I've read that the update has rolled out to Series 2 boxes, and that a limited amount of people have received a pre-release for the Series 3 boxes. TiVo plans to roll out to all Series 3 in a few weeks after they're sure all is well.

Score: 0

By i2k

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 1:21 PM

Does actually increase the speed of the guide. I got this update already on my HD tivo.

Score: 0

By Hollywood__

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 10:12 AM

Tivo is still in business? It was cool before everyone starting putting DVR's in their cable boxes and satellite receivers.

I can't wait for this turd to finally flush.

Score: 0

By Neoprimal

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 12:39 PM

As someone who has owned/used both, as well as other DVRs the Tivo trumps them all. All I can say is, don't knock till' you try it. It's a great system that just around anyone can use. Comcast and DirecTV DVRs pale in comparison, and PC DVRs just don't have the 'set it and forget it' attitude that the Tivo box does...sure you can record all 'new showing's or all showings or selective times etc. but it doesn't get much smarter than that. With a Tivo, your season pass is your key...as well as the guru guide, etc.

Score: 0

By dssdbs

edited Apr 3, 2008 - 10:40 AM

LOL, sounds like you are a little jealous! TiVo is the only DVR worth having. Everything else is just that "everything else". There is TiVo, and then there is "everything else". Sounds like you have settled for "everything else" and are just bitter because of it.

Score: 0

By agsGeoff

edited Apr 3, 2008 - 12:24 PM

Wish they would work on getting the Switched Video issue sorted out. If people are unable to watch channels offered by Cable Companies, TiVo are going to loose business anyway, no matter how fast the boxes are. I bet this "update" is aimed more at the cabel co boxes using TiVo software.
Not to mention, the Series 2 will be partially obsolete when more and more channels switch to HD streams.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 12:32 PM

"Wish they would work on getting the Switched Video issue sorted out."

What switched video issue?

Score: 0

By i2k

posted Apr 3, 2008 - 1:20 PM

This update is for Series 3 / HD also. Check the priority page for information on this (automatically rolled out to any TiVo on the S3 platform)

Switched Video is where some providers are switching to a model where only one channel (the one you are watching is sent down the line) Google SDV and Tivo. The issue will be addressed with an addon USB dongle provided by the cable companies.

Score: 0

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