New service by TiVo - bridges Internet to the TV

Reports that TiVo today plans to announce a new set of Internet-based services that will allow users to download movies and music to their video recorder's hard drive. "We're fully committed to developing an entertainment experience you can't get over normal broadcast television. This is what we think the future of television is," said Michael Ramsay, chairman and CEO of TiVo. According to the article, the move may be intended to insulate TiVo from potential competition from DirectTV, which may move to develop its own video recorder. Netflix, RealNetworks and Blockbuster are looking into Internet video distribution as well, says the article. Also, phone companies are looking for ways move video and television programming via D.S.L.