Tivo and Nero announce PC recording kit

TIVO AND NERO AG have teamed up to transform Windows-based PCs into TV recorders.

The new $199 kit, which features a remote and tuner that plugs directly into the PC, will reportedly allow users to transfer shows recorded on other Tivo devices to a HD or flash drive. Recorded segments can also be burned to a DVD or copied to an MP3 player.

The $199 package also includes a 12-month subscription to the Tivo service and an IR blaster that relays signals from the remote to a set-top box.

The Neo Liquid TV / Tivo PC will initially be available for sale in the US, Mexico and Canada. According to Joshua Danovitz of Tivo, the company plans to launch a European version of the kit during 2009.

"It's really part of a global strategy", said Danovitz.

It should be noted that certain versions of Vista include indigenous TV recording software. However, the two companies are hoping that a familiar interface will appeal to Tivo users worldwide. µ