Although announced back in March, it’s only today that TiVo users can finally access YouTube through their set-top boxes — and a minority of TiVo users at that. The new feature is made possible because of YouTube’s decision to re-encode its library of content to H.264 video, a format that only TiVo Series 3 and HD models can support. The result, says Streaming Media’s Dan Rayburn, is that of TiVo’s four million subscribers, only 750,000 get access to YouTube, and even then only if they have their set-top box connected to the Internet, which many don’t.

Nonetheless, for those that can get it, YouTube access will be a welcome addition to TiVo’s existing lineup. And typically, TiVo appear to have implemented it well. Don’t take our word for it though, and instead judge for yourselves by watching the video after the jump (courtesy of our friends over at Zatz Not Funny).

Other posts that may be of interest

• TiVo continues expansion, adds YouTube to “television services” lineup
• Order movies direct from TiVo
• PlayStation 3 games can now offer YouTube uploads
• Rhapsody music service comes to TiVo
• YouTube continues to invade the living room, now supported by HP MediaSmart TVs and set-top box
• TiVo update adds progressive downloads, multi-room viewing, and TiVoToGo

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 10:54 am and is filed under Net TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.