Amazon Unbox on TiVo

Michael Gartenberg | March 16, 2007, 10:44 AM

Amazon unbox is now live and integrated with TiVo. This overcomes a big issue I had with the idea early on as there was no way to get it to work with two critical devices, iPods and TV sets. While it doesn’t solve the first issue, it does at least partially resolve the 2nd. While this makes sense for rentals, I still don’t see why anyone would purchase a movie in this fashion. Granted, if you’re buying from the iTunes store, you’re talking about portability with the iPod and PC viewing (as well as Apple TV integration). In this model, it’s going to the PC and the TV so I’m still not sure why this is better than just buying the DVD. Certainly there’s also logic for using to purchase episodes of a series that you might have missed. One thing isn’t clear, whether deleting from the TiVo afterward re-sets the usage rights and how seamless the integration is.

I noticed that the episode of Star Trek that I bought and could never get working has a download left. Just tried to send it over to the TiVo here. Will let you know how it goes. Surely, the integration between TiVo and Amazon should mitigate some of the DRM management issues that have seemed to plague this thing.

UPDATE - It worked really well. Deleting files on the TiVo immediately restored the license. This is really much improved and useful if you have a connected TiVo. Now I just wish there were more rental content available. One thing I don't understand is why all Unbox content doesn't work on the TiVo. Seem to still be a subset.