Virgin to release TiVo-powered set-top box before end of year

Virgin Media has announced the first details of its long-awaited TiVo-powered set-top.

Described by the cablecaster as am HD/3D unit, it will come with 1TB of storage space for personal recordings, enough for 500 hours.

The new STB will launch alongside Virgin Media’s TiVo-powered next-gen connected TV sometime before the end of the year.

'Virgin Media’s next-generation connected TV service – powered by TiVo – and combined with our superior broadband will blow other ‘connected TV’ products out of the water,' gushed Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media. 'We’re really proud of our new next-generation TV service which will appeal to anyone and everyone looking for the best of live broadcast TV, catch up, on demand and internet apps and services.”

'Powered by Virgin Media's unique fibre optic network, the box will also feature its own dedicated internal modem able to deliver HD video and other online services without impacting customers' regular broadband connections,' added a Virgin Media spokesperson.

'As a result, Virgin Media's new TiVo-powered service will not only be able to deliver linear TV alongside an unbeatable instant TV on demand offering but will also be able to support compelling online video in HD straight to customers' TVs without having to sacrifice other online activities when in use.'

When coupled with Virgin Media’s TV on Demand service, the new service will give UK subscribers access to over 4,600 hours of TV shows, movies and music videos, including hundreds of hours of HD and 3D entertainment, plus catch up TV services from the likes of BBC, ITV and C4.

The original TiVo PVR is fondly remembered by AV fans in the UK for its innovative functions, which included learning your preferences to subsequently record programmes you might want to watch. As such, this new tie-up between the US company and Virgin Media could become one of the hottest set-top boxes aroud.

No pricing, release date or pictures of the new unit have been released. For more on TiVo click here