TiVo Inc., well known for its user friendly PVRs has updated its online service to allow most customers with a broadband connected TiVo to purchase pay-per-view Amazon movies directly from their TV. Back in March, Amazon partnered with TiVo to allow consumers to purchase video content from its Unbox service; however, up until now purchases could only be made from a PC.
The service offers a selection of around 10,000 movies, shows and other content, priced at $4 per movie rental or $2 per TV show. The user can browse Amazon's catalogue directly from the TV as well make purchases. When a title is selected for purchase, the user is asked for a 5 digit pin before the purchase goes through. If successful, it is downloaded directly to the TiVo. While cable and satellite operators already offer pay-per-view services, their flexibility is limited compared to watching a recording on a TiVo.
With more and more options to rent movies without involving an optical disc, it looks like renting titles on disc may start becoming a thing of the past in the near future.
Further info can be found in this BusinessWeek Report.
