TiVo to sell trimmed down premium TV video recorder

A screen shows Internet services available through an broadband-connected TiVo digital video recorder at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada January 5, 2006. TiVo Inc. introduced a trimmed-down, less expensive version of its digital video recorder for high-definition televisions on Tuesday, hoping to spur mainstream demand 10 months after a pricey first foray was received coolly.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - TiVo Inc. (TIVO.O) introduced a trimmed-down, less expensive version of its digital video recorder for high-definition televisions on Tuesday, hoping to spur mainstream demand 10 months after a pricey first foray was received coolly.

The company said its TiVo HD model, capable of recording up to 20 hours of high-resolution TV signals, would sell for about $300, starting in August.

That contrasts with the nearly $800 price tag of its TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder, which holds about 30 hours of HD programming and has more high-end audio and video features.

Still, both models are expensive for a cable set-top box, a device that many consumers receive for a negligible monthly fee from their cable or satellite TV provider.

TiVo is aiming to differentiate itself from digital recorder services offered by cable operators, even as it seeks to land more cable distribution deals. Monthly fees for TiVo's service are generally higher than its rivals, but it offers many unique Web-related and home networking features, such as being able to control TiVo from a mobile phone.

Jim Denny, vice president of product marketing for TiVo said he was unsure if TiVo was building new Series3 boxes, but believes existing inventory should keep the device available through the start of 2008.

(Reporting by Franklin Paul)