TiVo finally comes to Canada

TiVo, the popular U.S. television-recording device, is finally arriving in Canada in early December.

The TiVo set-top device, which allows viewers to record shows and skip commercials, will be available across Canada except in Quebec through Best Buy, Future Shop, The Brick and London Drug stores for $199. Device owners also need to subscribe to the TiVo service, which has a monthly subscription price of $12.95, with discounts availableon long-term contracts.

The Series2 DT DVR can hold up to 80 hours of standard-definition programming, TiVo Inc. said in a press release, and can record one show while the viewer watches another. The device can also be hooked up to a broadband connection, which allows the viewer to remotely program it to record using a computer. The TiVo service also allows users to transfer their recordings onto a laptop, iPod or PlayStation Portable.

The device is optimized for cable viewing, with the multi-channel recording feature not available to satellite subscribers. The TiVo device being released in Canada also does notrecord high-definition television, although other models in the United States do record HD.

TiVo has been a big hit in the United States, replacing the VCR as the television-recording device of choice. Some Canadians have been able to use TiVos bought in the United Statesbut have reported problems asit has not been officially supported by the manufacturer.

The company said the move into Canada is part of the company's overall expansion plan.

"TiVo's move into Canada represents a natural, important progression for our business as we continue to make sustained progress across international markets," said Joshua Danovitz, vice-president andgeneral managerof international at TiVo.

The TiVo will compete with similar digital recording devices offered by television providers, including Rogers Communications Inc. and Bell Canada Inc., which sell for about $300. Devices offered by television providers, however, only work with that particular company's service.