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Will Virgin Media’s TiVo let me surf the net?

Our digital TV expert says...

In short, I’m afraid the Virgin Media TiVo set-top box will not have the functionality to allow you to surf the net Terence - not initially at any rate. But it’s something that may come about in the future, says Virgin Media, however, at launch the box only comes pre-installed with several web-based apps.

These aren’t to be dismissed lightly though - the apps will allow you to monitor your bids on eBay, tweet with Twitter, view photos on Facebook and watch everything on the BBC iPlayer, all through your TV. And there’s the potential for much more; Virgin Media says it is “in discussions” with many companies about future apps. Who knows, TiVo could one day allow you to order a pizza and a film through Domino’s and Blockbuster apps, or book a doctor’s appointment or a taxi, or search the Yellow pages.

Below is some more information about TiVo, and the apps that will be initially available…

What is TiVo?

At the end of last year, cable TV giant Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) launched its TiVo set-top box.

TiVo is a personal video recorder (PVR), similar to the Sky+HD box, which lets you pause, rewind, fast forward and record TV at the touch of a button.

What makes it different from the aforementioned Sky set-top box, is that TiVo set-top boxes are internet-enabled. This means you can access a whole host of internet TV content, including programmes on the BBC iPlayer and YouTube clips.

These are available through dedicated apps, which are accessible through the main menu.

For more information on what the set-top box has to offer, read our guide to Virgin Media TiVo.

The new TiVo box from Virgin Media

What apps are available on TiVo?

Using the apps is easy: simply select the app with your remote and you’ll be taken straight through to the content. There are several apps you’ll be access when you first get your TiVo box. These include:

• eBay - Monitor your bids and sales listings on online auction site eBay
• BBC iPlayer - Get access to all the catch-up TV programmes on the BBC iPlayer website
• Twitter - Update your Twitter status using your TV remote
• YouTube - Watch thousands of hours of video clips on the YouTube website
• Facebook - Take a peek at your friends latest photos on Facebook.

“As the service develops the app line-up will be expanded to include more of your favourites,” says Virgin Media.

Watch our video guide on the apps and games available on TiVo:

Will using TiVo slow down my broadband?

The TiVo set-top box has its own built-in 10Mb modem, so using the dedicated channels on Virgin Media’s cable network won’t affect your broadband.

You, and everyone else in your household, will be able to watch and surf at the same time without any interruption.

I hope this helps answer your question Terence - subscribe to our RSS news feed for all the latest on Virgin Media TiVo, and keep your eyes peeled for new apps.

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