Hot on the heels of TiVo Desktop 2.6, Tivo has released TiVo Desktop 2.6.1 for Windows. The new version includes a number of bug fixes as well as all the features originally included in version 2.6.

The main reason to upgrades is that TiVo Desktop 2.6.1includes a new Windows Certificate. The old one will expire soon so upgrading isn't really optional. But you'll want to upgrade anyway because the new version includes improved recovery from interrupted transfers between your PC and set top box.

If you're running Windows 2000 or an older operating system, you'll need to use a different certificate updater.

[via Gizmo Lovers and TiVo Community Forum]

Now that Comcast has already begun offering TiVo software on Comcast-branded set top boxes in Boston, it looks like Cox Communication wants in on the action. Both Comcast and Cox have been working with TiVo for the last few years to add the popular PVR-maker's software to their set top boxes. Now Multichannel News reports that Cox is preparing to roll out a limited trial in New England.

Cox provides cable service in Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut, so it looks like Cox and Comcast won't be going head to head in Boston.

No word on what kind of premium Cox will charge customers for the TiVo software or when the software will be publicly available. We assume Cox will roll out the software upgrade much the same way that Comcast has, meaning you won't need to call your cable company and request a new box. Rather, the company should be able to deliver a software upgrade over your cable line.

TiVo and Comcast may have missed their August target date for rolling out optional TiVo software to Comcast cable boxes. But hey, better late than never right?

This week Comcast customers in New England who signed up for the service started receiving software updates on their set-top-boxes. This is the first time any cable company has delivered TiVo software without offering a standalone TiVo box. Once upon a time TiVo and satellite provider DirecTV had a partnership to deliver co-branded set-top-boxes, but that relationship has since gone the way of the dodo.

There's no word on when Comcast/TiVo will begin offering the service outside of New England, but given how long it took for anyone besides a TiVo or Comcast employee to get the service in the first place, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Elgato has announced an update to the popular EyeTV PVR software for Mac. EyeTV 2.5 includes support for streaming recorded television shows to internet connected devices including the iPhone and iPod Touch.

EyeTV 2.5 sets up a web server on your computer which you can access using Safari on your mobile device. You can browser stored recordings and playlists and stream shows to your iPhone or iPod.

You can also export recorded programs to your iPod/iPhone. The update also includes improved H.264 HDTV playback and the ability to record from a live buffer. That means if you've been watching a show for a few minutes, you can click record to save the show starting from when you began watching.

EyeTV 2.5 is a free upgrade for existing users. New customers will have to find $80 in their couch cushions.

In one fell swoop ReplayTV PC Edition has gone from being the most expensive PC-based PVR software on the market to becoming one of the cheapest commercial options around. I'd say kudos to ReplayTV if I didn't believe the price drop was prompted by the fact that nobody was willing to pay $100 for the software.

Perhaps most surprising is the fact that ReplayTV is actually refunding $50 to each person who has already bought the software.

As we've pointed out in the past, ReplayTV PC Edition does have a nice interface and some pretty advanced search functions, but it was hampered by its high price. Hopefully this announcement will expose the software to a wider audience.

ReplayTV has also released version 1.2 of its software with updates, including enhanced mouse-based navigation.

[via PC World]

CTpvr version 2.1 is out, and while the software isn't as well known as PC based PVRs like Windows Media Center, SageTV, or BeyondTV, CTpvr does have a few nifty features, like support for picture-in-picture.

Here's some of the new features in version 2.1:

• CTpvr now includes its own subscription-free TV listing data, with support for multiple channel lineups.
• Support for alternate composite video input
• Additional hardware support
• Some UI tweaks
• Import video, music, and recording information via plugins
• Play movie trailers for files stored in video libraries

CTpvr is available for $30, or you can run a free trial version for 15 day.

[via Missing Remote]

If you've shelled out the big bucks for a Series3 TiVo, you're probably reveling in high quality, high definition recordings. But it's always seemed a bit silly that you have to give up many of the perks Series2 boxes have to offer, like TiVoCast, KidZone, and WPA wireless support.

Well, TiVo's finally rolling out version 8.1 of its software for Series3 owners. It's a phased rollout, so if your TiVo doesn't have the updated software yet, rest assured it's coming soon, probably by next week.

This doesn't mean Series3 TiVo units can do everything a Series2 does just yet. There's still no TiVoToGo for transferring recordings from your set top box to your PC. And there's no multi-room viewing. But that's a small price to pay for CableCard support and high definition television right? Right?

[via Zatz Not Funny]