TiVo without a DVR, are you serious? Yes my friends, this is exactly what Best Buy created with its Insignia Connected TV line powered by the familiar TiVo interface. The new sets launched today and come in two sizes: 32 and 42-inch. The partnership between Best Buy and TiVo is a software-only affair, designed to add search for Internet-based content to your living room.
The cost of admission to ride the Best Buy TV train will set you back $499 (£303) for the 32-inch and $699 (£426) for the 42-inch. Onboard you’ll find apps from Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube, Pandora and Napster. There’s also the social media apps from Twitter, Facebook, and the Chumby content network. Overall, the Best Buy branded Insignia Connected TV line will set you back an extra $100 (£60) compared to a standard 32 or 42-inch Insignia set.
Besides the apps and TiVo interface, both Best Buy TVs are full HD 1080p and run at 120 Hz. They have four HDMI inputs, built in Wi-Fi and are compatible with Best Buy’s wireless audio technology, Rocketboost, which works great for sound bar and rear-channel surround sound speaker installations.
The TiVo interface powering the sets is limited to CinemaNow and YouTube listings (for now). To access Netflix content you’ll need to go into the app, there’s no keyboard option and you can’t search TV listings from your service provider. All signs that this is a first generation product. Maybe with the addition of a USB port and IR blaster, the Best Buy Insignia Connected TV line could replace a TV and TiVo, but we’d imagine there’d be a monthly fee involved. Last time we checked TiVo was in the business of monthly subscriptions.
Out Now | Best Buy | $499 (£303), $699 (£426)
