TV: TiVo No Mo?

A compelling argument that TiVo's only hope for survival is a buyout by Apple. (Requires Salon Free Day Pass to read.)

Much as I don't want to hear it, TiVo, the company, is on its last legs. It's the creator, the innovator, but it's getting its legs cut out from under it by competing digital recorders. The underwhelming response to its new TiVoToGo system isn't helping. It's on the verge of creating what is referred to in the article as "the Perfect Machine" -- a media center that would connect your personal computers and your TVs and allow the easy, remote-controlled transfer of television shows, movies, music, and photos from one unit to another -- but it's also on the verge of bankruptcy. The author explains why he thinks the creation of the Perfect Machine will be a phenomenon, and why TiVo will need Apple's money, and Apple, TiVo's experience, to make it a reality.

I personally don't give a rat's ass about this Perfect Machine. I just don't want my TiVo to go away, and if Apple is what it takes, then bring 'em on!