Audio Video News

Couch potatoes rejoice! Seems like just days ago we reported that Amazon.com was going to let you purchase movies downloaded through your TV system. Not a stretch, but opening a whole new world of opportunities, Amazon and TiVo just made an exciting announcement that's taking this to the next level.

If you can purchase movies from Amazon on your TV, why can't you make other purchases from Amazon.com?

This new feature, called Product Purchase will let advertisers link to products shown in a show or commercial. Talk about impulse purchase - you're watching a show and they're talking about a new DVD, and using your TiVo remote, you can buy it without missing your show, whether watching live or recorded.  Product placement ain't got nothing on Product Purchase.

This will only work on broadband-connected Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs. It's already launched on shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Colbert Report, and Burn Notice. My remote's already itching to go shopping.

If you need more information about products, TiVo's Universal Swivel Search lets you get more information about products you see on TV.

Who needs commercials when the shows are just one big ad? Seems like we're going back to the day when a show was sponsored by a single advertiser. Just be careful with that "thumbs up" button. Your TV might be ready for this, but your credit card might not. -Leslie Shapiro

TiVo

Image from ZatzNotFunny