Interactive Tivo Mag Set On Pax

The first interactive television magazine to be broadcast will launch Friday, allowing TiVo subscribers to record future programming with a click of their remote control.

TiVo, a set-top personal video recording device and subscription service, has acquired a half-hour weekly slot on the Pax TV network to broadcast a half-hour entertainment magazine called "TiVo Takes."

The show broadcast takes the place of "Worship" at 5:30 a.m. Fridays, and while 85% of the Pax audience can see the new show, only TiVo subscribers can interact with the programming.

"TiVo Takes," hosted by former c|net anchor Daphne Brogdon and produced by TiVo Studios in San Jose, Calif., will highlight 12-15 network programs -- including sports, movies and entertainment -- that are scheduled to air during the coming week. It also spotlights one short film a week from the Web site IFILM, one of the magazine's charter sponsors.

Using the TiVo remote control, subscribers can choose to watch a featured program or movie or select a "season pass," which instructs the set-top box to record every program episode.

"It's 'Entertainment Tonight' meets TV Guide," said Stacy Jolna, TiVo chief programming officer/vp advertising and media partnership.

"Daphne walks TiVo subscribers through the upcoming week's programming, showing them clips and providing them with an educated and informed view," Jolna said. "The difference is that our subscribers are able to select the show they desire right then and there."

TiVo is expected to expand its interactive magazine format to include music, games and shopping, Jolna added.

While IFILM pays TiVo an undisclosed fee to carry its weekly short films, Jolna said featured programs are selected by a group of TiVo editors according to what they believe would most interest TiVo subscribers, independent of partnership agreements or equity stakes in TiVo.

Since its inception in 1997, TiVo has gathered numerous strategic and equity partners, including Showtime Networks, HBO, Encore Media Group and NBC.

Manufacturers of 30-hour-recordable TiVo set-top boxes recently dropped the retail price on the units from nearly $1,000 to $400.