TiVo Inc. on Monday said it will begin testing a feature in the coming weeks to let some subscribers transfer recorded television programing to Apple iPod digital music players or Sony"s PlayStation portable devices, sending the company"s shares up 4.5 percent. The new feature will only be available to "stand-alone" TiVo subscribers that are not among the 2.3 million customers from satellite TV operator DirecTV Group Inc. (DTV.N: Quote, Profile, Research)
TiVo"s move bypasses Apple Computer Inc., whose decision in October to sell music videos and ABC TV network shows started much debate in the media industry about the end of the advertising supported TV business model. One analyst briefed on the announcement said the new feature may raise "concerns" among program owners, who aim to profit from movies and shows either through DVD or online sales.