Not long ago Tivo provided its users the ability to make a request to record TV programs over the web. I had not used this feature before and since I forgot to schedule our Tivo to record the Mexico game (in case that I could not make it on time this evening) this seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the feature. wow, this was great, specially for those mornings when we are in a hurry and forget to program it before we leave the house.

The process is pretty simple, you simply log into the Tivo website and select the show you want to record. Since you have to "register" each box with the company, you are given the option to select which tivo you want to record this program. We only have one so that was an easy selection to make. You can also select the default recording setting, just like your have the machine set up at home or record the show with custom settings. The process ends up with placing a request to record the program and gives you the option to receive notification emails.

The part that I was a little nervous was the fact that the request would get to our Tivo next time it "called home" and since the game was tonight, I was not expecting the request would get processed in time. I am still not sure how often the PVR calls home during the day but when I checked, the game had been scheduled to be recorded just as if I had done it with the remote. Regarding the email messages, I received a message letting me know the request had been made and a second one confirming the request had been actually scheduled.

We still don’t use our Tivo to its full capacity (mostly because we can only watch and record one channel — we have an old tv!) but this feature alone is great. I also downloaded the software that allows you to view your shows on the computer over the weekend so that will be the next feature I try out.