TiVo is adding the ability to download recorded programs to Apple's video capable iPod, according to the New York Times. A planned update to TiVoToGo in the first part of 2006 will add the download service to the iPod, along with Sony's PSP.

The new software will add a syncing feature that lets viewers choose which programs automatically copy from the TiVo recorder to their iPod, and will digitally tag the recordings to help reduce piracy. The update will also include a "minimal" fee to cover MPEG-4 licensing charges.

The TiVoToGo service currently supports transferring recordings to Windows-based PCs, as well as handheld video devices from Creative Technologies and Samsung. The current list of supported devices does not have the popularity of the iPod or PSP, prompting TiVo to expand the range of supported devices.

A Mac OS X compatible version of TiVoToGo would fill what some consider to be a glaring omission in Apple's Front Row on the new G5 iMac: The ability to record live TV for later viewing. Front Row is a home entertainment management application that lets viewers watch DVDs, listen to their music collection, and download and watch some TV shows and other videos from the iTunes Music Store (iTMS). An iMac-plus-Front Row-plus-TiVo combination would add up to a powerful home entertainment system.

The TiVoToGo service will be available for the Mac in mid to late 2006.