By Rachel Cericola, Nov 21, 2005

TiVo is starting to grasp at straws. But instead of just your standard plastic issue, these are like those Pixie-Stix-style ones -- with something a little sweet inside.

It seems like every electronics manufacturer is coming out with their own way to record and pause live TV. It's probably like when Kleenex realized Puffs was really softer. So they are coming up with a slew of ways to convince you that paying their fees are well worth the cost.

I have to admit: I am intrigued. MSNBC says that the TiVoToGo feature will soon be compatible with the Apple iPod and Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Basically, you can set up your TiVo to record shows to load to your portable device automatically. You have to transfer them to your PC first, but all of that could be set up to happen easily as well. Rumor has it that the whole process should take about two hours for a one-hour show. Not too shabby.

Something that you might find a little shabby: You can't transfer on-demand or pay-per-view content, even though you paid for it. Also, big brother might be watching and will know if you try to load them to the Web. The content will be watermarked too, so if you get other ideas, they won't be bright ones.

I am a fan of TiVo as much as the next person. I mean, I don't actually own one. I have the plain, generic digital video recorder (DVR) -- and yes, I am addicted to it. And now that I have it, I see why TiVo needs to work on their "extras." I admit it: I am jealous. TiVo says it will begin testing the feature in upcoming week, and it should be available by the first quarter in 2006.