ALVISO, California: Digital video recorder pioneer TiVo has allied with German digital media company Nero to launch a new system enabling consumers to use their computers to record programs as they would via a set-top box.

The new Nero LiquidTV/TiVo PC kit – priced at $199 (€138; £110) – features a TV tuner that can be plugged into a PC, as well as a remote control and an interface similar to that in use on TiVo's existing digital TV unit.

It will initially be available in the US, Canada and Mexico, launching in Europe next year and marking an expansion in TiVo's operations on the continent  where its sole presence is in the UK.

Joshua Danovitz, vo/general manager of international business at TiVo, said the launch is “really part of a global TiVo strategy."

Nero will sell video-recording software separately for computer users who already own a TV tuner, though buyers will automatically get access to TiVo's program guide for one year. Renewals will cost $99.

Some variants of Microsoft's Windows Vista already contain a TV tuner and free program guide, but TiVo is said to be hoping that its interface and the strength of its brand will give it an advantage.

Data sourced from Wall Street Journal Online/Associated Press; additional content by WARC staff