Yahoo has released free software, in beta, that turns a PC into a digital video recorder (DVR), writes CNET. Using Yahoo Go for TV, users plug their computer into their TVs' video and audio input connections, allowing the computer to record and play back on the TV the recorded shows. The software allows the playing or showing on TV of DVDs, music, photos or other content downloaded to a computer. A TV/computer combination seems an optimal way of reaching consumers both for media and advertising.

The Yahoo Go for TV software runs, for now, just on Windows and requires a computer with 20GB of disk space, 512MB RAM and a 1GHZ processor - as well as a TV tuner card, remote control and connector cables.

The software works with other Yahoo Go media products such as radio and music subscription service Launchcast and photo-sharing site Flickr. Last week, Yahoo announced its purchase of Houston-based Meedio's technology and intellectual property.

Prior coverage:

'Yahoo Go': Mobile, TV, PC Services without a Browser