Starting this week, as part of a trial program, TiVo will allow some customers to download TV shows from the internet to their set-top boxes even before the shows air on TV, reports the AP. In a deal with the Independent Film Channel, several of that cable channel's shows will be available via broadband. Engadget late last week posted the message that TiVo had sent customers regarding the test service.

Video and content on demand has been a goal for internet and cable companies as part of their effort to create the next generation of TV, but finding a fast way to download movies and convincing moviemakers that they can make a profit and content won't be pirated have been significant hurdles.

According to industry speculation, if TiVo can overcome the various technical hurdles, it could become threat to cable, satellite and eventually internet protocol television (IPTV) developers such as SBC, writes the San Francisco Chronicle. It also reports TiVo representatives as saying on Friday that they will be testing a new delivery system and new content this week but refusing to offer other information.

The news of the test service comes amid bad news for TiVo, with its partner DirecTV saying Thursday it would stop marketing the TiVo digital video recorder and start offering its own, although the two companies will work together through 2007. Comcast signed a deal in spring with TiVo to develop DVRs, but the cable company is also developing its own DVR.

Meanwhile, Comcast already offers video-on-demand at no additional charge to its digital service customers, with the shows from PBS, HBO, NFL Network, MTV and elsewhere delivered over coaxial cable.