TiVo will support transfers to the video iPod and PSP

According to the New York Times, TiVo is going to allow subscribers to transfer their recorded shows from their TiVo to their video iPod or PlayStation Personal. This is an extension of the existing TiVoToGo service, which can already sync video stored on the TiVo to devices from Creative and other companies.

I think that this is an excellent move on TiVo's part. They have to be worried about Apple releasing a real media centre computer, especially with the latest iMac already heading in that direction with Frontrow. I wonder if they think that this gets them new subscribers, or just a new revenue stream from their existing subscribers. I wonder if they're working with Apple to release a special TiVo+iPod package when their software is ready to roll.

If Apple were to really create a new media centre computer, would they try to partner with TiVo in some way? TiVo has a lot of experience with set-top boxes, a strong and vocal user base, and name recognition in the arena. TiVos are Linux boxes, so it seems like porting their software to the Mac would be relatively easy. Or would Apple prefer to strike out on their own, to ensure that everything is as Apple-like as possible?