● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 negative
TiVo to charge for automatic commercial skipping feature starting November 2026
Key points
- Free SkipMode feature ends November 2, 2026.
- New Premium Auto Commercial Skip will be a paid add-on.
- Manual fast-forward and 30-second skip remain free.
- Pricing and full details to be announced before cutoff date.
Automatic Commercial Skipping Becomes Paid Feature
TiVo has announced that its long-standing free SkipMode feature, which allowed users to bypass commercials with a single button press or automatically, will be discontinued on November 2, 2026. The company plans to replace it with a new subscription-based service called Premium Auto Commercial Skip.
Impact on Users
After the cutoff date, users who wish to retain the automatic or one-button commercial skipping functionality will need to pay an additional monthly fee. While the exact price has not yet been disclosed, TiVo will offer a 30-day free trial of the new service starting in November. Manual commercial skipping methods, such as the 30-second skip and fast-forward, will remain available and free.
Background of SkipMode
SkipMode has been a key feature of the TiVo experience for years, providing markers on recorded shows to allow viewers to jump directly past commercial breaks. On newer TiVo Experience 4 devices, this feature could even be set to operate automatically. This functionality was typically available for popular prime-time programming shortly after airing.
Company Strategy Shift
This change aligns with TiVo's parent company, Xperi, shifting its focus away from manufacturing new DVR hardware. Xperi is increasingly concentrating on its smart-TV operating system and advertising technology. Automatic commercial skipping was a significant differentiator for TiVo against competitors, and making it a paid add-on marks a notable change in its service model.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
TiVo will discontinue its free SkipMode feature on November 2, 2026, and introduce a new paid add-on called Premium Auto Commercial Skip for automatic commercial skipping. This change means users will need to subscribe to retain the one-button or automatic ad-skipping functionality that was previously a core offering.