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The death of TV is just one tantalizing step closer to reality. Tivo announced that they will run a trial allowing users to pre-download IFC movies direct to their TVs via the internet. Some pics of the service available at Engadget.

SAN FRANCISCO - Add TiVo Inc. to the list of companies trying to wed the Internet to television. The digital recording company is preparing to enable customers to download TV shows to their set-top boxes via the Internet — even before the shows air on TV.

TiVo has struck a deal with the Independent Film Channel to transmit several of the cable channel’s shows through a broadband connection as part of a trial program. A group of customers were asked to take part in the test and those who chose to participate will begin receiving the IFC shows next week, said TiVo spokesman Elliot Sloane.

Much has been said about Tivo over the years but the fact remains that they are one of the few successful “set-top” boxes out there. Bringing internet TV to real TVs is the only way to really eliminate traditional distribution networks. No one wants to watch “Desperate Housewives” on their laptops.