What is Digg?143 Comments
- onceler, on 10/12/2007, -3/+17Comcast DVR isn't free, they charge $5-$10 a month for DVR Rental. Plus, I would much rather have a Tivo that has had 5-10 years to iron out the OS than have to use the crappy Comcast product.
- anamanaman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+14Tivo is un-freakin believable. Its a good product and all but their subscription thing is unreal. After a month, they FORCE you into a year contract. No perks or anything. Its just a weird thing, use it for a month and then you have to use it for a year more. The cancellation fee is $150, which is about the price of a year anyways.
I cancelled after learning about this and they tried charging me $150. I thought it was nuts, and have rejected the charge on my Credit Card. If they want my money, they'll have to fight me for it. Definately wont be doing business with them again and would advise against it until they change their subscription policy dramatically. - radixus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8That's a bummer. I just paid for Windows Media Center $130 bucks and get all the DVR capabilities I'll need with no monthly fee!
- peerk, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9To the guy talking about the Comcast HD DVR boxes:
I have a SA Explorer 8300 HD from Comcast and have also been a Tivo user for 5 years.
Using the explorer 8300 feels like going back to the stone age after using a Tivo for so long.
The 8300 feels like a rushed product and is a very bare bones DVR. Hopefully they will update the software. Or load up Tivo software with the comcast/tivo deal (is that only for Motorola boxes?).
Here are my biggest problems with it.
- I haven't found a search by title feature to record shows. You have to manually scroll through the guide or schedule a recording by time.
- Scheduled recordings don't have the option to record 1st run only(skip repeats)
- No such thing as a season pass (I haven't found it)
- The remote is cumbersome to use. I suppose I will adjust to this over time. - samdu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8It's really not that huge a deal. The "lifetime" contract only covered the lifetime of the specific unit. If you ever upgraded, your had to renew your "lifetime" contract. Of course, having a DirecTiVo means that I didn't have a lifetime contract option, anyway.
- moobys, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I have two TiVo units over 5 years old and lifetime service has paid for itself several times over.
I won't be buying any more TiVo units now because $19.95 a month is ridiculous compared to a one time $299 payment on a new TiVo. I can put all that money towards a home brew PVR that actually records HD now. - robfl, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11That Scientific Atlanta box you get from Comcast or whoever is not the same as having a Tivo. I get so tired of hearing "It's like Tivo".
- tetfsu, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Everything I've heard from friends that have Comcast DVRs say they do suck. But I'm biased.
- TigerClaw, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Thats good, But what if you want to upgrade to a newer Tivo, I dont think they will transfer your lifetime service to the newer box.
- tkdan235, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8I hope TiVo gets sold to another company that has the resources and ingenuity to do something with the product. Apple please?
- opnotic, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I have wanted to cancel my TiVo service for about 2 years now.. I'm to lazy to sit on the phone on hold for 45 minutes. They used to allow canceling subscriptions via their website. Suprise... now you can only add subscriptions via the website.
TiVo is just plain Shaddy. I, like everyone originally, loved them at first. Now I loathe them. They have done a good job of ruining their brand name through the years. - lament, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You don't need a phone to activate. If you have a *wired* USB adapter, you can bypass the phone and use the wired adapter to connect. Then you get a *wireless* USB adapter after that and you'll never need the phone again.
- merreborn, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"The "lifetime" contract only covered the lifetime of the specific unit. If you ever upgraded, your had to renew your "lifetime" contract."
My dad gave me his 5 year old series 1 tivo with home-installed 300 gig drive and lifetime service for christmas, when he bought himself a series 2 with DVD burner. I'm glad as hell they offered lifetime service, otherwise this thing would be worthless to me -- I don't really want to blow the cash on monthly service.
By way of analogy, imagine if the windows operating system had two payment options, a lifetime option, and monthly option. Obviously, a 5 year old PC with a lifetime subscription is still a valuable piece of hardware; without, it's little more than a doorstop. - fletchowns, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4The Comcast DVR box doesn't suck, and for $5/mo AND it does HD, what the ***** is Tivo thinking? Why are they trying to charge so much?
- zanfir, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I had the Comcast DRV for about a month. It does suck. Yeah, it's great to have a dual tuner HD recorder, but the UI really sucks. If you have a Tivo and go to the Comcast DVR, you know how much it sucks.
- tetfsu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4What is TiVo thinking? They have made some fairly decent decisions lately (at least it seems so...)
1) HD TiVo Series 3 announcement
2) Yahoo partnership
3) Download IPTV (Rocketboom only for now, they need to expand this ASAP.)
4) Listen to Podcasts
Now this... this is a BAD idea. I have a lifetime Series 2 and 2 DirecTivos.
Those of us who LOVE TiVo really want the company to make good decisions so we don't loose it forever.
COME ON TIVO EXECS.... GET A CLUE. Increase your subscriber base with good decisions, don't screw your potential new customers... to try please the shareholders quickly. That will come once you get enough people behind you! This is going to backfire. - tavisjohn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3That is why I love my ATI TV Tuner cards! I have been getting FREE TV Guide Listings for about 10 years now!
(I even installed it onto computers that do not have TV Tuners so that I can have easy access to the Guide Listings - tetfsu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Get a TiVo quick and get the lifetime subscription... You won't be sorry for the decision. Get a factory refurb from TiVo.com directly. They are pretty cheap and work just fine.
- SilentBobSC, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3They absolutely WILL NOT transfer a lifetime service plan, I argued with a CSR and several supervisors about this... If you buy the Lifetime subscription you're screwed... I'm not crying to see it go bye-bye...
- sjk8990, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2If they ever get rid of having to use a phone line to activate the box I'll consider buying one.
- e3mw, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2yeah, it's doubtful that they'll do that. But why worry about that when the Series 3 hasn't been released yet. And when it does, I'm sure that they will have some way of accomodating existing users of Series 2 boxes that want to upgrade.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3yeah, directv tivo at least they absorb the tivo fee if you have their full content, so the tivo part feels free (even though you're throwing out 100+ bucks a month total)
Too bad directv tivo is to end as well though apparently. Tivo should just license it's remote and code again like they used to. - antdude, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3The thing about these PVRs, I don't want to subscribe. I just want a basic recorder and be able to timeshift. I don't need the fancy TV guides, etc. I use my computer as a PVR.
- acontorer, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3And who said this was supposed to help the customer?
- kirk06, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Maybe I misunderstood the article, but what does this mean for current customers' pricing with their existing units?
The only thing I get from this article is for people buying new units. Am I correct in this, or totally reading this wrong? - Anth, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2They arent changing the $12.95/mo cost for current subs, are they?
- 16x9, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I can't say I blame them much.
I bought a TiVo a very long time ago and I purchased a lifetime subscription to go along with it. I'm still using that same unit all these years later. TiVo has got to be losing their asses on people like me.
If the TiVo people were to read this (which they probably won't), I'd have two suggestions for them...
First:
--------
Offer a modified lifetime subscription. By that I mean that we (the customer) are allowed to pay a rather large fee up front. But then, rather than paying nothing on a month-to-month basis, lifetime subscribers DO pay a monthly fee. But it's a monthly fee that is substantially lower than the standard fee charged to those who've opted not to purchase a lifetime subscription.
In this way, someone who hangs onto a lifetime subscription forever (as I've done) may not be much of a profit center but at least they won't become a financial liability.
Second:
--------
This one is admittedly selfish. But I still think it's a good idea. Offer people with current lifetime subscriptions the opportunity to buy one of the high-end TiVo DVRs with all the trimmings (including DVD burner) for under $100. This offer would be valid only if the customer is willing to negate their existing lifetime subscription.
TiVo might flinch at this suggestion but I'll tell ya, I use my old TiVo in my home office where it is far from critical that I have loads of hard drive storage space and the latest features. In other words, TiVo, without a real incentive to abandon my lifetime subscription I'll probably hang onto my old TiVo box for years to come. - Aflat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Tivo is saying that if you have order a Tivo through them, you get a 30 grace period to get lifetime, but you ahve to talk to a supervisor.
Lifetimed Tivos on ebay should catch a pretty penny in a couple years... - bryan314, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3You can still get Lifetime subscriptions on tivos for the next week. so..
1)buy tivo
2)buy life time sub
3)wait a few months
4)ebay
5)?
6)profit - egbert, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3> having a DirecTiVo means that I didn't have a lifetime contract option, anyway.
When TiVo managed the DirecTiVo there was a lifetime offer. Soon after DirecTV took control of managing the DirecTiVo they got rid of lifetime. The good news was that if you had lifetime then DirecTV transfered it to your DirecTV account. If you have lifetime then it applies as long as you have a DirecTV account. - peerk, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"How about you return your bill via mail saying "cancel". "
I have never received a Tivo bill. I just see a charge on my card on each month.
But not wanting to call up is a bad excuse for not canceling the service. - lament, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Current Tivo subscribers who only have 1 Tivo box: this thread will explain how to get Tivo to drop your monthly price to $6.95/month. It took 2 calls, but it worked for me.. this is for Tivo monthly standalone customers only.
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?catid=18&threadid=387215 - deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Comcast uses stock Motorola software on their boxes I believe which does indeed suck. The hardware itself is actually pretty good and once you get your recordings setup it's not too horrible to use. For $5/month with no contract (or complexity of a second set top box) it's a pretty good deal.
- jcronkhite, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2This is the beginning of the end for Tivo. With all of the free "do-it-yourself" options and DVR inclusive cable and now satellite packages out there, Tivo doesn't stand a chance. Either way, people with still be saying things like "I Tivo'd it!" Tivo will remain as an action, but not as a product. Thanks, Tivo! You've left your mark!
- vypergts, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3From the article:
"The changes will not affect TiVo's current base of subscriptions." - scottso, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Still - I could have netted out much, *much* better. I got a TiVo for my parents for $50, plus $299 lifetime service = $349. (I think mine was $199 + $299 service = $498.) If it lasts over 5 years like my current one, this pricing scheme is a real loser for TiVo consumers.
Old net = $349
3 years = $469
5 years = $782 at the "per month" rate under the 3 year plan - maddoginthefog, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The lifetime subscription was never a good deal. It was tied to the box which means that there was no upgrade path. It's a good thing for them to get rid of that. The new pricing seems high but you get what you pay for. I have seen the Comcast DVR and I think there is NO COMPARISON to TiVo if you're talking about user epxerience. I wouldn't write off TiVo yet.
- kolop1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I am glad i purchased my Tivo over a year ago and purchased the life time package. Once my Tivo dies though. I will just build a computer and make that my DVR.
- thehans, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I have the Comcast/Motorola DVR for HD, and it's not a bad unit. The UI does suck compared to a Tivo and it takes some getting used to. I still own a Tivo as well, my wife uses it because the Comcast box is too difficult for here to use. Otherwise I would have dropped Tivo a year ago. When the Comcast/Tivo deal finally manifests into a product, I will finally get rid of my Series 2 Tivo.
- wdrussell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You'll just be issued one at birth by some point.
- StigT, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Tivo ran a deal for awhile where you could buy a Series 2 from them and they would transfer your Series 1 lifetime to the Series 2.
I did this. I was a somewhat early adopter of Tivo and paid less $150 for my Series 1 lifetime (I gave my Series 1 to my sister who bought a more expensive lifetime for it).
I'll continue with the Series 2, but if they want me to get a Series 3 they really need to offer a lifetime (and Mac support). I hate being charged monthly for things. - RobertJoseph17, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I get charged 5 bucks a month each for my 2 Comcast boxes which I love for the fact of the dual tuning HD DVR's.
- terrya64, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'll stick with my wintv pvr250 and snapstream beyond tv and no monthly fees.
- krux, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Both my tivos have more than paid for themself by getting the lifetime subscription. Plus I hate having yet another monthly bill I have to pay. I would rather just shell out more money up front and never have to worry about it again. It's a shame they are doing away with the lifetime subscription because it really was the way to go.
- brettotte1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I still don't "get" TiVo. Why should I get TiVo for $13/mo or $300 over a Time Warner PVR with 120 hrs that's $4.95/mo with no tax? It works with the digital guide since we have digicable & roadrunner & if it breaks you just give it to 'em & get a new one for FREE! What am I missing?
- panique, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Gee for a sum equivalent to what they're bleeding you about 2 or perhaps 3 months, you could have purchased a decent speakerphone, then who cares about sitting on hold? Burn up their 800-number minutes.
- panique, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I didn't realize that the lion's share of their sales were via DirecTV. Just another nail in their coffin. The Cable and SatCos are going to flood the market with $6/mo. DVRs and then it's game over for TiVo.
I am sad. I really love my TiVos and I always felt TiVo was a company that didn't suck. Until today. I would have gladly paid 50% more for a lifetime subscription, but I will not pay this. - TigerClaw, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You know, My Tivo is a old Phillips 20 Hour Series 1, I don't think I will ever plan on upgrading to HD due to the fact that I'm still unemployed, So I'll never be able to afford any of those high end boxes. What is more important to me if I had the money, Is to upgrade the Harddrive, There is a place where you can order Harddrive upgrades to your Tivo Series 1 boxes, To me, I think more storage capacity is more important, Therefore bringing new life to your old boxes with lifetime service.
- juanbobo808, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Oh, yeah. Forgot to mention that... That's the best feature of it all!
- krux, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Actually, that's not entirely true. I had bought the lifetime membership for my original series one, and when the series two was released they offered an upgrade to the series two where the lifetime membership would transfer to the new unit.
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