TiVo Does Not Equal Cable DVR!
This article over at Engadget got me thinking about something. Why is it that over the past couple of months, I’ve use heard a number of people use the word “TiVo” to describe any device that has similar functionality?
On a number of occasions, both on the web and in discussion with others, I’ve noticed TiVo being used as a generic term. For example, the other day I called up a Dish Network rep and asked him about their service. The service that I was interested in offered four receivers one of which was a DVR. I wasn’t interested in the DVR however; I wanted to know how easy it would be to hook up my TiVo to one of the four receivers. When I asked the guy that question he said “The TiVo that we offer hooks right into the system. There is nothing extra you need to do. In fact, the person that installs the system will be happy to setup your TiVo.” Little did he know that he was talking with one of the biggest TiVo geeks in the world :). To be honest, I didn’t even correct him. On another occasion, I had a co-worker of mine mention that his kids got a TiVo only to find out that the TiVo he was talking about was really a Time Warner DVR!
This is truly a big problem for TiVo. TiVo does not want to end up being another Xerox or Kleenex. One of the worst things a company can have happen to them is for their product to be used in a generic sense to describe all similar products.
How can TiVo prevent this from happening? Maybe they should put together a marketing campaign that highlights the differences between TiVo and all other DVRs?
As a TiVo advocate, I should have corrected the Dish network rep. From now on, whenever I hear somebody improperly use the word “TiVo” I promise that I will correct them. This is my promise to all you TiVo geeks out there :).
September 1st, 2004 at 3:33 pm |
If it’s true that Tivo has begun it’s trip towards being a generic label, then the time for them to act is now. A campaign showing what it can do would be good. Acknowledging the other knock-offs probably would not. Somehow, they need to hammer home the point that they were the original. That way, when people ask, “Isn’t that just Tivo?”, others would have to admit it’s a copy. Probably won’t slow down the adoption of the knock-off’s but could make a big deal pyschologically. Sort of like buying the generic brand at a grocery store versus the name brand. Tivo needs the upperhand in this regard or it’s really over.
One positive thing though is that Kleenex and Xerox are still in business despite being the generic label in their product field. The goal for Tivo now is to be profitable and survive. The time for dominance has probably past.
September 9th, 2004 at 6:55 pm |
It doesn’t seem that bad for a company to be known as a generic term to describe all similar products. I would think that both Kleenex and Xerox both hold a pretty large market share in their individual markets. I don’t see how Tivo could be any different.
October 6th, 2005 at 3:52 pm |
You would seem to be the Tivo expert I seek, if I may ask:
I want Dish Net Work without their DVR but instead with an authentic Tivo. Dish wishes to sell me a “DVR subscription” for $4.95 per month and give me a “free DVR”.
Do I need their DVR Package to operate my Tivo, or is the feed from the satellite the same regardless, perhaps with a different type of connector that I can modify myself with equipment from Radio Shack… Thanks. rs
June 26th, 2007 at 9:56 pm |
TiVo . . .hands down ! No question!
We have both and I HATE the cable DVR . . .That is actually why I am writing . . .I JUST had ANOTHER bad experience and I am fired up . . . . I hate it . . .We had TiVo first and I guess I was spoiled by TiVo . . . It is just so easy . . .better searches for upcoming movies and programs, so easy . . . selecting upcoming programs to record . . .. so easy. . if you don’t know what you want to record in particular. . .TiVo is a so easy to search by movie . .by actor etc. I know cable offers these features but it is NOT easy. I much work to go through the menus etc . . . . TiVo has easier controller functions . . .much better forward and rewinds through recorded shows. . .I just can’t believe anyone who has actually compared the two would be able to say they like the cable DVR better . . .If anyone says that they are LYING . . . It just does not compare. TiVo hands down . . . my concern is that Cable DVR, due to it convenience and availability, will win out. Why pay for quality when you can get crap for free!