The Easy Valley Tribune has an interesting article about why several products should be considered as a threat to TiVo. The article points out the fact that many cable companies have multiple tuners. In my opinion, this has long been a problem with TiVo. When I tell people that they can only record one show at a time they are often turned off and decide to go with a cable company DVR. TiVo needs to recognize this limitation. I understand that dual tuners will cost more however; it would be useful if they provided the option and allowed the consumer to decide whether they want to pay the extra cost. The second major point that the article makes is the fact that many cable DVRs can record HDTV. Yes, TiVo offers a DVR with HDTV recording capability however; it costs a lot of money and requires DirecTV!

I am not trying to make this post sound as if I am bashing TiVo. It is just that I think TiVo needs to recognize these limitations and act on them if they want to continue to gather new subscribers.

TiVo has signed another advertising deal with Discovery Cove, an Orlando, Florida park. TiVo seems to be doing well with this type of advertising.

I am somewhat surprised that more companies are not advertising with TiVo. After all, when was the last time you watched a commercial while using your TiVo. I am definitely more likely to watch one of TiVo’s advertisements then a regular ad that is shown during a show. What does everybody else think? Do you think that advertising on the TiVo is a good idea? Are you more likely to watch these TiVo ads?

Many people are talking about the fact that Microsoft has landed a major contract with Comcast. The agreement allows Microsoft to deploy a set top box running Media Center Edition (MCE) to 1 million Comcast subscribers starting November 15th.

This is obviously not good for TiVo. As we have seen in the past with Netscape, whenever Microsoft decides that they are going to dominate a particular technology, they often end up on top. I know that TiVo has talked about getting a deal with a major cable company however; to my knowledge, they have not been successful. I have an idea of what you are thinking……TiVo gets a lot of their subscribers from DirecTV. That is fine however; as we all know, the DirecTV & TiVo relationship has been on the rocks as of late. A good move for TiVo may be for them to concentrate on getting several cable companies to use their product. I know it is easier said then done however; I think it is necessary at this point! TiVo is now in a battle against one of the biggest giants in the world. Drastic times call for drastic measures. TiVo needs to act quickly!

Just the other night I was sitting with my wife watching TiVo when I realized that I live with a TiVo Boss! I am not sure if somebody has already used this term before or not so, I thought I would mention it. A TiVo Boss is somebody who directs you on how to use your TiVo. For example, a TiVo Boss often lets you know when you should Pause, Rewind or Fast Forward their program! My wife is a perfect example of a TiVo Boss :). Just the other night we were sitting in our living room watching TiVo when I realized that all of her demands represented a true TiVo Boss. I thought to myself, for somebody who did not want a TiVo at first she is pretty bossy about it :). Do you live with somebody like this? Are you a TiVo Boss?