I’m Back From A Much Needed Break From TiVo
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve received several emails and comments letting me know that they enjoy reading this site and that it would be a shame if I decided to stop blogging about TiVo all together. To this end, I’ve decided that I am not going to give up on TiVo and that I plan on blogging about TiVo in the near future. I took a break from TiVo for a number of reasons but mainly it was because I was (am) disappointed with their new pricing structure. As I’ve said on a number of occasions, I don’t like how TiVo’s new pricing structure forces the consumer to subscribe for three years in order to get the best rate. The new pricing structure is what it is and there is nothing I can do about it other then to say that I don’t agree with it. I’ve considered starting up a new site to blog about DVR news in general but because of restrictions on my free time, I don’t think I could currently cover all DVR news adequately. That may change in the future so don’t be surprised if you see a new website launched….
Even though I’m not happy with the new pricing structure, I think it would be a shame for me to stop blogging about TiVo simply because I don’t with their new pricing. I love TiVo the product and because of this I still want to cover TiVo via this blog. In the future I plan on still recommending TiVo to my family and friends however, I will also point out the fact that in order to get the best monthly rate you really need to sign up for a three year commitment. Have I said before that the new pricing plan sucks?
I plan on getting back into this blog after the first of the year. Between now and then I am going to finish up some projects that I have around the house and enjoy spending time with my family during the holiday season. Needless to say, I’d appreciate it if you stay subscribed and continue to send me TiVo news tips or questions. I really do appreciate all the support I’ve received from the faithful readers of this site. Thanks for reading TiVoBlog.com and for understanding why I had to take a break.
I wish everybody a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.
- Alex
December 19th, 2006 at 10:01 pm |
Welcome back Al, it’s good to have you here to add your voice to the conversation. Just wait for the Comcast rollouts to start and then you should be happier about the pricing. Enjoy your holidays, can’t wait to hear you spin on the new TiVo broadband features being unveiled next year.
December 19th, 2006 at 10:26 pm |
Good to have you back! I have to admit, as Tivo has done different things lately, I’ve missed seeing your commentary about them.
My latest bug about Tivo is the ads that have started appearing as part of the “Delete Now” or “Do Not Delete” dialogue when you get to the end of a recorded program. I find those messages very intrusive, and I want them to just GO AWAY. I just finished watching a show, after all - I want a mental break before considering another.
So, there you go - welcome back, and Merry Christmas to you!
December 19th, 2006 at 11:44 pm |
Glad you’re going to be sticking with it. Enjoy the holidays. Hopefully we’ll have some cool stuff to discuss from CES.
December 29th, 2006 at 3:29 pm |
Alex,
Glad you’re keeping up the blog. I am still a supporter of TiVo, even with the new pricing structure (and initial price of the Series 3). I think TiVo as a corporate entity is still in trouble though. The # of DirecTV subscriptions will fall off precipitously in the very near future and they account for 63% of existing subscriptions (see: http://biz.yahoo.com/e/061211/tivo10-q.html). They very badly need new subscriptions or their deal w/ Comcast to begin providing revenue.
I believe that management’s “thinking” was directed at how they can penetrate more homes. Given that most US consumers are not as fiscally adept as the readers of this blog (-:, a TiVo deal that allows for no/little money up front and a contract for future payments would likely be very attractive (look at the cell phone market - financing equipment cost through a fixed contract duration, that’s how you get your phone for free or heavily discounted).
With a majority of US consumers already in cell phone contracts, the current TiVo service options would likely seem very familiar and comfortable. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I would anticipate this new pricing structure to be moderately successful. I am not a big fan of the new structure (I know I’m not alone on feeling just on this blog!), but I understand where they are coming from too. When my Series 2 finally kicks the bucket, I imagine I’ll be upgrading to a Series 3 (or 4 by that time). But I hope the price comes down! I have major doubts about the Comcast agreement and how well the Comcast DVRs will incorporate the TiVo software. Being a Comcast customer, I have doubts about anything that Comcast does…
What TiVo has never done well though is to differentiate themselves from the existing DVR manufacturers. After all, a DVR is just a DVR. TiVos are so much more with the software they run! Sigh…
Anyway, glad you’re back Alex. I enjoy reading the blog.
Don
January 2nd, 2007 at 4:02 pm |
Glad to see your keeping with it!
Hope you and your family had a good holiday!
Steve