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

One of the biggest TiVo evangelists (MegaZone) has broken down the new pricing plan that has so many people seem to be irritated with. In his post, MegaZone does a great job explaining what the differences are. Check it out if you’re at all confused with the new pricing structure.

After reviewing his post, I guess I realized that I shouldn’t have called my previous post “TiVo Raises Rates. What Are They Thinking?“. Instead I probably should have called it, “TiVo Raises Some Rates And Lowers Others…”. The bottom line is that TiVo has raised some rates while lowering others. MegaZone does a good job explaining this in his post.

The main reason why I am so irritated with this new pricing structure is simply because it requires you to commit to three years if you want to get the lower rates. Personally, I like purchasing my TiVo from a brick and mortar store and then paying the $12.95 per month for service. Under the new plan, I am required to commit to three years in order to get the same deal. If I only want to commit to one year, I am required to pay $19.95/month under the new plan :(. Let’s be realistic, who wants to commit to any technology for three years? I know I’m a little reluctant to do it.

I’m also kind of irritated with the new multi-service discount offering. I would guess that people who take advantage of the multi-service discount tend to be “advanced” TiVo users or the type of customer that you don’t want to alienate. What TiVo did to the mult-service discount is not good.

Does anybody else agree with my analysis or have I simply exaggerated the situation? I’d like to hear what other people have to say….

My good friend Thomas Hawk is known for his witty comments and insightful posts about TiVo and technology in general. This time around Thomas has pretty much debunked a post that Gizmodo recently published about TiVo. In his post, Thomas says the following:

One thing that they are *not* though are stock analysts — and when they diverge from covering the latest gadgets and gizmos into the world of stock analysis I think they do their readers a disservice.

I have to agree with Thomas. Gizmodo is great at covering the gadget industry but when it comes to stocks and investing, I think they should leave the analysis to somebody who really knows what they’re talking about (Thomas is an investment advisor, btw)…

• How Is TiVo Doing After Launching The Series 3? (Gizmodo)
• Who Will Buy TiVo? Google, Yahoo or Microsoft? (PVRWire)
• Catching Up On The TiVo HME With A Series 3 (DavisFreeberg)

Forbes.com has posted an interesting editorial in which the author brings up the point that most people don’t care about CNet or NY Times on their TiVo. Instead, the author believes that most people would like to get YouTube or Google Video content downloaded directly to their PVR.

Note to TiVo General Manager of Programming Tara Maitra: While it’s great that you’re pushing video content from The New York Times and CNet out to DVRs, that’s not exactly the kind of content people dream about watching on their TVs. We want YouTube vids, movies and TV shows on demand through TiVo.

What do you think? Are you happy with the video content that TiVo has provided thus far via TiVoCast? I really like the CNET content but I may be in the minority….

A business writer from the AP has put together an unfavorable review of some of TiVo’s newest features. I don’t normally cover unfavorable reviews but, I felt like I should cover this one since it brings up a couple of good points. Are some of the new features that TiVo has introduced better suited for the computer? For example, is it necessary to be able to order movie tickets from the comfort of your couch?

I’m not sure where I stand on this issue. Being the geek that I am, I like having all of these new features. However, when it comes down to it, does the average user (i.e.: my Mom) really need this functionality?

It’s been seven days since TiVo released the Series 3 TiVo and the “official” TiVo Blog hasn’t even said a word about it. In fact, the blog hasn’t been updated since August 18th! What’s up with that? Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who read this blog. I’m sure it would behoove TiVo.com to at least post something about the Series 3.

There appears to be a number of people who are frustrated with how TiVo has been handling (or lack of handling) shipment of the Series 3 TiVo. One user was so frustrated that he decided to write a “letter” to TiVo letting them know what he thought.

….Today is Monday, and I have not received a TiVo. Your shipping label did not contain my full shipping address. Your e-mail receipt to me contained my full shipping address — my office’s suite number and all — however, upon a call to UPS, you did not put my office’s suite number on the box, and therefore UPS could not deliver. I finally had to sort everything out, and my TiVo will not be arriving until Wednesday, 20 September 2006. 8 days after I ordered it.

I really hope TiVo learns from this experience and in the future, they are more responsive when it comes to shipping the Series 3. I’m sure that once the Series 3 TiVos arrive, people will forget about it but, for now, it is putting a bad taste in people’s mouths even before they even get the units.

I’ve come really close on a number of occasions. The only thing holding me back is that $800 price tag…..

Make sure you watch this video before you purchase a TiVo.

Thanks TK!