Comments on: Tivo on PC? Bad Idea Dudes

By: Om Malik

Om Malik — Sat, 12 Mar 2005 16:41:18 +0000

jon you do bring up good points and well, the functionality you talk about is good for some hard core tivo fans. most of the masses don’t use devices like the way you and i do. if you ask broadvoice, they would tell you the total number of folks who are using their service and the web features. i suspect the web dashboard users are not that many. just my two cents on the whole topic anyway

By: Jon

Jon — Sat, 12 Mar 2005 13:34:34 +0000

I’m more of a legacy ReplayTV type, but I’m intrigued by the topic. I think “recreating” PVR function on the PC has little value - but bringing the PC “into the mix” would enhance the PVR experience. I want total control of the PVR from any networked PC. I often control my ReplayTV from the web (but that’s only a once a day update - it’s much better for review my replaytv stored content and searching for future content) and would find PVR control much more valuable if it was realtime. I want the ability to stream content to my PC in addition to viewing on my TV. I want to edit my PVR content, but leave it on the PVR. My simple view - the PC can be great for controlling and enhancing other devices (look at Broadvoice’s web based VOIP control), but often isn’t the choice for replacing devices.

Tivo has a tough challenge with the cable monopoly, but if they can make their device enticing enough, *maybe* the cable monopoly will come to them.

By: Om Malik

Om Malik — Sat, 12 Mar 2005 03:39:49 +0000

Roger, you make good points. I do agree they are running out of options but if you look at what they have done over past two years in terms of innovation - or lack there off - it makes no sense to go after a new platform. i think companies which are facing dire situations have to zero in on their core competence

By: Roger McNamee

Roger McNamee — Sat, 12 Mar 2005 03:05:43 +0000

I agree that TiVO’s great opportunity related to time-shifting. Sadly, the company didn’t understand that opportunity as well as it needed to. It’s boxes have always had too little storage . . . and no way to add storage without an engineering degree. The user interface is pretty good, but not compelling . . . and hasn’t changed materially in several years.

I’m less negative than Om about the PC initiative, however. The company is running out of options and needs a partner to generate new customers.

By: Obvious Diversion

Obvious Diversion — Sat, 12 Mar 2005 00:55:38 +0000

What if Tivo’s “Branded PC Experience” is Simply Tivo Without the Television?

Ever since Tivo CEO Mike Ramsay announced a “TiVo branded PC experience” in their 4th quarter conference call, there’s been speculation from TV Harmony, Thomas Hawk, Om Malik and others that this may mean a Tivo software PVR package that would com…