Comments on: Why TiVo Is Struggling While Netflix Is Thriving

By: aspertame

aspertame — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:09:49 +0000

Re. DTRs and online content...I just canned Comcast, which is dismantaling expanded basic analogue in our area. If Hulu, Fancast, et. al isn't enough, we'll consider Netflix.

Our favorite shows will all still be there - just delayed by up to a week. We're setting up our digital TVs with our computers and cheapie "PC Remotes" and we are no longer tied to recoding on a set date/time -- I think we'll be good for awhile.

Which brings me back to Mr. Stewart's TiVO comments. We have ReplayTV - kind of the Betamax to TiVO, if TiVO = VHS. But it's been more than adequate even as a largely unsupported legacy product, and I'm glad we waited for the NEXT big thing instead of jumping for TiVo as soon as ReplayTVs went out of production. I'm guessing, Mr. Stewart, that TiVo is a better deal these days for people who ALREADY have TiVo than those who are weighing their viewing options. For your needs, there are now pretty cheap software programs -- one less box to stack in the home entertainment setup. Ironically, it's the technically not-so-very-challenged -- a demographic that probably tracks closely with people who can afford higher tier service -- that are bucking spiraling costs for cable, costly set top toys, etc.

By: Labor Day Links! « Leo Burnett

Labor Day Links! « Leo Burnett — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:22:57 +0000

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By: Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:04:45 +0000

I guess no one likes old movies like I do. One thing that I have done with a TiVo that doesn't seem to be possible with any of the DVRs provided by the cable company is connection to my home network. My TiVo is networked and auto transfers movies and TV shows to hard drives in my home computers. After a few of years of TiVo ownership, I now have over 1,500 movies and shows. I can watch them any time I want on any TiVo box. I can even watch on any PC or laptop, at home or travelling. Couple that with Amazon unboxed and now NetFlix on Demand, I have the capabilty to watch almost anything I want anytime I want. I don't know why TiVo isn't doing better.

By: The Chutry Experiment » Sunday Links

The Chutry Experiment » Sunday Links — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:49:35 +0000

[...] at NewTeeVee, there is a discussion addressing why Netflix seems to be thriving while TiVo is faltering, at [...]

By: John

John — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:20:00 +0000

Blockbuster does a pretty good job of online DVD rental as well. I have used them a year back and have just started a new trial. I think I'll stick with them this time. They have worked well for me (as well as Netflix).

By the way, I think you can now get a free SIX-WEEK trial at Blockbuster. Not sure how much longer they will be running the promotion.

I found it originally at here.

You'll find details on getting the free trial at http://www.uberi.com

By: Linda Cameron

Linda Cameron — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:34:22 +0000

I still love my TiVo but it took me a long time to decide to buy one. The subscription cost was the real killer. Once I pay $300 for a device, I don't want to keep paying monthly to use it. I came into a bit of a windfall one day so I splurged and got the TiVo with a 3-yr subscription. I am not sure what I will do when my subscription runs out. The idea of spending another $400 for a lifetime subscription seems like a lot of money when the TiVo could die any time.

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Basement Jaxx dropped - Irish Times | How To Create Passive Internet Income — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:30:24 +0000

[...] Why TiVo Is Struggling While Netflix Is Thriving - Newteevee.comThe good news that came out of TiVo this week was that, encouraged by an initial $105 million patent-infringement ruling against DISH/Echostar, the company is now suing AT&T and Verizon with similar complaints. The bad news is that this is what [...]

By: DaveZatz

DaveZatz — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:17:58 +0000

Depends how you define struggle. TiVo's subscriber numbers are clearly down (for various reasons), but if they manage to make most DVR providers into partners or licensees (and if they continue to prevail in court) they'll profit handsomely for their investors. (And currently hoard over $200 million in cash, which could help them weather the lean times or acquire up compelling new tech.) Also while Netflix and TiVo appear to operate in the same space, they are very different sorts of businesses. As a customer I'd like to see that new interface and a renewed focus on content discovery - one of their original and unique selling points. (I've given up on TiVo as a tool to completely bypass advertising.)

By: zbeast

zbeast — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:09:10 +0000

I got a tivo just after they first came out.
back then the device was a game changer.
I no longer had to have a stack of blank tapes.
I no longer had to try to hook a vcr to my direct tv box.
I no longer had to run home to try to record a show.

But times have changed, broadcast tv sucks.
Movie and music channels no longer show movies and music.
The tivo is not longer cost effective. at $14.00 a month for tivo, plus $150 a month for a sub to all the movie channels that’s just a waste of money. I get most of my tv these days from the internet, $40 a month. if I want to watch the latest movie release I can go to a redbox or get a netflix account or just download it from the internet.
If I really still need access to a pvr I get one for free as part of my basic service from ATT..
I can record 4 channels at once and do it remotely via my iphone and watch tv on for different tv’s with no hassle.
it does not have all the features of a tivo box, like frame by frame step or super slow motion but who cares it works and it’s free. I get more entertainment for less money without all the hassle of standard cable, a tivo box and trying to get all that crap and hardware to work together.

The deal killer was when tivo stopped supporting direct tv. forcing me to go to comcast and there crap-tastic
service.
To really use tivo you have to have standard cable, get cable cards, try to get comcast to get those to work with your tivo… spend days on the phone trying to get all that crap setup.

The hassle is not worth it, it’s frigging tv it’s not rocket science. These low featured pvr’s from the different cable and sat providers are good enough.

With the transition to digital TV all of your old Analog tivo’s can no longer record over the air broadcasts.
So i’m suppose to toss that device out and buy a new one.
HD Tivo’s are like $600.00
That’s not a smart way to spend your cash.

Tivo’s day in the sun is over.