TiVo's time ticking away?

My good friend XDM called the other day asking if she should get her hubby a TiVo for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately I didn't know what to tell her. TiVo is in the tough spot right now with many of the cable companies rolling out their own TiVos, yet TiVo has become one of those words that is just synonymous with digital video recorders -- like Xerox copies or Kleenex.

Just in case you don't know what TiVo is, well -- it's amazing! On it's face, TiVo is similar to a VCR, but it is oh so much more. TiVo allows you to watch what you want when you want to. The TiVo box is actually a computer that allows you to control even something that you are watching "live." Say somebody calls in the middle of American Idol, God forbid. With TiVo, you just pause it. Say you missed Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. With TiVo, you can go back to it and rewind it over and over again. And you can fast forward through commercials. TiVo will also seek out programs you might like. But the best part of TiVo is every time you turn on your TV, there is something on that you want to watch. And you aren't dictated to by TV networks.

TiVo has very loyal users mostly because those who use it love it. But for some reason, the user base has been slow to develop. ReplayTV, which provides a TiVo-like service (think Betamax) has all but disappeared. And TiVo has also had problems. In recent months, TiVo's two top executives quit and then cable companies have been developing their own recording devices. TiVo officials say they remain optimistic. One site has even launched a TiVo Deathwatch. (Business 2.0 suggested that Apple should buy TiVo.)

But back to XDM's question -- should she get TiVo for her husband. Unfortunately my recommendation was NO. Especially when you can get a similar product from the cable company. And I don't like saying that because I think TiVo is a great product. So... the more I think about it -- buy it! It is only $99 and the monthly fee. Perhaps we can save the company. And the TiVo service is just better then the others, as Mike Langberg said. 

TiVo wins consistent praise from reviewers, again including myself, as best of breed. It's easier to use than other DVRs, and does a superior job of recording exactly what you want. At the same time, it's not so much better that indifferent couch potatoes will go out of their way to buy and install a TiVo box when Comcast, DirecTV or Dish Network is offering a set-top box with DVR included.

All that being said, I would totally understand if you didn't given the company's teeting financial position.

(And I'm shocked nobody has written something commenting on this!)

Comments

[Xdm]

Thanks buddy!! I went to Best Buy, checked out the hour options and cost (40,80, etc.) and brought home a brochure which I am going to put in a card. We'll go back together so that I am sure we get the right thing. Thanks for the Research! xo (Had a blast last night. Can't wait to see the gourmet girls kissing gourmet girls pics :-)