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TiVo Launching Without Subscription?
Posted by Nick Broughall at 9:59 AM on May 22, 2008
We all know that TiVo is coming soon, but if the rumblings coming out of the SMH are true, then we'll be getting it without the usual subscription fee that TiVo charges.I don't know about you, but the whole Australian launch of TiVo just got mighty exciting.
The last we heard, they were planning on cutting the subscription fee right down. But by making it a premium box without ongoing fees, the TiVo will stand out against PVRs from other manufacturers thanks to its proven EPG data and internet capabilities.
Apparently we're looking at a July launch for teh TiVo box, which looks like a month later than Foxtel's new iQ2. The SMH reckons that the move to a subscription-free TiVo will push Foxtel into dropping their price, but I'll believe that when I see it.
On a side note, both Channels 9 and 10 have confirmed that they will share their EPG data on the TiVo, which is a nice touch from Channel 9 considering their ongoing litigation against IceTV.
The other interesting thing is that all the extra features that TiVo offers - like online entertainment, for example, won't be available at launch. Instead they're focusing on the EPG and getting it launched for the Olympics.
In any case, this is awesome news for PVR enthusiasts in Australia. I'm actually excited by this now. How about you guys?
[SMH]
Tags: au | channel 10 | channel 7 | channel 9 | dvr | entertainment | foxtel | high definition | home | iq2 | pvr | subscriptions | tivo
Comments
anonymous coward
Posted May 22, 2008 10:53 AM
Tivo will fail if we can only record from the slim pickings of Free-to-air TV - Will it be compatible with Foxtel or some other pay broadcaster?
Nick Broughall
Posted May 22, 2008 11:48 AM
Definitely not Foxtel, but there will be online compatibility - in the US they have Amazon Unbox, which is like the iTunes movie rental service. I imagine we'll see something like that before too long.
poedgirl
Posted May 22, 2008 12:25 PM
So will we actually be able to use the guide data with other DVR's then? I'm getting sick of the crappy guide data that I have to suffer with while using my Windows Media Center.
Nick Broughall
Posted May 22, 2008 1:08 PM
Nope - TiVo's EPG will be for TiVo only. The good news is that at the same time as TiVo, the FTA networks are working on a "Freeview" standard EPG, which will be available to all other DVRs. Not sure when we're likely to see the Freeview badge pop up though...
David D.
Posted May 22, 2008 3:13 PM
@POEDGIRL - try looking in http://www.xpmediacentre.com.au/community/mce-epg-discussion-support/
for details on how to setup an EPG for Windows Media Centre
meeple
Posted May 22, 2008 3:59 PM
Oz is sooo behind the times. Old recycled tech, crap broadcasters....
Topfield owner
Posted May 22, 2008 6:03 PM
I have recently got a Topfield PVR, and I don't pay for ICE guide or anything, nor do i manually update, but my PVR has a 7 day guide for all the channels, but SBS, which I don't watch anyway. I only paid $100 including postage for my 4400PVRT (Yes, it was second hand) on eBay, with a 80GB, Twin tuner. As for those who think there is nothing on free to air, I watch about 3 hours of TV a day and never not have something to watch! Try this for yourself, go through and highlight all the programs in the weekly guide, you would watch if it was on when you wanted and with no adds, (I can skip 30-secs ahead or fast forward at 6x) and see how many hours you have! Also think about it, if Seven is not charging a monthly fee and there only revenue is through adds, they won't want you to skip adds and may have some sorta no fast forward adds. I would go for a topfield, over a tivo, as topfield has no real interest if watch or skip adds!
Jamie
Posted May 22, 2008 7:53 PM
My partner and I actually decided to go the opposite route. Rather than decide between IQ2, TiVo, whatever, we're going to drop cable entirely.
None of it is worth it here in Australia. We get most programs months or years late, the prices are insane...
Also, while not having a monthly fee is nice, the initial price is going to be really high to compensate, much like buying a TiVo with a lifetime subscription in the US.
We were early adopters of TiVo in the US. Series one, 30gb. We have an IQ box now, and there is no comparison: TiVo 8 years ago was far, far better than Foxtel's IQ box is now.
But we just can't justify the costs.
PVRless
Posted May 23, 2008 3:59 AM
My hard disk recorder died some weeks ago and I am waiting to see what Tivo is like before I commit to anything. I want HD recording capability and the other HD PVR's all seem to have their issues. Hurry up Tivo!
Jas
Posted June 14, 2008 6:07 PM
Having been to the US four times recently and using TiVo, I'm very excited about it coming here. Mind you, my friends in the US had FTA and PayTV through it which makes sense, I sure hope the same thing is available going to be available in Australia. This country needs to do some catching up!
mkl
Posted June 24, 2008 12:07 PM
Can someone explain how TiVo connects to the internet? Does it have its own wireless connection or do you have to connect it via your own ISP? Just trying to understand whether "no subscription fee" means it's really free, or whether you have to pay more usage fees to your ISP. Thanks.
Charles Dunne
Posted July 2, 2008 2:51 PM
Do you need to plug the TiVo box into your broadband connection to get the TV Guide. My internet connection is in a different room.
Also, will it accommodate all those late running shows that Seven runs. Or will I lose the end of shows just as they reach the cliffhanger?
Wil
Posted July 9, 2008 9:09 PM
A few things that need correcting and pointing out...
Harvey Norman will have the unit on display from July 17th and it will be available for purchase on the July 29th. This info is from a PDF available on Tivo.com.au and confirmed by an unnameable representative of Harvey Norman.
While this unit may be free from a subscription service fee you will still be paying it. The unit its self is only worth around $400.00 and a life time paid service fee in the U.S. is US$300.00, with maths like that it's a little to much of a coincidence for me...
(While unable to name the person or company, the unit cost price has been confirmed.)
As for how it connects to the internet, from what I've heard you have a choice of either Ethernet from your modem or you can buy a wireless G adapter for it or around $30.00 to $50.00.
There as also been a rumor of a null modem dial up feature for those without an internet connection of some kind but in this day and age I find it hard to believe Tivo will use technology like that.