TiVo Gets Announced... Does Anybody Care?
We knew it was happening, but Channel 7 today officially launched the Australian version of TiVo. We weren't there, but we've grabbed a copy of the press release and had a read of Asher Moses' piece on SMH, and have to say that we're not inspired.
For a start, the press release is full of smacktalk. Now, I know Channel 7 enjoys the smacktalk, but in a press release? Have a read for your self:
"The TiVo HD DVR brings you all the features, and more, that until now were only available to pay television customers. Why pay monthly fees for pay television when 56% of pay television viewing is on the free channels anyway?"But the real disappointment isn't in the press release. It's in the details. Like the fact that some of TiVo's core features will be gimped at launch, only to be switched on at a later date for a fee in the "tens of dollars".
According to the SMH's reports, at launch (it hits Harvey Norman shelves on July 29) there will be no home networking features and no music or movie downloads either. Seven claim that it's to keep it simple for consumers. Although they apparantly admitted that it's to get a bit more cash from your pocket.
There's obviously no mention in the press release on whether you can skip ads you've recorded, but we're going to say that you can't.
Despite all the negativity, it does have the standard TiVo features like Season Pass, Kidzone and Record by Actor or Director. And things like movie and music downloads will be expanding as the service grows in the next 12 months. They're also planning on releasing an external hard drive attachment next year to expand the amount you can record.
But what do you guys think? Is $699 for a DVR too much? Especially if you have to pay more within a year to unlock more functions? Let us know in comments.
Original Source : http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/07/tivo_gets_announced_does_anybody_care.html
----------------
Now playing: KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
via FoxyTunes
