Movies and TV Outstanding: Tivo and Directv reach deal - Page 2

Mr. Laz · 09-18-2008, 10:58 AM

TiVo fans rejoice: HD, MPEG-4 TiVo returning to DirecTV

By John Timmer | Published: September 03, 2008 - 08:50AM CT
Related Stories

Ever since DirecTV decided to part ways with TiVo and roll its own DVR, fans of the pioneering TiVo have fervently hoped that the two service providers would reunite. While the companies have played nicely with one another since the split, providing a handful of modest feature improvements to DirecTV TiVo owners, there was no indication that DirecTV had any plans to embrace the TiVo platform once again. That has finally changed, as a new HD-capable TiVo for DirecTV customers will be launching in the second half of next year.
The two companies have had an on-again, off-again relationship. DirecTV initially offered its subscribers DVR hardware from TiVo, but then began distributing its own equipment, including the first HD-capable hardware. Two things appear to have changed that stance: new management at DirecTV and TiVo's winning streak in lawsuits against competing DVR makers.

We speculated in our earlier coverage that the companies' increased cooperation would ultimately lead to HD-capable TiVos being offered to the satellite subscribers. That day has now come to pass, as TiVo announced the new agreement this morning. The agreement isn't a slam-dunk for TiVo, though, as the satellite provider will continue to develop and market its own, competing equipment—even TiVo's announcement of the deal suggests that this equipment will be "primary offerings" for DirecTV subscribers.

Still, the new offering will ensure that TiVo has at least one more outlet for its hardware as the company eyes ways of getting its hardware into the homes of more users without shouldering the cost of advertising and sales. "This agreement demonstrates our continued embrace of mass distribution opportunities in cooperation with major multichannel operators," stated Tom Rogers, TiVo's CEO.

Unfortunately for TiVo fans that are itching for HD action, the hardware won't launch until the second half of 2009.

While this is great news for TiVo fans and DirecTV users, one wonders whether late 2009 will be too little too late. DirecTV's aggressive ramp-up of MPEG-4 HD programming has left owners of the original Hughes DirecTV TiVo with a scant handful of high-def options to choose from. As a result, many TiVo fans have moved on. In fact, all of the Hughes DirecTV TiVos at the Orbiting HQ have been replaced by DirecTV HD DVRs, and, while we miss the TiVo interface and some of the power-user features (dual-tuner channel surfing owns), the DirecTV DVR really isn't that bad. Such a statement may appear to be a case of damning with faint praise, but the reality is that those who have had a year or two to grow accustomed to DirecTV's homegrown DVR may prove reluctant to spend the money necessary to move back to TiVo.

Eric Bangeman contributed to this report.

**Donger** · 09-18-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedude

I've been thinking of moving from Cable soon for the HD channels since I just purchased an HDTV. I'm tossed up between Dish and DTV. I'm really having a problem making up on my mind hoping I don't end up with a lemon.

Dish VIP 722 HD-DVR with HDMI out. The HD content is 1080i but they have VOD at 1080p.

Shag · 09-18-2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

What if you are actively recording on both tuners? Can you just switch back and forth or do you have to go through the recording list?

You can switch back and forth via changing the channels, which is the recommended workaround to no DLB. Not a very viable workaround, IMHO, but it's the only option available...

Shag · 09-18-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

This

My signal meter is 92+, and I lose my signal in weather relatively frequently. I've heard that may have to do with my being in MN, and having a low angle to hit the satellites, but I have no idea if there is any validity to that or not...

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-18-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguinz

I hate DirectTV. I loose my signal when it rains. My DVR dies and they send me a refurb that is 3 years older than the one it is replacing and twice as thick.

You're just in a bad location. Or its a bad install. Mine stays on in heavy rain. Hell, I never lost signal in 60 MPH wind gusts Sunday.

picasso · 09-18-2008, 02:47 PM

TIVO SUCKS ASS!

**penguinz** · 09-18-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

You're just in a bad location. Or its a bad install. Mine stays on in heavy rain. Hell, I never lost signal in 60 MPH wind gusts Sunday.

I have a tree that I think ****s with mine. In the winter I never lose signal. Just when the tree has leaves on it.

The part that pisses me off most is that the replacement box is about an inch taller than the original. And the lights aren't as bright so it is hard to see if the record light is on or not.

Ultra Peanut · 09-18-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

My Dish Network HD DVR is rock-solid.

Dish dropped GolTV. What the ****, man?

Ultra Peanut · 09-18-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picasso

TIVO SUCKS ASS!

You are dumb.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-18-2008, 04:09 PM

And just when I was thinking of moving back to cable and getting the TivoHD....

You do something like this...

AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!

Mr. Laz · 09-18-2008, 04:26 PM

my signals are all 3 90+ and i still get major rain fade

even moved the dish from the ground to the roof to try and make it better ..... nada.

**bogey** · 09-18-2008, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

My Dish Network HD DVR is rock-solid.

Me too.

WilliamTheIrish · 09-18-2008, 06:04 PM

Dane, at least if you buy the TiVo you own it. Not the case with the DTV scam on their shit DVR's. It's the reason I won't purchase anything from them.

09-18-2008, 10:58 AM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Outstanding: Tivo and Directv reach deal TiVo fans rejoice: HD, MPEG-4 TiVo returning to DirecTV By John Timmer \| Published: September 03, 2008 - 08:50AM CT Related Stories Ever since DirecTV decided to part ways with TiVo and roll its own DVR, fans of the pioneering TiVo have fervently hoped that the two service providers would reunite. While the companies have played nicely with one another since the split, providing a handful of modest feature improvements to DirecTV TiVo owners, there was no indication that DirecTV had any plans to embrace the TiVo platform once again. That has finally changed, as a new HD-capable TiVo for DirecTV customers will be launching in the second half of next year. The two companies have had an on-again, off-again relationship. DirecTV initially offered its subscribers DVR hardware from TiVo, but then began distributing its own equipment, including the first HD-capable hardware. Two things appear to have changed that stance: new management at DirecTV and TiVo's winning streak in lawsuits against competing DVR makers. We speculated in our earlier coverage that the companies' increased cooperation would ultimately lead to HD-capable TiVos being offered to the satellite subscribers. That day has now come to pass, as TiVo announced the new agreement this morning. The agreement isn't a slam-dunk for TiVo, though, as the satellite provider will continue to develop and market its own, competing equipment—even TiVo's announcement of the deal suggests that this equipment will be "primary offerings" for DirecTV subscribers. Still, the new offering will ensure that TiVo has at least one more outlet for its hardware as the company eyes ways of getting its hardware into the homes of more users without shouldering the cost of advertising and sales. "This agreement demonstrates our continued embrace of mass distribution opportunities in cooperation with major multichannel operators," stated Tom Rogers, TiVo's CEO. Unfortunately for TiVo fans that are itching for HD action, the hardware won't launch until the second half of 2009. While this is great news for TiVo fans and DirecTV users, one wonders whether late 2009 will be too little too late. DirecTV's aggressive ramp-up of MPEG-4 HD programming has left owners of the original Hughes DirecTV TiVo with a scant handful of high-def options to choose from. As a result, many TiVo fans have moved on. In fact, all of the Hughes DirecTV TiVos at the Orbiting HQ have been replaced by DirecTV HD DVRs, and, while we miss the TiVo interface and some of the power-user features (dual-tuner channel surfing owns), the DirecTV DVR really isn't that bad. Such a statement may appear to be a case of damning with faint praise, but the reality is that those who have had a year or two to grow accustomed to DirecTV's homegrown DVR may prove reluctant to spend the money necessary to move back to TiVo. Eric Bangeman contributed to this report.
Posts: 95,626

09-18-2008, 02:47 PM	#20
picasso That's a GOOD boy!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattle Casino cash: $10004900	TIVO SUCKS ASS!
Posts: 871

09-18-2008, 04:09 PM	#24
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	And just when I was thinking of moving back to cable and getting the TivoHD.... You do something like this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!! __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

09-18-2008, 04:26 PM	#25
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	my signals are all 3 90+ and i still get major rain fade even moved the dish from the ground to the roof to try and make it better ..... nada. __________________
Posts: 95,626

09-18-2008, 06:04 PM	#27
WilliamTheIrish Champion Golfer Of The Year Join Date: Aug 2001 Casino cash: $2570607	Dane, at least if you buy the TiVo you own it. Not the case with the DTV scam on their shit DVR's. It's the reason I won't purchase anything from them.
Posts: 35,755