Pricing is confusing..

[dig_duggler]

Is there any good summary of Tivo's pricing policy? I just read the pricing change faq, which seems to bring up more questions than answers...

My situation : Just got an s3, had two s2's, transferring lifetime from one to the s3 and keeping one of them. I was going to give one to my sister-in-law who already has a tivo , but wants one for her daughter's room. It is currently 6.95 (grandfathered in).

Am I reading this correctly that it is 12.95 for a one-year committment for MSD even if you own the equipment?

So once my free year on the s2 that transferred the lifetime runs out, is that now going to cost me at least $12.95 a month with one year committment? Or 6.95 for a 3 year committment (on a 3 year old piece of equipment that surely wont last that long)?

So even if you have the equipment, you have to pay nearly double rates that previously?

Sorry for asking, but poking around tivo's policy page and the faq here left me unsure...

[kido]

No, units that are receiving the one year of free service after having their lifetime services transferred to a S3 via the VIP offer will continue at the MSD rate of $6.95 automatically with no term commitment.

[dig_duggler]

sweet! thanks.

Still, for other users with their own equipment, nearly double the rate? I feel out of the loop...

[Einselen]

Still, for other users with their own equipment, nearly double the rate? I feel out of the loop...

Well yes and no. I think Tivo figured those users already have subscriptions on those boxes and therefore will be grandfathered in however, if you do have a box without service and wish to add it to your existing Tivo account with a box currently in service then yes the MSD on that box will be 13.95, 8.95 or 6.95 depending on the contract length.

[dig_duggler]

Well yes and no. I think Tivo figured those users already have subscriptions on those boxes and therefore will be grandfathered in however, if you do have a box without service and wish to add it to your existing Tivo account with a box currently in service then yes the MSD on that box will be 13.95, 8.95 or 6.95 depending on the contract length.

I suppose so, I just have not been paying much attention as it did not effect me. But I used to be able to talk someone into getting a tivo in no time. These parameters are a much harder sell....

[Einselen]

I suppose so, I just have not been paying much attention as it did not effect me. But I used to be able to talk someone into getting a tivo in no time. These parameters are a much harder sell....

This is true. If you really want to sell your friend on Tivo then tell them they get 30 days to try it out. If they don't like it you will help them cancel the service and send back the Tivo (assuming they buy it from Tivo.com which I think is the best way to go for brand new customers, I also recommend 3 yrs prepaid). I mean sure you can not cancel the account for them, but people are hesitant when you have to ship something back (btw anyone know the cost to have to ship back a canceled Tivo, does Tivo cover that or is it on your dime?). Also schedule a time for you to stop by their house and help train them how to use the main features of the Tivo and get them started. Sure it is a lot of work, but you then can ask for the referral from them and they will be glad to give it to you as you helped them out so much. If all that is done I am sure they will be hooked.

[bmgoodman]

I suggest a degree in mathematics with a minor in game theory. Then Tivo's pricing will be nearly transparent. You could set yourself up as the Tivo Oracle (and I mean like the Greek one, not Larry's company) and people could travel great distances to sit in your presence and ask you Tivo subscription questions. Of course, I was taught the the Oracle at Delphi gave inscrutable answers fraught with double meaning and room for later re-interpretation.

:D