I Will Wait Until January 09 To Buy A New TiVo

[SpiritualPoet]

Recently I spoke to a TiVo customer service associate. Just before ending our conversation, I happened to ask if a new model was under development or being planned. The associate paused for almost ten seconds before telling me she wasn't aware of one. Hmmm. Why does it take ten seconds to answer that question? It was as if she wanted to tell me "yes, indeed," but fearful of retaliation of her employment. Therefore, I'm reading between her words and deciding that for me, as much as I'd love to own a new Series 3 or an HD model, I'll refrain until January '09, giving the company half a year to unveil what may be the next revolutionary gotta have TiVo machine. It's all based on instinct and it's a gamble to me but it's one I'm willing to take.

[MikeMar]

Even if a CSR told you flat out yes or no, I wouldn't believe them

generally not the smartest or more straight forward group out there :D

[Turtleboy]

Recently I spoke to a TiVo customer service associate. Just before ending our conversation, I happened to ask if a new model was under development or being planned. The associate paused for almost ten seconds before telling me she wasn't aware of one. Hmmm. Why does it take ten seconds to answer that question? It was as if she wanted to tell me "yes, indeed," but fearful of retaliation of her employment. Therefore, I'm reading between her words and deciding that for me, as much as I'd love to own a new Series 3 or an HD model, I'll refrain until January '09, giving the company half a year to unveil what may be the next revolutionary gotta have TiVo machine. It's all based on instinct and it's a gamble to me but it's one I'm willing to take.

You can wait if you like; but trust me on this. The drones answering phones don't know anything.

[segaily]

She probably leaned over her cube wall and asked the person sitting next to her in those 10 seconds because she had no idea. :)

[zoma4]

I believe the CSRs aren't even tivo employees but rather outsourced from another firm. No way they'd have any idea what development is going on.

I work in the engineering dept of a tech company, and most of the people around here have no idea what we're working on!

[zoma4]

She probably leaned over her cube wall and asked the person sitting next to her in those 10 seconds because she had no idea. :)

Maybe she was taking a bite of her sandwich. :)

[TerpBE]

She was probably about to get a high score on Minesweeper.

[jtrain]

cute guy two cubes over walked by and she was admiring as he passed by...then realized you were still on the line.

[ZeoTiVo]

you shuffled her to a new script with a new question.



PS - CSRs are people as well. Mother's Father's etc. some are clueles, others are well versed on what they are talking about. Others are clcok watching and unconcerned, some are getting a paycheck while looking for something more in line with their talents, etc.. Others are great at handling people and not as concerned with technical detail.


So yah there is a whole host of reasons she may have paused.

[vazquezj324]

PS - CSRs are people as well.


WTH? I could of sworn they were just rats in Santa Clause suits! My world has been turned upside down! :D

[pomerlp]

Recently I spoke to a TiVo customer service associate. Just before ending our conversation, I happened to ask if a new model was under development or being planned. The associate paused for almost ten seconds before telling me she wasn't aware of one. Hmmm. Why does it take ten seconds to answer that question? It was as if she wanted to tell me "yes, indeed," but fearful of retaliation of her employment. Therefore, I'm reading between her words and deciding that for me, as much as I'd love to own a new Series 3 or an HD model, I'll refrain until January '09, giving the company half a year to unveil what may be the next revolutionary gotta have TiVo machine. It's all based on instinct and it's a gamble to me but it's one I'm willing to take.

ROFLOL:D:D:D

Best thing I read all day. Thank You!

Trust what the others say, a CSR has no idea what's upcoming.

[jrm01]

Trust what the others say, a CSR has no idea what's upcoming.

Nor ongoing.

[scandia101]

message deleted.
I just realized who the OP was.

[BlackBetty]

message deleted.
I just realized who the OP was.

well...don't keep us all in suspense.

[astrohip]

as much as I'd love to own a new Series 3 or an HD model, I'll refrain until January '09
Here's the part that I never understand. . .

You want an HDTiVo. Yet you are willing to forgo half a year of enjoyment on the chance--CHANCE--there may be another model out soon. You do realize there will be another new model coming out after that one? And on. And on.

Life's too short. Enjoy it now! :)

[webin]

of COURSE there's a new model in development. A company that isn't planning the next big thing is a company that isn't going to survive.

Unfortunately for us, it's most likely no where near ready yet, and won't be revealed for another year or two at the earliest. But they are working on it.

[scandia101]

well...don't keep us all in suspense.
:rolleyes:
Suspense???
User names are in the area to the left of their posts.

[restart88]

ROFLOL:D:D:D

Best thing I read all day. Thank You!

Trust what the others say, a CSR has no idea what's upcoming.

My thoughts as well. If a rep takes 10 seconds to answer my 1st thought is they don't know and are looking for the answer, not they DO know and don't wanna tell ya. :D

ZeoTiVo: PS - CSRs are people as well.

That's debatable. :p

Hey, for all we know there's an AI that handles all the level I calls. Would sure explain a lot. LOL

[ADent]

I am personally not buying until the SDV thing is fixed.

[Kablemodem]

I'm not buying until they come out with a zero carbon footprint TiVo.

[guppies]

I am personally not buying until the SDV thing is fixed.
What is the SDV thing?

[pomerlp]

What is the SDV thing?



ROFLOL Again!!!! Very funny. You are kidding, arn't you?

[ZeoTiVo]

My thoughts as well. If a rep takes 10 seconds to answer my 1st thought is they don't know and are looking for the answer, not they DO know and don't wanna tell ya. :D

ZeoTiVo: PS - CSRs are people as well.

That's debatable. :p

Hey, for all we know there's an AI that handles all the level I calls. Would sure explain a lot. LOL


maybe people that get poor Customer Service come in with the attitude you display? treat them like Drones or dirt and you get the same in return, just politely since they have to be.(most times)
but treat them like people with flaws just like we have and working a job with flaws, just like our own job has its flaws -- and then you at least have a chance of working around the flaws and getting to a good resolution.
Not saying you have to ask about Aunt Matilda or let it go if the CSR does not have a working knowledge of the subject matter but............... if the tone in you voice says I am just a person trying to deal with you as a person, I bet they will try harder and not be as uptight and prone to shutting down on you.

[WhiskeyTango]

ROFLOL Again!!!! Very funny. You are kidding, arn't you?

:confused: Why is that funny?

[rainwater]

The good thing about TiVo service is that if a new box comes out, you can easily buy a new box and switch it to your current service. So while there are contracts on new activations, you aren't stuck with a box for the duration of the contract. With the TiVo HD being so cheap, I would not hesitate one bit waiting for a box that may or may not come out in another year. If one does, sell your current one and you will probably recoup half of what you paid for it. So you would be out $100 or so. That isn't a bad deal if you ask me.

[MickeS]

She was probably about to get a high score on Minesweeper.

:D :D :D

[SpiritualPoet]

Ok. I'll buy an HD model. Convincing reasons: 1) technology is always changing and a new device is likely in the works no matter when it comes out 2) the resale value particularly with a lifetime service agreement will likely be pretty high 3) HD ensures that it is compatible with America's HD transmissions which won't change for at least a handful of years else angering millions who spent $XXXX on HD receivers to get what's available now. For the record, I was an early adopter of TiVo, spending $800 on the first Philips model manufactured, with single tuner of course, and only 30(?) hours of memory. I'll never forget that machine - it looked like a giant eye staring at me!

[restart88]

maybe people that get poor Customer Service come in with the attitude you display? treat them like Drones or dirt and you get the same in return, just politely since they have to be.(most times)
but treat them like people with flaws just like we have and working a job with flaws, just like our own job has its flaws -- and then you at least have a chance of working around the flaws and getting to a good resolution.
Not saying you have to ask about Aunt Matilda or let it go if the CSR does not have a working knowledge of the subject matter but............... if the tone in you voice says I am just a person trying to deal with you as a person, I bet they will try harder and not be as uptight and prone to shutting down on you.

Actually I used to be one myself for the credit dept of a major retail chain. I usually treat the reps with respect while on the phone. But what I have to say about the QOS of the rep after call is another matter. ;)

[GoHokies!]

Hey, for all we know there's an AI that handles all the level I calls. Would sure explain a lot. LOL
Nah, any AI would be able to give out answers with more consistency and accuracy than we see now. ;)

[restart88]

The good thing about TiVo service is that if a new box comes out, you can easily buy a new box and switch it to your current service. So while there are contracts on new activations, you aren't stuck with a box for the duration of the contract. With the TiVo HD being so cheap, I would not hesitate one bit waiting for a box that may or may not come out in another year. If one does, sell your current one and you will probably recoup half of what you paid for it. So you would be out $100 or so. That isn't a bad deal if you ask me.

Well for some of us parting with $100+ just to get a newer unit comes tough these days. I understand your general sentiment but for me even getting up enough money at today's discounted price for HD is tough so trading up relatively soon after is unlikely unless my finances suddenly improve.

Hey, if I could afford it I'd just buy an HD box as an additional unit but my budget is so tight right now that I couldn't really even afford the monthly extra $9 MSD.

When people are scrimping on food to pay for gas & utilities an extra or newer Tivo is gonna stay low on the priorities list. But I will say that as I consider switching to cable $2 for a cable card is way cheaper than paying $7 for cable box rent plus a DVR fee of like $8. So swapping the S2DT for a HD unit becomes attractive as long as there's no term charge.

[rainwater]

Well for some of us parting with $100+ just to get a newer unit comes tough these days. I understand your general sentiment but for me even getting up enough money at today's discounted price for HD is tough so trading up relatively soon after is unlikely unless my finances suddenly improve.

Hey, if I could afford it I'd just buy an HD box as an additional unit but my budget is so tight right now that I couldn't really even afford the monthly extra $9 MSD.

When people are scrimping on food to pay for gas & utilities an extra or newer Tivo is gonna stay low on the priorities list. But I will say that as I consider switching to cable $2 for a cable card is way cheaper than paying $7 for cable box rent plus a DVR fee of like $8. So swapping the S2DT for a HD unit becomes attractive as long as there's no term charge.

That is even more reason to go for a TiVo HD now as opposed to waiting. Assuming you can afford the box and the monthly fee of course. Any new box that comes out is pretty much assured to cost more than the current box given how low the current price is. Even if a new machine comes out nobody is going to force you to buy it anyways. I was just stressing that you are not locked into that box no matter what type of contract you sign up with.

[restart88]

The irony is that the digital converter makes my SD Tivo look pretty darned good without all the grainy images on pause with OTA and general PQ. In fact I just connected a Zenith 901 directly to my 32" tube HDTV set and it looks about as good as the real HD OTA picture. I'd almost have to have a 2nd set and be looking at them side by side to make the difference really stand out.

Also, if you want both DBS and OTA you sorta have to use a 540 or older box or else use 2 Tivos. So I suppose that adds to my personal hesitation.

But I understand what you're saying.

[ZeoTiVo]

Actually I used to be one myself for the credit dept of a major retail chain. I usually treat the reps with respect while on the phone. But what I have to say about the QOS of the rep after call is another matter. ;)


well that is fair enough, i am not above anonymous trashing of people on an impersonal level either. :) but they do not stop being people even after the call. I just hate to see people get the subliminal idea they can treat a rep however they like since they are drones or dregs and not real people.

[SpiritualPoet]

Aha! I never did get around to buying an HD model or a series 3 and now a new machine DID COME OUT!! With a mammoth memory!! In HD!!!

See?! I was right - the CSR knew it and she couldn't tell me else lose her job! Next time I share information on this m.b. about technology, will anyone believe me????

I'm the one smiling big time on this. All those with sarcasm toward me in this thread can go have a treat to pacify yourselves!! :)

[JohnBrowning]

Any thread on this board that starts out with "I asked a CSR.." is guaranteed to turn into multiple pages of snarky comments!!!

[astrohip]

Aha! I never did get around to buying an HD model or a series 3 and now a new machine DID COME OUT!! With a mammoth memory!! In HD!!!

See?! I was right - the CSR knew it and she couldn't tell me else lose her job! Next time I share information on this m.b. about technology, will anyone believe me????

I'm the one smiling big time on this. All those with sarcasm toward me in this thread can go have a treat to pacify yourselves!! :)
While I'm sure your basking in the limelight of your incredibleness, it's just a TiVo HD with a larger HD. Which you could have bought from Weaknees a year ago, and even done yourself. And for a lot less than TiVo is charging.

So while you've waited all this time to use a TiVo, I've been using my S3 with 750GB for well over a year.

[WhiskeyTango]

I just bought a TivoHD for $215, and a preformatted 1TB hard drive for $220. I'm not technical enough to do my own drive image which means you could get one even cheaper.

My 1TB THD...$435
SpiritualPoets 1TB THD...$600
Knocking a braggard down a notch...Priceless :)

[ZeoTiVo]

I just bought a TivoHD for $215, and a preformatted 1TB hard drive for $220. I'm not technical enough to do my own drive image which means you could get one even cheaper.

My 1TB THD...$435
SpiritualPoets 1TB THD...$600
Knocking a braggard down a notch...Priceless :)

don't forget the 55$ for Glo remote and HDMI cable ;)

[gonzotek]

don't forget the 55$ for Glo remote and HDMI cable ;)and thx cert :)

Still not a 'revolutionary' new TiVo; evolutionary at best.

[jlb]

She probably had to pause to turn down the setting on her Sybian.