Series 4 to be called "Tivo Premiere"?

[kiwiquest]

Only 2 simultaneous HD streams are allowed. That oculd be a deal breaker for many people. The 3rd HD stream is close to appearing though I believe. Although with AT&T you never know.

The third HD stream should be available with Uverse in February

[dbilling]

Tivo HD boxes have been unavailable from tivo.com for about a week... web site says "out of stock". Perhaps this is a sign that a next generation box is imminent?

HD XL boxes are still available, however.

[ZeoTiVo]

Tivo HD boxes have been unavailable from tivo.com for about a week... web site says "out of stock". Perhaps this is a sign that a next generation box is imminent?

HD XL boxes are still available, however.

or they just see no reason to sell a less than 1 TB size

[b_scott]

yeah, original HD's will be replaced with the Premiere.

[innocentfreak]

or they just see no reason to sell a less than 1 TB size

I can't imagine they would try to stick with a 499 box though. Depending on how much info they get back from retailers like remaining stock numbers, they may just be trying to eliminate as much stock out there as possible before rolling out the new unit.

Best Buy is also backordered online and in my area only one store has any in stock.

EDIT: I also wonder though could this be just them waiting for a fix from WD. We seem to see more people with XLs having issues with their units and displaying some of the soft reboot problems we have seen with drive upgrades on the new drives.

[daveak]

EDIT: I also wonder though could this be just them waiting for a fix from WD. We seem to see more people with XLs having issues with their units and displaying some of the soft reboot problems we have seen with drive upgrades on the new drives.

Or both?

[Jonathan_S]

Just an FYI.
In this thread, 'Interesting new numbers', wmcbrine reports that the logs for his (HME based?) game show connections from some TiVo that's reporting a new TSN prefix, platform, and SW versions. (Likely meaning both a new or updated hardware and software platform)
Based on its IP address it's likely connecting from somewhere in or around TiVo's HQ.

Just one more indication that something new could be nearing completion.

[Raj]

A decade or so back, some car manf. (AMC maybe) had a car called the 'Premier.' It wasn't.

3 or 4 tuners would be cool, but probably wouldn't sell enough units to pay for the R&D.

Not to mention 4 tuners would require 2 (or 4) tuning resolvers with some providers who do SDV.

[ZeoTiVo]

I can't imagine they would try to stick with a 499 box though.
yep. They would have to bring the price down as well on anything new.
Still 1 TB is a good selling point to someone who wants a DVR but does not want to open it up.

Since I can get a drive for around 100$ and do it myself in a couple of hours and also have a backup drive by putting the original on the shelf then 100$ more is already somewhat over my value point for adding in a 1 TB. So the new box would have to retail in the $350 area to interest me price wise

[baijumehta]

The third HD stream should be available with Uverse in February

I ordered Uverse, and they said they could only deliver 1 HD stream because I was too far away. I told them no thanks.

[BigJimOutlaw]

A handful of tech sites are starting to follow crunchgear's lead in hypothesizing that the lack of THD stock could mean a new model is coming... as has been discussed here for a few days.

(shrug) Could be just a guess. But I hope so. :)

[moyekj]

Not to mention 4 tuners would require 2 (or 4) tuning resolvers with some providers who do SDV. 2 Cisco TAs for Cisco headends but only 1 Moto TA needed for Motorola headends.

[innocentfreak]

yeah its funny since we have been discussing it for a week or so. I know it popped up in the series 3 forums early on.

Here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=441787) is the first time I read about it.

[bicker]

And if the implication is true, then it means we can look for the new model to be a replacement for the TiVo HD (i.e., more likely a low-end model) than some super-premium new model. Remember that they sold S2 boxes for quite a long time after the S3 came out.

[daveak]

And look at the current price on Amazon for an esata 1tb extender, $569.99 :eek:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001UHOR88/ref=sr_1_olp_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265304722&sr=8-5&condition=new

I am sure that must be a mistake, right? I've got one to sell for less than that... :D

[schwinn]

Sell it quick, then, while the getting's good!

[rainwater]

And look at the current price on Amazon for an esata 1tb extender, $569.99 :eek:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001UHOR88/ref=sr_1_olp_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265304722&sr=8-5&condition=new

I am sure that must be a mistake, right? I've got one to sell for less than that... :D

That isn't an Amazon price. Retailers on Amazon raise prices for hard to find stock. It's pretty common for Amazon marketplace partners to do this to take advantage of low stock items.

[Lannister80]

So now the TiVo HD has been out of stock on TiVo.com for the last few says. All their refurbs have been cleaned out as well.

TiVo Premiere launch imminent?

[LoadStar]

So now the TiVo HD has been out of stock on TiVo.com for the last few says. All their refurbs have been cleaned out as well.

TiVo Premiere launch imminent?

One would hope... either that, or they are just REALLY bad at supply chain management. One of the two.

[Anthony GT]

So now the TiVo HD has been out of stock on TiVo.com for the last few says. All their refurbs have been cleaned out as well.

TiVo Premiere launch imminent?

Well, I wish they would either release the new unit or bring back some stock of HD TiVos for the upgrade program. I'm in need of 2 new units and now I'm in limbo. :down:

[Len McRiddles]

Well, I wish they would either release the new unit or bring back some stock of HD TiVos for the upgrade program. I'm in need of 2 new units and now I'm in limbo. :down:

40 of them in stock at Amazon right now.

[innocentfreak]

Now also it looks like Tivo has dropped the Series 2 refurb units to $70.

[petew]

Now also it looks like Tivo has dropped the Series 2 refurb units to $70.

I've been wondering if Tivo will come out with a "Tivo Standard" entry level box perhaps with ATSC/Clear QAM only, no cable card slot and no HD output as a replacement for the S2. The Tivo Premiere name then makes sense as the higher priced HD box.

[wmcbrine]

I've been wondering if Tivo will come out with a "Tivo Standard" entry level box perhaps with ATSC/Clear QAM only, no cable card slot and no HD output as a replacement for the S2.No way. They don't even support clear QAM now (can't blame them, since the cable companies like to screw around with the mappings), and standard definition is on the way out.

"TiVo Premiere" does kind of suggest the existence of something lesser, but I have a hard time imagining what they could sensibly ditch, and I definitely don't foresee anything with those specs. The implied "lesser" units could just be their previous models -- i.e., "This is the best TiVo yet!".

[BigJimOutlaw]

If it interests anybody, at the moment Amazon doesn't appear to have the XL in stock anymore. Only other sellers are shown.

[moonscape]

Well, I wish they would either release the new unit or bring back some stock of HD TiVos for the upgrade program. I'm in need of 2 new units and now I'm in limbo. :down:

Same here, except I don't want to buy an S3 with the new release on the horizon. I was talking to customer service about a unit that has been stolen, and he volunteered rumor has it a new unit will be released shortly. What's 'shortly' I asked? Within the next couple of months, he answered.

Couple of months?! But then, they're not known for their accuracy on these things (and wouldn't be more specific even if they knew.)

[innocentfreak]

I wonder how much of this was planned on TiVo's part. Based off how quickly everyone has gone out of stock, it would seem they didn't have much stock remaining out there or they took it back. If the new unit is/was delayed though, I don't see this helping them that much if it is still several months before there is a model out there you can buy. I almost think you would be better off releasing a new unit while there is still a very small amount of stock out there with Amazon and Best Buy. Look at how quickly Sears sold out of the clearance units. Then again we don't know the estimated price of the Premiere.

[raianoat]

Now also it looks like Tivo has dropped the Series 2 refurb units to $70.

I could be wrong however, haven't refurb S2s been $79.99 for quite some time now?

[innocentfreak]

I thought they were still around $99-149 previously since it is the DT model. Maybe the basic series 2 was $79 or I just fell for the $70 off listing.

EDIT: Looking at Tivo.com I may be thinking of the new one since they list the new Series 2 DT for 149.99.

It also appears Tivo now has stock of the Tivo HD. Best Buy still shows oos. Amazon dropped the HD XL to $399.99.

[melissa12345]

no tivo still doesnt have HD in stock...rep told go to best buys..

[nrc]

I wonder if Tivo planned their stock leading up to a new announcement based on current sales trends, and then had an increase in sales as people who were waiting to see if there would be a CES announcement stopped putting off a purchase.

[BigJimOutlaw]

Oops, Amazon has the XL again. Off-and-on it goes. (shrug) :)

[innocentfreak]

I wonder if Tivo planned their stock leading up to a new announcement based on current sales trends, and then had an increase in sales as people who were waiting to see if there would be a CES announcement stopped putting off a purchase.

The price drop might have helped some but I can't imagine much. There was the WD issue that from what I read on the TiVo forums they rolled out a patch that addressed it so that might partially be it if they cut back until they had a fix. They may have just planned poorly expecting to have a new unit ready to go and it turned out it isn't.

They always seem to have a June or September release date from what I remember, but I doubt they would want to be out of stock for 5-6 months. Also the $99 lifetime upgrade special (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=442625) expires 4/30/10 so maybe they are planning on releasing after they lock some more people into lifetime.

[classicsat]

I've been wondering if Tivo will come out with a "Tivo Standard" entry level box perhaps with ATSC/Clear QAM only, no cable card slot and no HD output as a replacement for the S2. The Tivo Premiere name then makes sense as the higher priced HD box.

They could, but it would have Cablecard.

It could only lack HDMI, Component, digital audio, and eSATA.

[mfogarty5]

I thought the TiVo Premier was going to be a Best Buy exclusive and that TiVo was getting out of the retail business. From what I read on these forums TiVo should have gotten out of the direct to consumer business years ago.

If there is no Best Buy near you, then you can order it from their website.

I also figured that TiVo and BestBuy would use Geek Squad to install the CableCards into the TiVo Premiers.

It's a win for TiVo because they get out of the retail business and can focus on software(ads and tracking viewing habits. :p). Its a win for BestBuy because they get exclusive rights to the product and get work for their Geek Squad group. Its a win for cable companies who get to reduce truck rolls related to installers incapable of implementing CableCards. Its a win for consumers because Geek Squad employees trained on CableCards are less frustrating than cable company employees who aren't.

It makes sense too much sense which means that it will never happen.

[innocentfreak]

I thought the TiVo Premier was going to be a Best Buy exclusive and that TiVo was getting out of the retail business. From what I read on these forums TiVo should have gotten out of the direct to consumer business years ago.

No one knows if the TiVo Premier is the Best Buy TiVo. It very well could be.

I also figured that TiVo and BestBuy would use Geek Squad to install the CableCards into the TiVo Premiers.

Cable Cards come from the cable companies so this wouldn't be an option. Very few companies allow self installs.

It's a win for TiVo because they get out of the retail business and can focus on software(ads and tracking viewing habits. :p). Its a win for BestBuy because they get exclusive rights to the product and get work for their Geek Squad group. Its a win for cable companies who get to reduce truck rolls related to installers incapable of implementing CableCards. Its a win for consumers because Geek Squad employees trained on CableCards are less frustrating than cable company employees who aren't.

TiVo wants out of the hardware business not necessarily the retail business since that is where they lose money since they can't get their costs down because they aren't a company like Motorola or S.A. who is building millions of boxes. I don't want a Geek Squad member going anywhere near my stuff.

[jmpage2]

I thought the TiVo Premier was going to be a Best Buy exclusive and that TiVo was getting out of the retail business. From what I read on these forums TiVo should have gotten out of the direct to consumer business years ago.

If there is no Best Buy near you, then you can order it from their website.

I also figured that TiVo and BestBuy would use Geek Squad to install the CableCards into the TiVo Premiers.

It's a win for TiVo because they get out of the retail business and can focus on software(ads and tracking viewing habits. :p). Its a win for BestBuy because they get exclusive rights to the product and get work for their Geek Squad group. Its a win for cable companies who get to reduce truck rolls related to installers incapable of implementing CableCards. Its a win for consumers because Geek Squad employees trained on CableCards are less frustrating than cable company employees who aren't.

It makes sense too much sense which means that it will never happen.

Geek Squad installs are a win for the consumer? Please. :rolleyes:

TiVo probably sells tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of units at retail every quarter (Amazon probably sells a massive percentage of ALL TiVo units sold every month). If they really think that they can recoup these sales through direct partnerships, etc, then we as consumers are screwed because it means we are headed towards a TiVo that you can only get from your local cable/telco/sat company.

I prefer to buy/own my own boxes which is the entire purpose of Cablecard. I like upgrading my own hard drives on my TiVo hardware.

I love having an interface that isn't spammed with advertising from the local Cable Co.

Moving away from retail will be a huge loss for consumers since all they will "gain" is no up front cost for the hardware.

[moyekj]

Personally I refuse to buy anything from "Best Buy" (or most other brick & mortar electronics stores) just on principle, especially those that push such ridiculous items as "Monster" cables. Much better deals can be found usually from Amazon or other online retailers.

[aaronwt]

I thought the TiVo Premier was going to be a Best Buy exclusive and that TiVo was getting out of the retail business. From what I read on these forums TiVo should have gotten out of the direct to consumer business years ago.

If there is no Best Buy near you, then you can order it from their website.

I also figured that TiVo and BestBuy would use Geek Squad to install the CableCards into the TiVo Premiers.

It's a win for TiVo because they get out of the retail business and can focus on software(ads and tracking viewing habits. :p). Its a win for BestBuy because they get exclusive rights to the product and get work for their Geek Squad group. Its a win for cable companies who get to reduce truck rolls related to installers incapable of implementing CableCards. Its a win for consumers because Geek Squad employees trained on CableCards are less frustrating than cable company employees who aren't.

It makes sense too much sense which means that it will never happen.

A trained Geeksquad employee? My experience with them has been different. They have half assed calibrations, don't know thir way around a PC, and can't even install a TV properly.
The main reason some of my purchases have been from BestBuy is for the extended warranty.

[theoryzero]

March 2nd?

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2010-02/tivo-schedules-nyc-event-for-march-2nd/

[MickeS]

March 2nd?

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2010-02/tivo-schedules-nyc-event-for-march-2nd/

They're setting the bar pretty high with that invitation... :eek:

[ZeoTiVo]

A trained Geeksquad employee? My experience with them has been different. They have half assed calibrations, don't know thir way around a PC, and can't even install a TV properly.
The main reason some of my purchases have been from BestBuy is for the extended warranty.

hey I studied hard in school, took a rigorous college major and then hoped and prayed Best Buy would accept me as an installer of electronic stuff. Oh wait... that was my summer job for like 2 weeks until something better came along. :D

[innocentfreak]

yeah they are. Maybe a new ui? With the wording it definitely sound like they are planning on changing something.

[wildcardd]

Wonder if they are going to do a "Sling" type thing with your box? Would that even be possible?

[aaronwt]

March 2nd?

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2010-02/tivo-schedules-nyc-event-for-march-2nd/

I knew I should have sold two of my TiVoHD boxes last month.

[innocentfreak]

Might actually be a good time to buy one cheap with lifetime

[qz3fwd]

And i just hooked up my 3'rd brand new S3 from ebay last night and activated it today!
I do like the looks of the S3 compared to the HD/XL.

But if the new Tivo has a faster CPU, fast MRV, snappy HD GUI, and can stream m2ts files from network storage, I'll dip my toes and take one for a test drive around the block.
Worst case is I return it to Best Buy for a full refund.

[johnm4]

Finally an end to the lack of news I hope. My 2nd HDTV is sitting there waiting and I refuse to dump money into a 2nd TivoHD

[DocNo]

Perhaps another protocol such as USB 4.0

gawd no - hopefully USB 3 will be the last of that horrible standard. If you are going to wish for anything, wish for Light Peak (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=4940).

[wmcbrine]

gawd no - hopefully USB 3 will be the last of that horrible standard. If you are going to wish for anything, wish for Light Peak (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=4940).USB delivers power. I don't see how an optical link can do that (or, failing to do that, how it can substitute for USB).

[moyekj]

gawd no - hopefully USB 3 will be the last of that horrible standard. If you are going to wish for anything, wish for Light Peak (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=4940). Light Peak was initially known as USB 4.0. (I'm familiar with it since company I work for is involved with designing chips related to Light Peak).

[reubanks]

I stopped by to see what kind of stock they had and the prices for the HDXL. The HD was on closeout ($249 and 0 in stock) and the HDXL was priced at $499 (2 in stock). I pulled one of the HDXLs and went to get a price check.

The sales drone checked and said it was indeed $499. I mentioned that I heard that it was being closed out at $369 (from reading the forum) and he said he didn't see that in the computer, but that it made sense what with the new model coming out.:eek:
I asked what he had heard, but he went all "deer in the headlights" (complete with a "What am I saying" look on his face) and said he didn't know.

Hmm, I guess I'll have to visit some other BB stores in the area and chat up the sales types! I'll keep you all informed as to what I do or don't find out...

Randy

[steve614]

Oops! :D

[richsadams]

...but that it made sense what with the new model coming out.:eek: From July '09...

TiVo and Best Buy alliance to yield co-branded DVR, TiVo software on Insignia and Dynex TVs (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/tivo-and-best-buy-alliance-to-yield-co-branded-dvr-tivo-softwar/)

Tom Rogers and IIRC other articles put the release as early 2010 so the timing is about right. Nice to know the BB sales force is being kept up to date. ;) Wonder if it'll be the "Premiere" or something else?

[reubanks]

Rich,

I remember reading about this, but if the generic salesdrones have heard something through official channels then something is coming "REAL SOON NOW".

<pacing back and forth while muttering to myself.>

[bicker]

And the dates being thrown around all seem to be the first week of March.

[sdzc]

From July '09...

TiVo and Best Buy alliance to yield co-branded DVR, TiVo software on Insignia and Dynex TVs (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/tivo-and-best-buy-alliance-to-yield-co-branded-dvr-tivo-softwar/)

Tom Rogers and IIRC other articles put the release as early 2010 so the timing is about right. Nice to know the BB sales force is being kept up to date. ;) Wonder if it'll be the "Premiere" or something else?

I seriously hope that a "partnership" with Best Buy is not the big moment for Tivo.

If it is, what a letdown.

[bicker]

So let me get this straight: TiVo announces two things they're planning on doing. And somehow you took that and developed an expectation that they were going to be providing something else -- an expectation so strong that you actually would have an emotional reaction, a "letdown", if they don't provide you something more than what they've been telling us they're going to be providing.

That's remarkable.

Utterly remarkable.

[innocentfreak]

While I agree with you Bicker, TiVo really set themselves up with the line "Inventing the DVR was just the warm-up."

I just see it being tough to live up to their own hype at this point.

[bicker]

If you're going to judge what they release based on your preconceived notions of what you want them to announce, then you're setting yourself up to be disappointed.

By the way, it makes more sense to take that phrase as an indication that the big thing they're going to release is not a DVR.

[innocentfreak]

I think calling something as significant as a DVR a warm-up means whatever they are going to announce they are expecting to be bigger. At least that is how I and many others are interpreting it. The problem is what could be bigger and something people are going to want?

It would be the same as if Apple had used the Ipod was just a warm-up for the Ipad announcement.

[Luckyp79]

so they take the Best Buy brand TV's and stick a TiVo inside of it. Its more then just a DVR. Even that would trickle down to us in the form of new software.
I can't see them doing something cool like that and not bring out a new UI. That interface would then trickle down to the boxes. The current UI is boring and clunky.

Nope I am with everyone else these days. TiVo hyped us up with their tag line for this event. They hyped us up and its up to them to deliver.

[MickeS]

By the way, it makes more sense to take that phrase as an indication that the big thing they're going to release is not a DVR.

Agreed.

[innocentfreak]

The only problem with not releasing a DVR then is they will only have a 399+ HD XL since the HDs are pretty much gone from retailers and Tivo.

[wmcbrine]

It would be the same as if Apple had used the Ipod was just a warm-up for the Ipad announcement.In retrospect, they could've said the iPod was just a warm up for the iPhone, and I think that would've been a fair statement, though it would've seemed insane at the time.

[innocentfreak]

I would agree with you there. I think upon the announcement people would have been impressed even more than most were if it had been kept as quiet as TiVo has kept this.

At this point only a select few who obviously aren't talking know what TiVo is set to announce. Even the tipsters haven't said a word since which possibly means they have said all they know and there is really nothing else other than the fine print or TiVo has something that only a select few know about and has kept its cards very close to its chest. Obviously it could be a mix of the two but for it to be something big like a Hulu service or even Hulu I think we would have seen leaks about deals here and there.

[wublet]

(My apologies if anyone has already suggested anything along the following lines; haven't got time to read the 316 posts before me.)

Given the name "Premiere", and a promise of some dramatic Really Big Thing, could they be planning some sort of over-the-net service to bring first-run movies into the home on an on-demand/PPV basis? I mean films still being shown in theaters. Given studio attitudes, that would sort of necessarily imply a secure media path (no analog out, no TTG etc.), at least for the first-run films. The time is probably right for some offering along those lines, and TiVo's control over the box makes them well situated to pull it off. Further, it could also give TiVo Inc. participation in the content revenue stream if they're provisioning the server infrastructure and processing the viewer payments for the first-run content -- the Amazons and Netflixes of the world may not be as well positioned to take a cut there.

[DaGhost]

See now I am wondering if they will deliver network based storage. Your shows are recorded on their servers and the TiVo Premiere box delivers the video to your non Best Buy television. BB branded tvs will get that capability built-in.

That's my gut feel.

DaGhost

[innocentfreak]

One issue though is they would need some major backend hardware since IIRC they would have to record a copy for every single person requesting a recording of a show. I believe they would also be required to offer a copy as if you recorded it off your local channel also.

[sdzc]

So let me get this straight: TiVo announces two things they're planning on doing. And somehow you took that and developed an expectation that they were going to be providing something else -- an expectation so strong that you actually would have an emotional reaction, a "letdown", if they don't provide you something more than what they've been telling us they're going to be providing.

That's remarkable.

Utterly remarkable.

Um, No... Simmer down.

I feel that if Tivo is going out on a limb to say that "Inventing the DVR was just a warmup" that they better have more to offer than just a partnership with BB. Does that opinion seem "Utterly remarkable"?

They have done a damn good job with the DVR, so yes, my expectations (and anticipation) are kind of high when they willingly advertise as they have with this.

[Eisenherz]

Ran across this info about pricing, not sure if this is genuine or not.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/tivo-premiere-xl-dvrs-show-up-in-best-buy-systems-for-299-49/

[richsadams]

Ran across this info about pricing, not sure if this is genuine or not. http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/tivo-premiere-xl-dvrs-show-up-in-best-buy-systems-for-299-49/Thanks for posting. Hopefully the product dimensions (6"H x 12.6"L x 19.6"W) are for the box it comes in. (TiVo HD's are about 3"H x 12.5"L x 15.6"W) Interesting claim that it "supports 1080i and 1080p". New 1080p GUI? The new name, "TiVo Premiere XL HD" (TCD74800) flips the current moniker "TiVo HD XL". It would appear to still have a 1TB hard drive, but the the "standard" Premiere HD records up to 45 hours of HD. TCD746320 = 320GB HDD? The parts/labor warranty is 90/90 days. It's 90 days free labor / 1 year parts exchange currently. Hmmm...

[Stormspace]

TiVo setting itself up as an internet cable company would be cool. Pay them and stream any show to your Tivo. It would certainly make it more difficult for all those cable internet providers that want to impose caps.

[wublet]

It would certainly get around the SDV problem.

Pretty rich if your ISP used to be your cableco.

[DocNo]

USB delivers power. I don't see how an optical link can do that (or, failing to do that, how it can substitute for USB).

If you looked at the specification instead of speculating baselessly you would see that it's pretty easy to combine copper with optical fibre to overcome such issues ;)

[shady]

(My apologies if anyone has already suggested anything along the following lines; haven't got time to read the 316 posts before me.)

Given the name "Premiere", and a promise of some dramatic Really Big Thing, could they be planning some sort of over-the-net service to bring first-run movies into the home on an on-demand/PPV basis? I mean films still being shown in theaters. Given studio attitudes, that would sort of necessarily imply a secure media path (no analog out, no TTG etc.), at least for the first-run films. The time is probably right for some offering along those lines, and TiVo's control over the box makes them well situated to pull it off. Further, it could also give TiVo Inc. participation in the content revenue stream if they're provisioning the server infrastructure and processing the viewer payments for the first-run content -- the Amazons and Netflixes of the world may not be as well positioned to take a cut there.

That's an interesting thought. It would certainly give meaning to the name of the box.
I can't remember from the leaked diagrams of the box. Does it still have analog outputs? If so, can they be turned off by software? otherwise, I don't see that happening due to piracy issues.

[Stormspace]

Anyone done the math to see how the 8.31/month would work out as far as a length of commitment?

[theoryzero]

$8.31 a month is about $100 a year, so it seems like the same $299 for three years plan that is currently available.

[DancnDude]

Anyone done the math to see how the 8.31/month would work out as far as a length of commitment?

If I had to guess, it'd be 3 years monthly since 36 months @ $8.31 is right around $299.

I'd also expect to still have the option of purchasing lifetime for $399, although all up-front.

[wmcbrine]

If you looked at the specification instead of speculating baselessly you would see that it's pretty easy to combine copper with optical fibre to overcome such issues ;)I don't know where one might find the spec, but what I read (http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-346181.html) is that "Intel said it's working on bundling the optical fiber with copper wire so Light Peak can be used to power devices plugged into the PC," implying that it's not yet part of the spec. It looks interesting, though.

[innocentfreak]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned, but I would not be surprised if the 90/90 warranty is correct since TiVo now offers the extended warranty option. We all know extended warranties are money makers for places like Best Buy so it would work out as another revenue source for TiVo and allow them to keep hardware at a lower price.

They may also get hardware at a cheaper cost since it comes with less warranty which you will occasionally see with OEM harddrives.

[wublet]

That's an interesting thought. It would certainly give meaning to the name of the box.
I can't remember from the leaked diagrams of the box. Does it still have analog outputs? If so, can they be turned off by software? otherwise, I don't see that happening due to piracy issues.
According to the leaked quick-install guide photo, there are both HDMI and analog outputs. No way of knowing yet whether the analog outs are defeated while playing protected content, but that ain't rocket science. DVD players have been defeating unprotected (no HDCP) DVI outputs for protected (or foreign region) content for many years now.

[McCarron]

I guess the Premiere is the Series 4 after all.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/dnptivo-premiere-and-premiere-xl-usher-in-a-brand-new-interface/

[lessd]

I guess the Premiere is the Series 4 after all.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/dnptivo-premiere-and-premiere-xl-usher-in-a-brand-new-interface/

Has TiVo itself ever called this new box a Series 4, I have not read all the TiVo news releases but so far I have not seen that TiVo has called this new box a Series 4. I know some other news originations have said the new Series 4 will be called the Premiere, but that may their interruption.

[Adam1115]

<Yawn> The slide out keyboard is slightly cool, but it's still just a cablecard TiVo that can't do ondemand or SDV without an adapter.

Lame.

[SullyND]

<Yawn> The slide out keyboard is slightly cool, but it's still just a cablecard TiVo that can't do ondemand or SDV without an adapter.

There is no way they could have done anything about OnDemand or SDV.

[MichaelK]

<Yawn> The slide out keyboard is slightly cool, but it's still just a cablecard TiVo that can't do ondemand or SDV without an adapter.

Lame.

on of the engadget screen caps has a comcast on demand icon. Could be just tivo's dream or what could happen. But comcast and tivo are buddies...

[MrMike1876]

what about tivo letting us upgrade the operating system on existing series 3 HD Tivos to this new interface - would anyone think that is a possiblity instead of buying the whole unit. my tivo will break eventually - then I will bite the bullet - but for now...i dont see spending 700 bucks for a disk usage meter - the one feature that is missing from series 3 that should have been there years ago..

[bicker]

I suspect that the new UI is relying on the capacity of new hardware components in the Premiere.

[slowbiscuit]

So what I'm wondering is, will the series3 get Comcast OnDemand? I understand not getting the new UI, at least I know I wouldn't want it based on the engadget video. Dog slow and ripe for forced video ads.

[bkdtv]

So what I'm wondering is, will the series3 get Comcast OnDemand? I understand not getting the new UI, at least I know I wouldn't want it based on the engadget video. Dog slow and ripe for forced video ads.This has been mentioned few times, but it probably bears repeating -- the TiVo Premiere retains the current user interface as an option.

[jmpage2]

So what I'm wondering is, will the series3 get Comcast OnDemand? I understand not getting the new UI, at least I know I wouldn't want it based on the engadget video. Dog slow and ripe for forced video ads.

There's no way for the new Series-4 box to do on Demand unless a provider partners with TiVo to specifically do it over the Internet.

With no cable modem/tru-2-way functionality in the box itself it is impossible for the TiVo to access the "on demand" features that your cable box accesses.

[slowbiscuit]

Uh yeah, that's what the Seachange deal was all about - cable VOD via the net. Didn't you see the 'Comcast OnDemand' icon in the TP pics?

[MichaelK]

There's no way for the new Series-4 box to do on Demand unless a provider partners with TiVo to specifically do it over the Internet.

With no cable modem/tru-2-way functionality in the box itself it is impossible for the TiVo to access the "on demand" features that your cable box accesses.

the only "it" required over the internet is the back channel communication, and tivo already worked that out with seachange and will use it on the RCN box which is apparently using the premiere hardware.

So it's totally possible the premiere hardware will access the "on demand" feature of leased cable box. The question is will it only ever be available on RCN leased boxes, will store bought premiers work on RCN, and will anyone besides RCN inplement it.

Engadget has some ui shots with a menu item that shows 'cable video on demand' along side amazon video on demand and blockbuster video on demand. Could just be there for RCN. But they have a shot with a widget/icon/app/favorite with the logo for comcast's video on demand- could be just tivo's wishful thinking.

[jmpage2]

Uh yeah, that's what the Seachange deal was all about - cable VOD via the net. Didn't you see the 'Comcast OnDemand' icon in the TP pics?

It is highly likely that such a thing would come to Comcast branded/provided TiVo boxes.

I am skeptical that we will see on demand for Comcast with the Premiere as a standalone box.

[schwinn]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/oops-tivo-premiere-wont-have-comcast-on-demand/

[Dr_Diablo]

you plans to get one?