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03-28-2008, 11:01 AM
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#1
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TiVo Forum Special Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Alviso, California
Posts: 2,180
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Blue Moon X
Today is Blue Moon Day. It's the tenth Blue Moon Day in fact. My how time flies.
There's a story there, and it's a pretty good one. So, for the tenth time...
What is Blue Moon day? How did it come to be? Why 'Blue Moon'? Gather 'round, and I will answer all your questions. 
Blue Moon is a TiVo National Holiday. It marks the very first shipments of production TiVo DVR's to paying customers. Our first orders fulfilled. We actually were in business then, and getting there was a huge effort!
While TiVo came to be the first, and certainly the most well known DVR on the planet, we weren't alone in those early days. There was another startup company, ReplayTV, that was nipping at our heels. In true Silicon Valley tradition, two startups were in a race...for resources, money, partners...you name it. We were well aware of them, and I'm sure vice versa. Now we had kept our powder dry, not spending much of our marketing money at all thru 1998 (well, we did spend some here and there, mostly on PR trips, a partner conference in SF, etc). But Replay struck first publically with a full page ad in a magazine right at the end of 1998. Now, putting an ad in a magazine is something that's easy to do, no product is actually required. But the perception it left with some people is, well, that Replay was ahead. That was not going to happen. No way. It was Christmas, but people kept working. It was a race!
In early January we went to the Consumer Electronics Show, our first tradeshow booth, and we demo'd tons of working product there. But right down the aisle from us...was ReplayTV's booth. Their product looked pretty solid as well. There's a fun story in there about a bit of partner wooing (Sony), but that will have to wait for another day.
So, they were real, and not far behind us. Our goal had been to ship in the first quarter of 1999, but there was so much work left to do. Especially when you factor in that we'd landed Philips as a manufacturing/distribution partner, bringing in loads of structure (and work) for our QE, Operations and Manufacturing teams. Oh, and we needed a program guide on the product. That wasn't done yet, we better get one of those before March.
The execs pulled us all into a big meeting, a 'reality check'. Were we going to make it? Could we ship by the end of March? It didn't look promising at the rate we were going (and people were working long hours as it was). Maybe April. Or May. The summer is a slow time to launch, how about waiting until Fall? Ouch.
Nope. We would make our date. Every one of us was challenged to make it happen, get it done. We knew that we had the best product, we'd seen the competition. And we'd all worked far too hard for too long to be second to market. Someone had brought a copy of Henry V to the meeting, and we all watched Olivier deliver the St. Crispin's Day speech. We were a band of brothers, and we would be remembered.
In that meeting we decided upon the final code name for this project. Oh, there had been other code names for bits and pieces of the development. But the final push needed something special. One of our engineers had noticed that March of '99 had two full moons in it - the second full moon of a month is known as a 'Blue Moon'. We had our code name - Blue Moon. It's really nice when the code name has the launch date built right into it, eh?
From that moment on we completely abandoned the outside world. January through March people lived, slept, ate at TiVo. The futons in the common area were great for naps (if you could get one). The coffee pots, and that wonderful first espresso machine we had were in constant use (every floor of our buildings at TiVo has a commercial espresso machine to this day). The closet near my office became storage for pillows and blankets (we had to clear out all of the exercise gear and engine parts that normally were there...hey, engineers like to tinker). The company brought in breakfasts, lunch, dinner...we were well fed. Our normal lives were set aside, everyone in the company found a way to pitch in and do whatever was necessary to move things forward and hit the date.
And we did it. At the end of March '99 we all met at the manufacturing line (Our products were built at a subcontractor, and one of their lines happened to be in east San Jose). Everyone from the company converged on the place, donned blue lab coats, and toured the line. We watched those first TiVo DVR's rolling down the line, and boxes piling up on pallets at the end, going out to customers. We drank champagne and cheered. Hugged our partners. Hugged each other. And collapsed. We were so exhausted. Everyone signed the very first box down the line. That TiVo DVR still sits in a glass display case here at TiVo, surrounded by photos of the day. It's a very special thing.
We'd done it. We were first to market. Replay would come out about a month later with their DVR, but we were first, and it was sweet. Mike Ramsay, our CEO, announced that the last Friday in March would be a TiVo holiday, forevermore. Blue Moon Day. He ordered us all to stay home, he was padlocking the doors to the office. Nobody was to come in, for any reason. Go home and see your family & friends. Tell them the stories. Enjoy the daylight and fresh air. Do whatever you want - but don't come to work.
Those that have heard the story before may remember that nine months following that first holiday five Blue Moon babies were born. So not everyone took the advice about daylight and fresh air.
So today we're at Blue Moon number ten. TiVo is closed for business today, we're all off having a bit of fun. Today's the day we remember not only the Blue Moon launch, but all of the effort that has gone into developing and launching each and every project here at TiVo since. We even move our payday up a day here so our finance folks can take the day off. The only people working - our customer support team. Someone has to answer the phones. So if you have to call today, please be extra nice to them. It's a special day, and they're working away.
Give your TiVo DVR a dusting today. Pat your TiVo doll on the head. Change the batteries in your remote. Think good thoughts, post good things. Remember that not that long ago, controlling your television at all simply wasn't possible. But for the efforts of that small band of brothers, it might still not be possible today. Enjoy Blue Moon Day!
Pony
__________________
Director of Product Marketing
TiVo Inc.
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03-28-2008, 11:15 AM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
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Congrats! We Love TiVo!
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03-28-2008, 11:25 AM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 402
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What a great story. Thanks and congratulations. 
When I think back on all the early-adopter junk I've acquired in my life, and having watched the Tivo pre-release buzz trying to get my head around why I needed THAT new gizmo (I had some trouble I'll admit) I did somehow manage to hold off for one year, and it was one of the few times in my early-adopter life that that was a mistake!!! A big mistakes!!! Sheesh!!! Tivo changed my life! Missed-out on a whole year (and now being able to extend my lifetime subscription)! Still have my S1 Tivo but counting-down now to Feb 2009 after which it will render only static. Sigh. 
__________________
TiVo Series3 (v11.0d-01-2-648)
TiVo HD (v11.0d-01-2-648)
Philips HDR312 Standalone (v3.0) RETIRED-RIP
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03-28-2008, 11:34 AM
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#4
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adorkable
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,485
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TiVoPony
Those that have heard the story before may remember that nine months following that first holiday five Blue Moon babies were born. So not everyone took the advice about daylight and fresh air. |
well, you keep assuming they were not in the fresh air and daylight 
Always a good read Pony, and thanks again to that band of brothers for my life not following the TV schedule while still enjoying all the shows I want to watch
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How quickly we think the world owes us something we didn't know existed ten minutes ago.
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03-28-2008, 12:59 PM
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#5
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Elvis needs boats
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: St. Pete, FL
Posts: 8,238
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I have Blue Moon in my Outlook calendar so I always remember.
Happy Blue Moon day guys! Here's to another 10!
__________________
652~TiVoHD, 810hrs (500gb Expander)
648~Series3, 1561hrs (1TB Expander)
230~Series2, 136hrs (upgraded)
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03-28-2008, 02:19 PM
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#6
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BaDoop BaDoop BaDoop
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 852
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Congrats! And thanks for putting forth all that effort 10 years ago. Can't wait to see what you folks do during the next 10.
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03-28-2008, 02:36 PM
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#7
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TiVo Forum Special Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: AZ
Posts: 21,761
TC CLUB MEMBER
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Congratulations!
Now... get to answering some of the other threads here! |
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03-28-2008, 02:41 PM
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#8
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Elvis needs boats
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: St. Pete, FL
Posts: 8,238
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It's his day off! Give him until at least Saturday!
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652~TiVoHD, 810hrs (500gb Expander)
648~Series3, 1561hrs (1TB Expander)
230~Series2, 136hrs (upgraded)
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03-28-2008, 02:55 PM
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#9
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Star Trekkin'
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 25,750
TC CLUB MEMBER
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Happy holiday, TiVo-ites!
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03-28-2008, 03:19 PM
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#10
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formerly TiVoOpsMgr
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Alviso, CA, USA
Posts: 2,353
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Thanks all, for the kind words and support!
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E. Stephen Mack, Director of TiVoCast Operations at TiVo (
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03-28-2008, 03:59 PM
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#11
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Klein Bottle Washer
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago,IL,USA
Posts: 269
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I haven't been here in years because being on a DTivo has locked me into a timewarp, but something about the date made me drop by.
Those first few years were pretty amazing - people saying there were more outhouses than tivos, predictions of doom every 30 seconds, the revelations that you could get a unix shell, and the first "tivo king" competition.
Someday I'd love to get back into the tivo mainstream, but my mode of getting tv doesn't allow it. Til then - glad to see you guys are still fighting strong.
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03-28-2008, 04:39 PM
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 359
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I think that someone even wrote a "Blue Moon" song too? ("I saw you standing alone....."). Can't wait to see what 2018 has in store for us.
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"In wine there is wisdom"
"In beer there is strength"
"In water there is bacteria"
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03-28-2008, 05:43 PM
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#13
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Outlaw
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Atlantic County, NJ
Posts: 1,173
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Congrats!
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Born To be a Wild!
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03-28-2008, 05:52 PM
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#14
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Long time TiVo user
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 703
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TiVo has pulled this from it's site but it's captured on YouTube. The Blue Moon video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsXUPmWAfhY
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Andy
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03-28-2008, 06:00 PM
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#15
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Reed's CPA
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cumming, Georgia
Posts: 8,028
TC CLUB MEMBER
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 20TIL6
Congrats! And thanks for putting forth all that effort 10 years ago. Can't wait to see what you folks do during the next 10.
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Actually 9 years ago... but who's counting?
Congrats TiVo!
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03-28-2008, 06:11 PM
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#16
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Early Adoptersaurus
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 711
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Congratulations Pony and Stephen. The success and longevity of a company is a direct result of the dedication of it's employees, and obviously you guys had an excellent core group to be able to pull this off. Your place in history will be remembered for many years to come.
I used to consider microwave ovens and cell telephones to be prime examples of life-changing devices...you know, those things that you look back and say, I can't imagine ever living without this. These days, I look ahead and say, I can't imagine ever living without TiVo.
__________________
TiVo Series 3 HD DVR
TiVo HD DVR
Pioneer DVR-810H
TiVo Series 2 140 Hr + TiVo Series 2 DT 80 Hr (retired)
Provider: Verizon FIOS
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03-28-2008, 07:00 PM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MA
Posts: 307
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Congratulations! You guys have always gone above and beyond. Cheers.
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TiVo
Series 3 w/LT 1TB | Series 3 w/LT 1.25TB | S2DT 180hr | Series 2 140 310hr
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03-28-2008, 07:14 PM
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#18
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what ru lookin at?
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,205
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I can honestly say TiVo has changed the way I watch TV.
Happy Blue Moon, guys!
Enjoy it while it lasts. There's a software update due.
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The Man Prayer: I'm a man ...... I can change ...... If I have to ...... I guess.
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03-28-2008, 08:14 PM
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#19
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------ Alan ------
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 804
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happy blue moon aniversary!!
--
Alan
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TCD540040 Lifetime
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Toshiba RD-XS32S (DVR/DVD burner)
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03-28-2008, 10:38 PM
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#20
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Crimper
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Posts: 197
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Congratulations TiVo!
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03-28-2008, 10:42 PM
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#21
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TiVo Forum Special Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: AZ
Posts: 21,761
TC CLUB MEMBER
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TiVotion
I used to consider microwave ovens and cell telephones to be prime examples of life-changing devices...you know, those things that you look back and say, I can't imagine ever living without this. These days, I look ahead and say, I can't imagine ever living without TiVo.
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Apart from medical equipment (which TRULY are life changing ), TiVo belongs up there in the top of products that have really changed my life.
I still can't believe not everyone has one!
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03-28-2008, 10:48 PM
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#22
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Star Trekkin'
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 25,750
TC CLUB MEMBER
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MickeS
Apart from medical equipment (which TRULY are life changing ), TiVo belongs up there in the top of products that have really changed my life.
I still can't believe not everyone has one! |
I am also baffled at the idea that anyone watches TV without TiVo.
Are they cavemen or something?!?
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03-28-2008, 11:13 PM
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#23
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Stuart F
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 2,761
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JustAllie
I am also baffled at the idea that anyone watches TV without TiVo.
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+infinity
I have this running joke with my wife that if there's ever a fire, I'm grabbing the dog, the TiVo and her, in that order. And then I go ha-ha, but she knows I'm not joking. 
I try not to be a TiVo-fanatic, but I really do love my S3.
__________________
________________________________________________
TiVo S3-750GB HD w/Lifetime (both OTA & CableCards)
TiVo S3-500GB
TiVo S2 retired
SA-8300HD (ver SARA 1.89.22.2)
DirecTV HD-21
100% closed captions
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03-30-2008, 06:38 PM
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#24
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adorkable
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,485
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Quote:
Originally Posted by astrohip
+infinity
I have this running joke with my wife that if there's ever a fire, I'm grabbing the dog, the TiVo and her, in that order. And then I go ha-ha, but she knows I'm not joking.
I try not to be a TiVo-fanatic, but I really do love my S3. |
I got a TiVo for my Wife once.
best trade I ever made
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How quickly we think the world owes us something we didn't know existed ten minutes ago.
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03-30-2008, 09:58 PM
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#25
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O2->CO2 Converter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: KFME
Posts: 2,624
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Quote:
Originally Posted by astrohip
+infinity
I have this running joke with my wife that if there's ever a fire, I'm grabbing the dog, the TiVo and her, in that order. And then I go ha-ha, but she knows I'm not joking.
I try not to be a TiVo-fanatic, but I really do love my S3. |
Your dog and wife have legs to get out on their own, the Tivo doesn't.
Just sayin'
Thanks again to Stephen and Pony - I enjoy the story every year. Kind of like a grown ups version of "Night Before Christmas" story time.
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- "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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03-31-2008, 08:27 AM
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#26
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Inforati
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 34,590
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Congrats! This is one of my favorite Tivo stories!
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Do not taunt happy thread counts.
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03-31-2008, 09:23 AM
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#27
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Cracker Soul
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Living in a four letter world.
Posts: 1,609
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Viva la Tivolution!
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It's the dance of Shiva
It's the Debutantes Ball
And everyone will be there
Who's anyone at all
-- Warren Zevon
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03-31-2008, 12:24 PM
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#28
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NCC-1701-D
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Newburyport, MA
Posts: 6,773
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Happy Anti-YAMM! I guess that's NAMM!!!!!!
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1 TiVoHD with Motorola M Cable Card and a WD My DVR Expander - And loving them all!!!
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03-31-2008, 01:51 PM
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#29
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 273
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JustAllie
I am also baffled at the idea that anyone watches TV without TiVo.
Are they cavemen or something?!? |
Careful! Those goofy cavemen will come after you!!!
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03-31-2008, 10:19 PM
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#30
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 7
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Once-in-a-Blue-Moon Birthday Special from TiVo!
Happy Blue Moon to TIVO but not the TIVO faithful! 
I have been a TIVO faithful since it's birth. I bought my first TIVO Series I in '99 and have been a huge fan ever since. I have recommended it to my friends, co-workers and family members.
I have had a total of 4 TIVOs over the past 8 years. My latest TIVO, I just bought last month. My first HD Series III. I was extremely happy except for the fact that I couldn't get a lifetime subscription as I had always done in the past.
Today, a little over a month later, I open my email and TIVO has an offer about FREE lifetime service for those purchasing the HD Series III TIVO. Wow, that's great but what about me? Can this offer be extended to it's current customer base? No, if it is after the 30 days, you don't qualify. I think that's ridiculous and really poor customer service for TIVO to not honor this offer or at least let you pay the difference on such a recent purchase.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY FAVORITE COMPANY/PRODUCT? |
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