Accessing Amazon's Prime Video Service through TiVo XL

2003 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by dlfl, Nov 16, 2011

GoldenWhiner

Discussion Starter · Nov 13, 2011

I recently signed up for Amazon's 'Prime' service primarily to use their recently-added feature of 'free' streaming of videos. After signing up for the feature, I followed their instructions for registering my TiVo XL unit with their site to activate this streaming service---and I made sure that streaming was allowed. Their web site indicates that the Amazon 'Prime Videos' should be displayed on TiVo Central. However, I have NOT been able to find a link to this service anywhere on TiVo Central. I can find a clear link to 'Amazon Instant Videos', but this is their rental service for downloading videos---rather than streaming videos. I did try this link, but I only found videos with rental fees---and I mistakenly ordered one of those. Has anyone else tried their 'Prime Videos' system? If so, how do you access them on your TiVo unit? Neal

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vectorcatch

· #2 · Nov 13, 2011

TiVo does not work for Prime instant videos (only rentals). If you check out the compatible devices page, TiVo has a big asterisk next to it saying it doesn't work for prime instant videos.

Support has been rumored, but no idea on a date and even then it may only be for premieres.

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GoldenWhiner

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 13, 2011

VectorCatch,
Thanks for your very quick and helpful response to my posting. I was shocked when you stated: "TiVo has a big asterisk next to it saying it doesn't work for prime instant videos." So I went to the Amazon help page entitled : "Amazon Instant Video on TiVo", and sure enough, there is one sentence buried in a lengthy 'how to' page that says: "At this time, Prime instant videos are only available for streaming and cannot be viewed on a TiVo box."

Based on this, I sent an email complaint to Amazon indicating that I thought they were guilty of misleading advertising when they indicated on their web page promoting Amazon Prime that it can be used with a wide variety of set-top units, including TiVo. Soon after my emial was sent, a tech rep from Amazon called me (very quickly) to confirm that they currently can not stream videos via TiVo units, but "they are working on this issue". When I asked when they expected to have this issue resolved, he could not give me any estimate of time. Thus, the bottom line is that Amazon's Prime streaming service does NOT work with TiVo units. So buyer beware!
Neal

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rsisters

· #4 · Nov 16, 2011

I spoke to an Amazon rep today regarding the same issue. He told me that Amazon Development is very much aware that Tivo users are unhappy about the current video streaming set-up.

According to the CSR I spoke with Amazon is tracking comments from customers as it relates to Tivo. I know people lie - but the guy talked with was also a Tivo user so I would like to believe that Amazon is listening.

He also mentioned that with Fire coming on-line today they were swamped.

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dlfl

· #5 · Nov 16, 2011

rsisters said:
I spoke to an Amazon rep today regarding the same issue. He told me that Amazon Development is very much aware that Tivo users are unhappy about the current video streaming set-up.

According to the CSR I spoke with Amazon is tracking comments from customers as it relates to Tivo. I know people lie - but the guy talked with was also a Tivo user so I would like to believe that Amazon is listening.

He also mentioned that with Fire coming on-line today they were swamped.

Consider the current and potential future business importance of Fire (and its future versions) vs. what they gain by getting Instant Prime videos onto TiVo's (some additional Prime subscriptions). Then consider that even Amazon has limited resources. Don't hold your breath.

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