TiVo Available in Canada

[Acadian]

I don't really agree...i just don't see much value in this offering and don't think they will do well.

Paying a $13 fee? Why? I see a slight value in regular cable customers, but does someone who hasn't moved to digital yet really want or need something like this? ...and am i wrong in saying i read somewhere that all service providers are going to remove their analog feeds in a few years (wasn't there something that came out about this a while back).

Personally, count me out.

Cheers!

[faston]

It's the software but even more its the guide listings. They buy the listings from Tribune and they are much more complete than what you would get with the Shaw box for instance. There is all kinds of stuff in the background that it is using that is not immediately apparent to the user. Each program has a unique number and description so it knows if it has been recorded before even if the listing that's visible to the user is not that informative. Also, behind the scenes, it knows actors, directors, writers etc that you can have 'wishlists' for to record your favourite actor's or director's movies. It also uses this data to record suggestions based on what you have recorded before. Obviously data of this quality cost money and that's one of the reasons that they charge and people pay a monthly fee for Tivo.

Interesting, for years people have wondered why Tivo has not come to Canada and one of the main reasons often sited was the problem of redoing all the software, packaging, etc for the French market. Well, it seems from this announcement that that was never a problem. Just release it in English Canada.

[james99]

A Tivo demo is here:

http://www.tivo.com/whatistivo/demotivo/index.html

Guides in Canada have always been poor IMHO. Canadians who have experience Directv are well aware of some of the Tivo Like search features but TIVO is much more robost than that.

Press release is here:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4710985&EDATE=

[functor]

Not too sure what the article was refering to about ExpressVu customers not being able to record 2 shows at once. I know you cant with Star Choice. I have a 9200 and I record 2 HD shows @ the same time several times a week while watching a 3rd pre-recorded HD show. I would never consider Tivo until they at least equal this functionality.

[james99]

You would be using the TIVO box and not the 9200 for recording purposes.

[hugh]

You can only record one satellite channel at a time with a TiVo. Lets please stick to discussing TiVo only here.

[cptben]

Unfortunately I will still have to wait here, must be the need for french software that prevent me from getting service

[Crawler]

I can't see the point of getting this over Rogers' own PVR offerings, especially since it can't record HD.

[hugh]

Please see the first page for why you would want to get it vs. Rogers.

[Sugith]

What would make them only offer SD in Canada? Don't marketing people have to research their markets before they introduce a product?

They'd probably be more successful releasing an HD Tivo in Canada than an analog SD one.

If this release is successful, then they'll no doubt release their HD model. But now that they've entered Canada, what's to stop a cross-border shopper from buying a US Tivo and activating it once they get back home? Tivo obviously doesn't have a problem with a Canadian address anymore.

[westernarticfan]

Some would say the tivo is already successful here.AS for why someone would get this over rogers here is justa few reason.

Guide;The guide alone is worth the $13 a month.
Season pass:You can choose first runs of your shows or all runs.
Swivel search:Find everything you ever wanted to know.
Wishlist:Enter word like house and it come up.
Tivo online Scheduling:Schedule your tivo to record a show or movie from your computer.This is handy if you out at a buds or out of town.

[malbadon]

Originally Posted by hugh

Don't forget more than half of all Canadians on cable are still on analog only.

Actually a three year subscription would take you right to the current not-gonna-happen analog cutoff date, wouldn't it?

I'd give my right arm for them to come to an agreement to run the Tivo SW on current boxes. Sort of like "your box comes with Windows 3.11 guide, but for 13 bucks a month you can upgrade it to Windows Vista version"

[ladybugblue]

Originally Posted by Sugith

What would make them only offer SD in Canada? Don't marketing people have to research their markets before they introduce a product?

They'd probably be more successful releasing an HD Tivo in Canada than an analog SD one.

If this release is successful, then they'll no doubt release their HD model. But now that they've entered Canada, what's to stop a cross-border shopper from buying a US Tivo and activating it once they get back home? Tivo obviously doesn't have a problem with a Canadian address anymore.

Actually the main reason for not offering the HD tivo is that in the United States the HD boxes use cable cards that aren't used here in Canada. I am sure that it will come with time.

I am for one thrilled they are offering them in Canada and will gladly pick up a box. I already have had Tivo for over three years and nothing else on the market really compares. The best thing with Tivo is that you are not tied to your provider (Rogers, Shaw etc) and the downloads and wishlists. Others may not agree but really the other options just don't compare.

[oldsaskatoonboy]

Great product, I have been looking for this product for years to enter Canada, but no HD, and for that reason I am out!!

[newfbc]

I've already noticed TiVo boxes for sale in store at London Drugs here in Vancouver... as well, they're in the current Visions (visions.ca) flyer.

Ron.