Why is directv requiring you to pay $399 for an HD Tivo and then if you cancel the subscription, return the equipment? Are they insane? How do they expect to compete with cable by requiring this?

You don't have to as far as I know.

Yes, you do. It's part of their new leasing program. If you buy it from a retailer (like Best Buy) you won't have to. However, if you purchase through them, you are essentially leasing it. It's allowing them to offer their newer MPEG-4 stuff and upcoming MPEG-4 DVR at cheaper prices.

Speaking of the new MPEG-4 DVR, any news on when is it coming out? And will Tivo make one? I read they signed a new 3 year deal, but there was nothing about any new technology.

The mpeg4 DVR is suppose to be out within the next couple months. Once your area switches over to mpeg4, you'll be able to switch.

TiVo has a Series 3 OTA HD dual tuner DVR coming out later 2006.

TiVo signed a deal with Comcast. As far as I know, the deal with DirecTV is dead and DirecTV is developing their own DVRs with no intention of returning to TiVo. Where did you read otherwise?

As far as the $300-$400 HD lease, Dish does the exact same thing.


Edit: OK, I just read several places about the DirecTV/TiVo 3 year extension (which took place yesterday). Not much is really known at this point, it could only mean DirecTV will continue to support existing DirecTiVos and that's about it.

Yeah, Tivo is only making product for Comcast now. DirecTV will continue to support Tivos for the time being, but they are not going to be getting any new product from them.

Chew, where did you read about the new MPEG-4 DVR coming out so soon? I haven't read anything on a release date for it yet. I honestly was expecting it later this year.

Thanks.

Between the avsforum and dbstalk, I keep reading anywhere from late Q2 to Q3 (so we both could be right). But, I don't think it will "be made available" to anyone until their specific market is switched over to mpeg4. That switchover process could take years.

Well, They are already through the 15th ot 16th market now. Phoenix was 14, IIRC, and we have the option. But w/o the recording device, MPEG-4 HD is worthless to me since I watch virtually no live television.

D* has said 2nd quarter for the DVR. They haven't delayed/changed it, yet. It's hard to care, really. I'm not giving up my Tivo just to get a lesser version of channels I already receive from an antenna.

While I'd agree with you 100% normally, I'm having signal issues w/ OTA since I'm so far away. That coupled with a bitchy HOA will make it that much easier just to install one dish to do everything.

They did sign a new three year deal, but it is for current customers who have the DirecTV TiVo. Their TiVo's were going to become obsolete in early 2007, but with the new deal, it will extend that date another 3 years. You can read about it here.