TiVo'd Off
Don't get me wrong; I love my Tivo. It's really nothing more than the refinement of a technology I've embraced in another format, VCR, for years, but with added features. What I do not like is paying some company $14/month for the priveledge of using a machine that cost me over $150 (well, $250 until the rebate arrives). Other than telephones and cable TV, what electronic device requires a maintained subscription before they can be used at all?
And following that analogy, the reason cable and phone networks are there is to provide connection/content. What does the Tivo subscription provide? Other than programming guides (which are nice, but available elsewhere), a key to unlock the ability to use the machine. The programming it siphons from the antenna, dish or cable, like a parasite. It is beyond frustrating.
Add to that the latest twist; connect the machine to your TV, and you must use the machine to tune channels. No more independant channel surfing. Why do that, you may ask? I can surf while my VCR records, or is simply turned off. Why not with this thing? The simple answer: Tivo generates an alternate revenue stream selling viewing habits to programmers. Real-time Nielson-style snoops. I'm paying for the priviledge of having my privacy violated.
Also, we have here a conflict of interest. For whom does the Tivo Corp function, for me or for the programmers? We both pay: Who gets more say?
So I got to thinking today: what if someone else programmed the machine?
Microsoft has already done something very similar. They provide software that will record a show on a hard drive, just like Tivo, but on your home computer's hard drive. This software just accesses the internet for programming info, unlike the propriatary once a day dial-up Tivo requires. The problem, as I see it: I want to watch television, not a computer screen.
So here's the challenge, everyone: A Linux based open source operating system for the Tivo, along with a way to spoof existing machines into adopting this OS, and for the existing systems to access the internet for programming guides.
And while I'm dreaming, here are a list of goodies the new system should easily be able to deliver on the existing hardware that the Tivo, for various reasons, does not.
1) Live television viewing without the Tivo tuner: that's a no-brainer. The only reason the machine restricts access is to gather viewing data to feed one of their alternate revenue streams, the programmers.
2) Editing recorded programing: Tivo's now carry the option of recording shows to DVD or tape, but in whole cloth, meaning commercial interruptions and all. Why do I want an archive of which huckster on which show hocked what wares and with how much phlegm? One should simply be able to view, mark exactly which spaces need removal, and then replay for archive or clean enjoyment.
3) Return the "skip" button: This is a simple button that jumps ahead 15 seconds, and works nicely, along with the back 8 seconds button (still there), at overcoming marketing hooligans. It was removed -- surprise! -- at the insistance of programmers.
I know, I know, who would create this product and why? Let's deliver some incentive.
Programmers should be paid for their efforts. Along that line of reasoning, let's establish some means of revenue that isn't rape. For example, why not keep the feature that records viewing and surfing habits? Violation in itself doesn't bother me; paying for the priveledge of being violated does. That must be worth something to the new service provider. As for the Live TV disconnect, why not just use the Tivo remote to flip the television and record the inputs with the Tivo as well? Seemless for the user, and faster in delivering content. Sure, I won't have those info screens choking the content. I can live with that. Hell, I have now for over 40 years of watching tv.
Service providers can also keep the dial-up function to help those who don't wish to network devices. Given security concerns, this makes sense. A dial-up service, though, need not cost $14/month, as many cheaper ISPs have readily proven. How about $5? Less? To me, any thing beyond $5/month speaks of usury. The software that ties all the systems together could also coordinate, having some machines dial at certain times, others later or earlier, scheduling the load on the phone bank. (I would not in any way be surprised if the current machines already do this.)
Y'know what? I've changed my mind. No one should have to pay for the dial-up. Given the small cost of such a small call, and the fact that whatever business entity that embraces this concept can easily farm out dial-in locations to underused ISPs and reimburse them with chicken feed, other revenue streams should easily suffice. Also, we have eliminated the conflict of interest noted above. Sure, we'll track your surfing and recording use, but it's free, and comes with three cool features the standard Tivo won't provide. Live with it.
So, in short, ideally the existing machines should access programming and download through the internet, provided the hardware is not prohibitive; if not, a free alternate dial-up service must be provided. And to pay for it, there is the viewing info for the digestion of the programmers/advertisers and. . . .
Advertising. I don't like it, but am willing to tolerate a muted amount with tasteful delivery. The current machines already have text prompts daily ballyhooing some commercial misadventure or another. With broadband connections, there lies an opportunity to upload custom clips to the machines that do not exist on broadcast. Think of a market for short, entertaining commercial spots that are delivered without paying exhorbident broadcast charges. The quality of broadcast, delivered to a television, and -- here's the kicker -- with instant feedback! Was the spot watched? Skipped? Started, then angrily disconnected? By whom? What do they watch? Target demographic or not? This is the kind of info new advertisers can access directly.
Even with a dial-up, I just realized, one can construct media used by the likes of Midi and Flash that does not bog the lines. It don't need to be Hi-Def to be creative and effective.
People, the machines are out there, and continue to be sold. This is nothing less than an opportunity to provide an alternative to the regimented, limited service currently available and to help owners unlock the potential of their already-purchased machines . . . before Microsoft does.
Addendum
My hatred for this company just grew into, well, hatred. I purchased my machine directly from them, and put all the requisite proof of purchase together for the $100 rebate just after I received it. Three months later, I check my rebate status: They are claiming to await my paperwork.
Three months? The US Postal Service is simply not that unreliable.
I notify them with my concern and get this as a response:
"Thank you for your rebate inquiry. Our records indicate that we are awaiting
the mail-in materials for your online submission, including rebate form,
receipt, and UPC code. Since it has been more than 4 weeks since you
registered the rebate, the supporting materials may have been misdirected or
lost in the mail. Please mail or fax a copy of your UPC barcode, sales
receipt, and rebate form . . . ."
Now, like a dummy, I neglected to copy these before sending off the originals, but -- wait -- don't they have a record of my purchase? They took my money, after all. I pointed out that I could indeed prove such a purchase was made, with their own records, credit card receipts, serial numbers. . . .
And I have yet to hear back.
If the silent treatment is to be the way of the battle, I say bring it. Those that put too much emphasis on original documents that are easily "misdirected" may have opened a can of supreme whoop-ass. I have other documentation that prove my purchase. If that isn't enough, it's time for a campaign of legal action and publicity. This crap must stop. Greed will get you pennies in the short run, and bankrupt in the long.
And following that analogy, the reason cable and phone networks are there is to provide connection/content. What does the Tivo subscription provide? Other than programming guides (which are nice, but available elsewhere), a key to unlock the ability to use the machine. The programming it siphons from the antenna, dish or cable, like a parasite. It is beyond frustrating.
Add to that the latest twist; connect the machine to your TV, and you must use the machine to tune channels. No more independant channel surfing. Why do that, you may ask? I can surf while my VCR records, or is simply turned off. Why not with this thing? The simple answer: Tivo generates an alternate revenue stream selling viewing habits to programmers. Real-time Nielson-style snoops. I'm paying for the priviledge of having my privacy violated.
Also, we have here a conflict of interest. For whom does the Tivo Corp function, for me or for the programmers? We both pay: Who gets more say?
So I got to thinking today: what if someone else programmed the machine?
Microsoft has already done something very similar. They provide software that will record a show on a hard drive, just like Tivo, but on your home computer's hard drive. This software just accesses the internet for programming info, unlike the propriatary once a day dial-up Tivo requires. The problem, as I see it: I want to watch television, not a computer screen.
So here's the challenge, everyone: A Linux based open source operating system for the Tivo, along with a way to spoof existing machines into adopting this OS, and for the existing systems to access the internet for programming guides.
And while I'm dreaming, here are a list of goodies the new system should easily be able to deliver on the existing hardware that the Tivo, for various reasons, does not.
1) Live television viewing without the Tivo tuner: that's a no-brainer. The only reason the machine restricts access is to gather viewing data to feed one of their alternate revenue streams, the programmers.
2) Editing recorded programing: Tivo's now carry the option of recording shows to DVD or tape, but in whole cloth, meaning commercial interruptions and all. Why do I want an archive of which huckster on which show hocked what wares and with how much phlegm? One should simply be able to view, mark exactly which spaces need removal, and then replay for archive or clean enjoyment.
3) Return the "skip" button: This is a simple button that jumps ahead 15 seconds, and works nicely, along with the back 8 seconds button (still there), at overcoming marketing hooligans. It was removed -- surprise! -- at the insistance of programmers.
I know, I know, who would create this product and why? Let's deliver some incentive.
Programmers should be paid for their efforts. Along that line of reasoning, let's establish some means of revenue that isn't rape. For example, why not keep the feature that records viewing and surfing habits? Violation in itself doesn't bother me; paying for the priveledge of being violated does. That must be worth something to the new service provider. As for the Live TV disconnect, why not just use the Tivo remote to flip the television and record the inputs with the Tivo as well? Seemless for the user, and faster in delivering content. Sure, I won't have those info screens choking the content. I can live with that. Hell, I have now for over 40 years of watching tv.
Service providers can also keep the dial-up function to help those who don't wish to network devices. Given security concerns, this makes sense. A dial-up service, though, need not cost $14/month, as many cheaper ISPs have readily proven. How about $5? Less? To me, any thing beyond $5/month speaks of usury. The software that ties all the systems together could also coordinate, having some machines dial at certain times, others later or earlier, scheduling the load on the phone bank. (I would not in any way be surprised if the current machines already do this.)
Y'know what? I've changed my mind. No one should have to pay for the dial-up. Given the small cost of such a small call, and the fact that whatever business entity that embraces this concept can easily farm out dial-in locations to underused ISPs and reimburse them with chicken feed, other revenue streams should easily suffice. Also, we have eliminated the conflict of interest noted above. Sure, we'll track your surfing and recording use, but it's free, and comes with three cool features the standard Tivo won't provide. Live with it.
So, in short, ideally the existing machines should access programming and download through the internet, provided the hardware is not prohibitive; if not, a free alternate dial-up service must be provided. And to pay for it, there is the viewing info for the digestion of the programmers/advertisers and. . . .
Advertising. I don't like it, but am willing to tolerate a muted amount with tasteful delivery. The current machines already have text prompts daily ballyhooing some commercial misadventure or another. With broadband connections, there lies an opportunity to upload custom clips to the machines that do not exist on broadcast. Think of a market for short, entertaining commercial spots that are delivered without paying exhorbident broadcast charges. The quality of broadcast, delivered to a television, and -- here's the kicker -- with instant feedback! Was the spot watched? Skipped? Started, then angrily disconnected? By whom? What do they watch? Target demographic or not? This is the kind of info new advertisers can access directly.
Even with a dial-up, I just realized, one can construct media used by the likes of Midi and Flash that does not bog the lines. It don't need to be Hi-Def to be creative and effective.
People, the machines are out there, and continue to be sold. This is nothing less than an opportunity to provide an alternative to the regimented, limited service currently available and to help owners unlock the potential of their already-purchased machines . . . before Microsoft does.
Addendum
My hatred for this company just grew into, well, hatred. I purchased my machine directly from them, and put all the requisite proof of purchase together for the $100 rebate just after I received it. Three months later, I check my rebate status: They are claiming to await my paperwork.
Three months? The US Postal Service is simply not that unreliable.
I notify them with my concern and get this as a response:
"Thank you for your rebate inquiry. Our records indicate that we are awaiting
the mail-in materials for your online submission, including rebate form,
receipt, and UPC code. Since it has been more than 4 weeks since you
registered the rebate, the supporting materials may have been misdirected or
lost in the mail. Please mail or fax a copy of your UPC barcode, sales
receipt, and rebate form . . . ."
Now, like a dummy, I neglected to copy these before sending off the originals, but -- wait -- don't they have a record of my purchase? They took my money, after all. I pointed out that I could indeed prove such a purchase was made, with their own records, credit card receipts, serial numbers. . . .
And I have yet to hear back.
If the silent treatment is to be the way of the battle, I say bring it. Those that put too much emphasis on original documents that are easily "misdirected" may have opened a can of supreme whoop-ass. I have other documentation that prove my purchase. If that isn't enough, it's time for a campaign of legal action and publicity. This crap must stop. Greed will get you pennies in the short run, and bankrupt in the long.