big teddy
  • May
    17
    Holy Crap
    by mike at 9:00pm

    Tyler (scroll down) won the amazing race.

    Very cool!

  • May
    08
    Tivover?
    by mike at 9:59pm

    So today on Slashdot someone posted a story about Cox Communications doing some surveying of satellite customers wondering if Cox offered Tivo service whether they’d switch from satellite to cable.
    Perhaps the most “uh duh” comment posted was this gem:

    Cox is more interested in getting folks to switch from satellite to cable than they are in replacing their current DVRs with TiVos.

    In case someone didn’t realize it the only way for cable operators to get more customers is to A. Buy more cable systems B. Move people from satellite. Granted the companies can make more money by increasing premium services such as DVR services, but this revenue stream already exists. Now that DirectTV has moved away from Tivo with it’s adoring fans then implementing Tivo software on thier DVR’s can be a real switching point.

    Interestingly, as much as Tivo opened the door to the DVR revolution, what distinguishes their product isn’t their hardware but their software. I think most in the cable industry see Tivo running a race against time. As a hardware product Tivo is no longer that viable. It’s got zero IP protection and it adds an additional box to an already cluttered home entertainment center.

    Their UI however is brilliant. I have friends who appreciate the integrated DVR from Comcast at home who have threatened to go back to the Tivo simply because it’s so easy to use. This may be what Tivo’s business model turns into, Developing the premier software for DVRs. Maybe the service model by taking a bit from the cable operators. Hey it ain’t all roses but at least they can keep their niche.

  • May
    02
    so true
    by mike at 3:37pm

    Immigrant Day