TiVo’s got me covered for digital transition
I am 100% ready for the transition to digital television next February. I have four televisions in my house. Two of them are connected to a TiVo HD DVR with a built-in digital tuner and two of them are connected to a digital to analog converter box.
Some less technical people, however, may not be as confident as me. I even know some TiVo owners that didn't realize they already have digital tuners. Which is why I think this email I received from TiVo yesterday is fantastic:
If you can't read the text in the image above, here's a text-only version:
You're covered for Digital Transition.
Dear TiVo customer,
You may have heard about the government-mandated Digital Transition and wondered, "Does it impact me?" Great news! It doesn't.
Because you already subscribe to cable or satellite service--and are not receiving any of your television signals for your TiVo DVR through analog antenna--you are NOT affected by the transition and will continue to enjoy the TiVo service uninterrupted.
Just thought you'd like to know.
Thanks for being a valued member of the TiVo family!
- Your friends at TiVo Inc.
Slightly inaccurate, but true nonetheless
Technically, what TiVo says in this email is not 100% accurate in regards to my television environment. I do not subscribe to cable or satellite service but it is true that I do not receive any of my television signals for my TiVo DVR through analog antenna. So ultimately, I am not affected by the transition just as TiVo mentions.
Sure it would have been nice if TiVo could have segregated their database just one more time to send one email to cable and satellite customers and another to over-the-air customers but I still applaud them for this proactive, fear-calming tactic. Well done TiVo!
2 comments for this blog post so far...
November 04, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Barbara Puckett
We have a TIVO DVR connected via DirecTv. How do you receive signal on a Tivo DVR if it is not connected by cable, satellite or analog antenna? Did I misuncerstand something?
November 04, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Patric Welch
@Barbara You have a special branded version of TiVo techies like to refer to as DIRECTiVo. A while back DIRECTV and TiVo had an agreement that allowed the TiVo software to run on DIRECTV receivers. The problem is that the relationship ended (and ended poorly) and your version of the TiVo software is now several major versions behind.
The standalone TiVos I refer to can use an analog antenna signal, a digital antenna signal or a cable signal. The cable signal comes through special industry-standard cable cards that the TiVo DVRs can read.
There is no TiVo for satellite any more as DIRECTV now has their own brand of DVR. However, a recent press release from DIRECTV mentioned that DIRECTV and TiVo are once again working on a co-branded device.
Hope this helps!
Add A Comment
Need help leaving a comment?
Just fill out your name, email address (for our eyes only) and web site address (if you have one, this is optional) above. Next, type your comment in the comment box. Feel free to use the Enter key to leave spaces between paragraphs.
The last step before submitting your comment is to enter the CAPTCHA word. This is the funny little series of letters and numbers you see below the comment field that helps prevent comment spam and ensures your comment can be seen on the web site immediately after you submit it.
The last step is to click the "Submit Your Comment" button. Thank you for commenting.