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The company downloaded a new version of its software to its DVR subscribers earlier this year. The upgrade includes a free service, called TiVoToGo, that allows subscribers to transfer copyright-protected programs from digital video recorders to notebook computers. However, there are some unexpected consequences.
Some subscribers are complaining that the upgrade slows down channel changes and the opening of menus. In some cases, the picture is temporarily distorted after changing channels. The second issue seems to occur only when the TiVo DVR is connected to a cable set-top box.
The company said it is aware of the issues and that it will be fixed with the next update of its software.
"It's a small group that is being affected...These are typical bugs, which are part of any software upgrade," a TiVo representative said.
The company said it purposely staggered the introduction of the software, which also roiled some anxious subscribers, to better control the upgrade process and identify any problems without affecting all its customers.
"The problems are really subjective," said David Zatz, a TiVo subscriber who was upgraded with the new software. "They don't bother me as much, but my girlfriend is really annoyed by them."
Not all TiVo subscribers or computers are eligible for the upgrade, which takes place over phone lines to DVR recorders. The upgrade is compatible only with Series2 DVRs. DirecTV satellite TV subscribers can't use the service.
The upgrade will be made available to all TiVo subscribers by the end of the month, the company said.
TiVo has about 2.3 million subscribers to its DVR service, which allows viewers to pause live television and control the recording of shows. More than half of TiVo's subscribers come from DirecTV, but the satellite company has decided not to enable any TiVo services beyond the DVR capabilities for those customers.
TiVo is in turmoil after its chief executive, Michael Ramsay, and president, Marty Yudkovitz, announced their resignations within three weeks of each other. The company is searching for a new chief. While some anticipate the company will be sold off, Ramsay, who remains chairman, has said TiVo is not for sale.
See more CNET content tagged:
TiVo Inc., subscriber, DVR, DirecTV, upgrade
- Replay+DVArchive=Great!
- by 201293546946733175101343322673 February 14, 2005 1:39 PM PST
- TiVo users, stop using your buggy TiVoToGo and switch to ReplayTV plus installing DVArchive on your computer. Smooth transition and bug-free!
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- Go TiVo
- by bizfix February 15, 2005 7:56 AM PST
- Replay, bah, humbug. I have been a TiVo subscriber for 5 years and have enjoyed every moment. I have TiVo To Go with the new software and it is fantastic. Channel changing is somewhat slow but I am sure TiVo will fix that as they have smoothed out all problems in the past. "TiVo To Go" on Replay? Dahh!!!
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- The article doesn't mention ReplayTV
- by lingsun February 21, 2005 7:38 PM PST
- I researched ReplayTV before I bought TV. At CNET, ReplayTV had a 60% favorable rating among users compared to 75% for Tivo. Tivo is sold at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City. ReplayTV isn't sold at any of those places. As CNET says, "TiVo remains the coolest, slickest, and most versatile standalone DVR available."
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(3 Comments)