I think TiVo may be dead. Or at least have one leg in the ground.

We recently switched to a trial run with a Comcast DVR. We got it for $8/month for a year (after that it goes up to $16) and we don’t have to pay anything for the box itself.

We looked into getting an comparable HD TiVo. List price for such a device is $249 (although you can find refurbished ones cheaper). Plus $13/month.

The problem? TiVo is charging for both the hardware and the service. Nowadays, it’s gotta be one or the other:

  • Give me the hardware for “free” and lock me into a monthly service contract, or
  • Charge full price (and then some) for the hardware and the service is “free”

TiVo can’t have it both ways with Comcast and other TV providers handing out free hardware to everyone and charging (essentially) the same price for (essentially) the same service. Sure, TiVo’s UX (user experience) is far superior – Comcast’s not only looks horrid but isn’t all that intuitive.

But is it worth $249 and having to add an extra box to my TV?

I’m doubtful.