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cable systems have limits / very a lot system to system.

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2013-08/outdated-cablecards-limit-tivo-roamio-tuning-capabilities/

Looks like the verizon variant didn't last that long, either. http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2009-09/the-verizon-hub-has-been-discontinued/

What does Boxee do that XBMC doesn't?

The first result from Google boxee xbmc claims that Boxee adds an easier installer and social networking features.

My HD satellite box (before I bought the DVR from them) only outputs via HDMI or s-Video. The Series 3 Tivo cannot take HDMI input (at least not in this picture). And of course s-Video cannot display a true HD picture.

That's only because Dish Network (aka Echostar) infringed on Tivo's patent.

What about YouTube? TiVo Bluemoon Video posted by (Dave Zatz

It looks like this will be the only option to record the MPEG4 HD shows on Directv. Looking at the back of the Tivo Series 3 - http://www.zatznotfunny.com/PSN/Series3-back-3.JPG - there is no way to bring in an existing high definition signal. Directv is moving to MPEG4, and are slowly squeezing Tivo out of existence with them. If I were Tivo, I would make sure that my Tivo Series 3 box can have a HD input (HDMI input?) so all the Tivo diehards (which I am one - I have 3 Tivos in my house all networked together on a HAN (Home area network - hah!)) can still have the Tivo interface they've come to love, while supporting Directv as they evolve. Tivo forever! ... (unless it doesn't work with the MPEG4 Directv equipment... *cry*) Anyone else have an idea how we can feed Directv w/ HD into the Tivo Series 3's?

See what it looks like: http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-06/tivo-dekstop-2 3-released/

Coincidentally, I posted a video overview of the interface today. Also worth noting is a blogosphere special bringing the hardware price down to just 49 bucks. 200 is too much, but if you hate the device 49 covers the 160GB hard drive you can cannibalize. http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-06/moviebeam-revi ew-with-video/

Patent diagrams of two TiVo scenarios, one for remote control and one for sharing shows in hotels, can be found here: http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2005-11/tivos-rfid-rem ote-control-patent/

It can already provide a file that can be burned with MyDVD and Nero. The only issue with the encryption is that it needs the DRM module to access, so for now it only works on Windows. Hope they change that soon but it certainly addresses 90% of their market (at least).

Of course, there are tools right now that will let you rip the DRM off of the .tivo and turn it into a .mpeg (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/ttg.htm
) but those aren't native to tivo. I'm sure a 'simpler' approach will show up soon. They (Tivo) has also talked in the past about transfering shows back to the Tivo.

As far as a subscription model:
Originally the subscriptions covered the box being operational.
With the new DVD+Tivo units the subscription is optional to provide the "full" functionality (14 day program guide instead of 3 day, and season pass/program search functionality).
Besides the "basic Tivo functionality" the same subscription fee (or lifetime membership), now includes using the Tivo to view pictures streamed off your PC (great for digital slide shows of trips), and streaming MP3s off of a computer.
Oh, and the same subscription fee also now provides access to Tivo2Go (as flawed as you feel it is, I can still watch recorded programs on my Computer while my wife watches TV, and on a 100MB wired connection, programs recorded at the "Medium" quality I usually use transfer at about 2x1 ... a one hour show transfers in about 30 minutes).

Tivo also just unveiled an API so that people can develop applications for the Tivo similar to the Picture and Music viewer (with an eye toward other applications).

Gee ... certainly seems like they've been doing a lot more than just roll over and die.

Yes ... the cable and satellite companies are rolling out their own version, but it still isn't Tivo. Oh, and to the person who said they still have VCR so they don't feel a need to get a Tivo, I got mine after my VCR was fried (casuality of the NorthEast blackout a few years back), my Tivo is much more flexible and fun than the VCR was. I can watch one recorded program while recording another, see whats been recorded and go to it instantly, record more than 6 hours if I'm away for the week (and my wife and I have different tastes), find ways of recording what I want that would conflict by checking when else its playing, oh, and allow me to transfer my recordings to my computer for easy viewing if the TV is occupied, or I'm going on the road.

Tivo will at the very worst be aquired by someone else. The existing technology/patents/customer base is too valuable to pass up.

Sorry for a bit of a "rant" not directed at you in particular, but those who continue to bash Tivo for the choices they made to stay in buisness with no accounting of the good things they already provide.