There’s still quite a bit of confusion regarding TiVo’s new pricing, so here’s a brief summary…
Lifetime Service
New and existing TiVo units are eligible for Lifetime Service at $299 if activated by April 15. Lifetime Service will not be offered for sale after 4/15. Lifetime gift cards will be honored when redeemed as will Series 1 (purchased before 01/2000) Lifetime transfers.
Purchasing Option 1: Buy Hardware and Monthly Service Separately
Do what we’ve always done. Buy the hardware (Best Buy, Costco, etc) upfront and pay $12.95 (or $6.95) a month for service.
Purchasing Option 2: Buy Hardware and Prepay Service Separately
Buy the hardware (Best Buy, Costco, etc) upfront and prepay 1 ($155), 2 ($299), or 3 ($399) years of service.
Purchasing Option 3: Subscribe to Bundled Hardware and Service
Commit to 1 ($19.95/month), 2 ($18.95/mo), or 3 ($16.95/mo) years of service and an 80 hour TiVo is included. After the service commitment expires, you can call in and request your rate be adjusted to the prevailing monthly rate.
Purchasing Option 4: Prepay Bundled Hardware and Service
Prepay for 1 ($224), 2 ($369), or 3 ($469) years of service and an 80 hour TiVo is included. Another option is to prepay $405.39 for a DVD-burning TiVo model with 1 year of service. After the service commitment expires, you can call in and request your rate be adjusted to the prevailing monthly rate.
Caveats
First, these are the prices and rates today. I expect they will fluctuate over time as costs rise and TiVo tweaks this new model. Second, the current $150 rebate may or may not come back. Third, the multi-unit service discount has not gone away though eligibility varies. Fourth, subscribers must call in after their commitment expires in order to get the (presumably) lower monthly rate. Fifth, new service that isn’t prepaid or bundled is subject to a one-year commitment. Sixth, new Humax DVD-burning TiVo units can be activated with Lifetime Service indefinitely. Seventh, in all cases you own the TiVo unit.
Related Links
Summary of new pricing
Lifetime Service clarification
TiVo Package pricing