I’m on the road visiting family in Florida, and it just so happens Mom subscribes to the newspaper (how quaint). And in tomorrow’s Best Buy circular the TiVo Premiere is listed for a low $99.99… after $200 in savings. But it’s not quite clear where that savings comes from and if this is a limited time promotion. Now Best Buy has run previous dealios at this price point, but it required the purchase of a television — yet there’s no mention of similar this time around. Additionally, last night I was tipped on a deal at 6th Avenue Electronics where they’re offering the Premiere for $99 with free shipping. (Using coupon code AFL4COUPON knocked another 4 bucks off.)
However, all may not be as it appears… If you recall, TiVo experimented with a cell phone-esque pricing model earlier this fall. Basically, you pick up a subsidized TiVo Premiere for free and pay $20/month with a two year commitment or take the DVR for $100 and pay $20/mo for one year. Whereas recent TiVo service fees have your first DVR running $12.95/mo, while multi-service discount clocks in at $9.95/mo or $6.95/mo (grandfathered).
Assuming the traditional/typical subscription fees were in effect, I purchased a second Premiere this AM from 6ave.com to replace our Series3 and was hopeful of migrating my existing MSD rate to the new unit. But confusion reigns on several online forums today as it’s not quite clear what the current and possibly new TiVo monthly fees are. And, unfortunately, neither Best Buy’s insert or 6th Ave specify what’s expected – although Best Buy does state a minimum 1-year commitment is required. I leave you with one SlickDeals member’s chat transcript with TiVo as food for thought:
(Thanks for all the tips, Brennokbob and Jon!)
