TiVo announces new free bundled Basic service

Last week, Ryan posted a rumor that a basic tivo service was coming out and it looks like it is true after seeing their latest press release: Switching Channels: TiVo Revamps Strategy.

TiVo Basic will be freely included with some new upcoming PVR devices from Pioneer and Toshiba. TiVo Basic appears to offers live TV pausing, up to 3 days of show data that you can set recordings by hand, but repeat recordings are only by time and channel, with no season passes.

It sounds like it'll be software-upgradable, letting anyone with the free basic version move up to the regular version by ponying up the full monthly fee of $12.95. They're calling it a "trojan horse" form of marketing, though I wonder what sorts of conversion rates will be seen. My guess is most people buying a DVD player or set-top box that includes TiVo Basic would just stick with the included features, and that the convenience of extra features don't seem to be worth $13/month. [thanks rapunzel]

Comments

[Andy Baio]

I totally agree. People already have trouble understanding what a PVR is; now they'll have to understand the difference between their basic and enhanced service. They should rename "Basic" to "Crippled," just so consumers know what they're getting.

[rODbegbie]

TiVo announced the "TiVo Basic" service a month or two ago (when the Pioneer DVD player was announced).

IIRC, owners of TiVo Basic boxes will be allowed a 30-day free-trial of the full-on TiVo service. They can then decide whether they can live without it.

rOD.

[Dylan Greene]

I wouldn't be surprised to see "ads" to encourage the full-fare service when using the limited service.

[Dineen]

I dunno -- As a not-quite-so-savvy person, the loss of the Season Pass option would be a big deal for me. That's the beauty of TiVo -- watch what you want when you want it without having to think about it (speaking of ads...). Losing that option would be a dealbreaker for me (and is worth the $$$).

[kevin]

If you already have Tivo Plus it probably is a big deal, but if you never had it and just saw the 3 day guide and simple recording it may not be worth the $$$s.

[kevin]

If you already have Tive Plus it probably is a big deal, but if you never had it and just saw the 3 day guide and simple recording it may not be worth the $$$s.

[Michael Lewis]

If you already have Tive Plus it probably is a big deal, but if you never had it and just saw the 3 day guide and simple recording it may not be worth the $$$s.

[Two Tivo Owner]

Sorry folks you just do not get it. Tivo service is priceless. Until you have had tivo for years (I had a 14 hour unit to start)and you are free of commercials and being tied to the schedule. How much are the hours of your life worth.

[Jen Lieberman]

We've been putting off TiVo because of having to pay a monthly subscription fee (plus the $200 equipment). I think FINALLY offering a free basic service is great, and it's something we would use -- we don't need season subscriptions. At least we won't need to scramble for a blank VCR tape anymore, or worrying if we taped the right channel! :)

[Camille Caldwell]

I already have one TIVO box, so I would welcome a second box with the basic service only as I cannot afford to pay a subscription for two boxes.

[Camille Caldwell]

I already have one TIVO box, so I would welcome a second box with the basic service only as I cannot afford to pay a subscription for two boxes.

[Camille Caldwell]

I already have one TIVO box, so I would welcome a second box with the basic service only as I cannot afford to pay a subscription for two boxes.

[Brian Edward]

I never really thought of using Tivo untill this weekend when I noticed two features -- networking and low price of $90 or less each. So I bought one for every room and will never watch TV without one of these. Talk about computers improving efficiency? There isn't a better place to start than freeing yourself from the tevelvision schedule! I pay $34.00/ per month. The increase in viewing choices I get from automatic recording for $12/mo and the time I save is an incredible value.

[Brian Edward]

Clarification: I pay $34/month for Sat., $13 for one Tivo box that records all shows. I then store and watch on the other sets' Tivo boxes.

[Ant]

I just got Tivo with a dvd recorder. I bought the Pioneer model and so far love it. I didnt try the Tivo Plus service yet and dont plan to. So far all i want is to tape shows I know I like and will watch. Then if i want to save them, i can burn them. Its not that big of a problem looking on the tv to find shows to watch. I actaully still use Yahoo TV Listings, and from their I look up what I want to record faster and then go to my Tivo. Its not that big of a hassle for me. I dont see paying montly for something that seems like its not worth it, well atleast at $12 a month. But thats my opinion. Any other Tivo Plus members who would liek to add to this? make me want to upgrade ? :)

[Nathan]

I am thinking about getting the toshiba sd-h400 with the basic service. I do not have a phone line (I just use my cell phone as my only phone) but I do have a broadband wireless internet connection. What do I need to do to get the program updates and actually start using the service??? Thanks to anyone who can help!

[Paolo]

We have the Toshiba unit. Great deal (found it for $199 at Boscov's and there's a $100 rebate thru Sep 30.) AFAIK, you must have a dial up at least for the first set up. After that, you can do broadband (buy the right USB wireless adapter, or usb-ethernet cable).

TiVo Plus is incredible. The automatic adjustment of schedules, the pointing out of conflicts, the search for particular types of shows, the list of advantages goes on and on. Anyone who says "There's nothing on TV" needs to try it! You can explore the free TiVo Plus 45 day trial on a Tosh TiVo/DVD combo and see what it's all about.

But as to a 2nd unit, TBasic probably suffices, though we'll probably be tempted to subscribe that one, too, for the convenience and the multi-room viewing possibillities.

[Collin]

I have never owned a TiVo unit and finally am ready to try it out with the introduction of TiVo basic. Is it available with any new TiVo unit, or just select units like DVR/DVD combos. I am interested in purchasing an entry level TiVo unit(40hrs.) but just can't justify the monthly fee. If TiVo basic can be used with this type of unit then I am ready to buy. Can anyone clarify the availibility of this new service?

[dona Elbert]

DOes tivo basic require any kind of phone connection, either for the initial set up or to get the subsequent 3 day guides or, will it download from your satellite (ie if you have direcTV)?

[Randy Simmons]

I bought one of the Toshiba DVD / Tivo Combo units that included the FREE Basic service back in July and I LOVE IT !!
I did use the 30 day free trial of the Tivo PREMIUM service but I really don't see that it is worth the extra $13/month for the things it added...
The ONLY thing I really miss is the "Search By Title" option and the 14 day guide rather than 3 days...

Otherwise, BASIC service is JUST FINE !!!

[free & shemale]

Thanks

[Tj]

just wondering if anyone knows if you can get tivo basic with a tivo unit

thanks

TJ

[melissa]

megeazone is kool

[melissa]

megeazone is kool

[MegaZone]

*blink* OK.

[Farley]

In response to TJ. The Tivo units do not offer tivo basic service.

[James]

We just got a Toshiba DVDR with Tivo, it comes with TIVO Basic. After about 2 weeks of having the Basic, we're trying the 30 day trial thing. But honestly, I can't see paying $13 for the extras. If we want to know what's on past 3 days (specials etc) log on FOR FREE to TV Guide or for about a buck pick up a TV guide at the store. I mainly wanted to check out the online scheduling thing. Again, how often would your average user logon and schdule a program. The Season Pass, perhaps, is the only reason to keep Plus but if you're really into a show and want to catch it, its just as easy to take 2 mins and schedule the recording on ur way out the door (which I've done heaps!).

[Travis]

I've had the 40-hr tivo for a few months. Of course it didn't come with the TiVo basic service, but it has totally changed the way my wife and I watch tv. We use the season pass function heavily. My wife thought it would be another waste of money on another gadget for me, but now she hates to watch live tv.

I use a wireless USB adapter instead of phoneline for connecting to the service and I'm looking forward to the tivo-to-go service.

[Dan]

If I get a series 1 tivo dvr, can I still program it to record shows manually by entering time & channel? Thanks.

[Dan]

To clarify, can I do manual program recording to hard disk without having any tivo subscription?

[JRM]

I was thinking of picking up a series 2 unit on Ebay and using the basic service. The three day listings would work for me, but I wasm't sure how to get the Tivo box to work. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has tried this or knows about it. Thanks...

[Dave B]

I have been using a Pioneer TIVO unit since December and love it. I am using the Basic Tivo service and it is adequate for my needs. I have a problem, though. I usually select all the movies I want to record at one time using VCR Plus, however, when the show is recorded, the name of the show FOLLOWING the one I have recorded shows as the title. Anyone else have that problem ? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Don]

I own the Toshiba DVD player with Tivo basic free service ...I got the one month Tivo plus free and it is very nice but I can live with the free basic service...but I may switch to plus in the near future

[Todd Lokken]

Thanks for the web site, concern.

[tony]

Hasn't anyone heard of ReplayTV?

[me_all]

"How much are the hours of your life worth."... it worth sooooo much that I can't understand why people waste this much time with TV...
Yup, I want to record a few show, but couldn't care less with most of the stuff out there.
-Al

[gary]

Can you burn with the Toshiba SD-H400 TiVo/DVD Player Combo? Like burn it using the dvd player?

[gary]

Can a tashiba sd 400 burn movies and shows?

thank you