TiVo

Full review
In the past, I've slammed Tivo for its poor customer service, cancellation fees, and sleazy sales tactics. My conclusion: This company appears to be giving up. Well, apparently giving up isn't enough for them. Now they are determined to drive customers away, and prevent new ones from signing up.

After extensive market research, they've made a radical change to their business model. No, they're not improving service (you have to speak with someone in the “cancellation department to end your service). Not dropping their offensive cancellation fee (Tivo charges $150 if you cancel within one year) or ceasing their mail-in rebate scheme. Their brilliant idea: raise prices. From an already prohibitive $13 per month up to an inconceivable $20. Previously, a Tivo box (after rebate) plus one year of service would cost you approximately $206. Now, the same box and service will cost you approximately $240. According to Tivo, "The changes will not affect TiVo's current base of subscriptions." Right.. not until I need to upgrade.

My opinion of Tivo has gone from favorable (first six years) to unfavorable (16 months ago). Now, I regard Tivo with the same disdain as my wireless provider (Sprint PCS). I strongly advise anyone to avoid doing business with Tivo. If you are considering a PVR solution, get one from your cable or satellite provider. Or, build one yourself if you can. Hopefully, new devices will be on the market in the near future.

Despite all of the above commentary, I am currently a Tivo customer. If you can get past their disgusting sales techniques and terrible customer service, you'll enjoy their superior product. The device is feature-packed, easy to use, and relatively smooth (it runs on Linux). I've found it to be a wonderful companion to my television. Since owning a Tivo; I watch more quality content (no more infomercials), rent less DVD's (less than ten per year on average), never channel surf, and hardly ever fight over the TV. The Tivo box is a joy to own. The Tivo company is dreadful to deal with.