The scuttlebutt is that TiVo is cutting bills in half for customers who call and threaten to quit to go with a cable or satellite TV company's PVR service instead. This is pure rumor at this point, as I've only heard it from one source.
It could very well be true, but I don't know how TiVo can reach its profitability goal if it begins cutting the $12.95 monthly rate to $6.50. Is it worth keeping the customer for that amount?
Of course, with TiVo's advertising strategy, and its willingness to do a deal with Comcast that will only net it $1 per month, maybe quanity is more important than quality (of the service fee, that is). Eyeballs even at $6.50 a pop may be worthwhile if you're trying to sell advertising.
If anyone tries this, or has tried it, let us know what happens. I'm afraid they'd actually cut off my service if I call, so I'll leave this to others. :)
1. I was offered a 50% price break when I cancelled my Tivo in favor of MCE back in March. The rep even offered to extend the deal to any family member I might want to pass the Tivo on to...
Posted at 4:20PM on Jun 16th 2005 by Bryce