One of the big new selling point of the $800 Series3 TiVo was a new improved remote control. Okay, I'm not sure it was the main feature most of us were interested in, but it sure does look cool, what with the backlighting and all.But Matt over at PVRblog noticed something a bit less convenient. They moved the buttons around -- and in such a way as to make it tougher for most people to use the remote control.
First off, the TiVo remote hasn't changed much at all for the last 5 years or so. That means most people who have been using TiVo for a while can push the right buttons with their eyes closed (although I don't know why they'd be watching TV with their eyes closed).
But now the buttons for changing channels and controlling the volume have moved further away from the buttons for pausing, playing, fast forwarding and rewinding. Ostensibly, this was done to make it easier for users to give a thumbs up to programs they like and a thumbs down to programs they dislike.
But unless you're constantly watching new shows, or trying to see what TiVo will recommend when you thumbs up The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Tiny Toons, most people don't really use those buttons as often as say... the volume and channel buttons!
1. You're so right - I could definitely use the remote with my eyes closed..if I had to! It'll be awhile before I get a new Tivo but this is good to know.
Posted at 7:18AM on Oct 4th 2006 by imdennycrane