On Sunday, November 14th, TiVo announced new holiday pricing for the TiVo Premiere DVRs, with retail pricing starting at $99.99 through December 31, 2010. The Premiere XL price dropped to $299.99, which represents a whopping $200 price drop on these units.
WeaKnees also reduced our upgraded TiVo Premieres by $200, bringing those prices down to the lowest ever for an HD TiVo. So the price on every TiVo Premiere we sell is now $200 lower.
Along with the price drop, TiVo also changed the pricing structure for TiVo service. At least for now, the only pricing option for TiVo Premiere boxes is $19.99/mo, with a one-year commitment for service. Lifetime service is not available for Premiere units under this promotion.
For those who want lifetime service on an HD TiVo, we have a supply of TiVoHD XL DVRs in stock that are eligible for lifetime service. In addition, all of our standard def dual-tuner TiVo DVRs, and all of our single-tuner, standard def Humax TiVo DVRs with built-in DVD burner, are still eligible for product lifetime service. For these units, lifetime service is $399 for new TiVo subscribers and $299 for existing subs.
But here is where things get confusing:
1) As of now, you cannot purchase product lifetime service on TiVoHD XLs or standard def TiVos at TiVo.com. You have to call 877-FOR-TIVO to sign up for product lifetime service.
However, the TiVo service terms indicate that other service options should be available for non-Premiere TiVo DVRs.
2) If you are an existing TiVo subscriber and go to activate a TiVo Premiere DVRs as an additional unit, the option you’ll get a TiVo.com is $19.99/mo:
However, if you are an existing subscriber and activate a TiVo other than a TiVo Premiere, you will get this:
You’ll see the additional reference to the MSD terms and conditions:
Click that and get this:
Naturally, the question becomes: Where are the other MSD options? I presume these will be available only by calling TiVo. Also note, however, that the MSD terms do not distinguish between the Premiere and non-Premiere TiVo DVRs.
So for the holidays, if you want an HD TiVo with lifetime service, consider the TiVoHD XL. It’s a great, solid unit, at a great price, and eligible for lifetime service.
On the otherhand, if you are currently paying a cable company $15 (or whatever) for a cable DVR, the new Premiere pricing is a great chance to give TiVo a try. For $100 + a few bucks more a month ($19.99 + the cost of a CableCARD), you can get a REAL DVR—a TiVo!