TiVo tests inserting ads before DVR recorded content

[Cal Jeffrey]

In context: Digital video recorders are great for recording TV shows when you are not able to watch them live. They also provide the side benefit of being able to skip commercials, which is a big plus. In fact, fast-forwarding through ads is the primary reason I use TiVo's DVR.

However, digital media blog Zats Not Funny has noticed that TiVo is beginning to run ads before recorded shows. The platform first started placing the ads on Tuesday in what appears to be a move to further monetize the service.

For now, the pre-roll ads are in the testing phase. Users in the TiVo community forum are noticing that the ads are slow loading and in a lower resolution than the recording. The ads can be fast-forwarded, but it is "not that seamless." One user posted a video showing that recorded content loads after the commercial has run or been skipped.

The company may be looking to offer a lower-cost or free subscription using the ads, which seems fair as long as the ads are limited to that. If they start running them for paying customers or those who get TiVo with their cable service, the company could face considerable user backlash.

It also may have something to do with its plans for a TiVo Plus service.

As noted by CNN, TiVo is planning on splitting into two companies. One will be handling patents, which is in part due to the Rovi buyout in 2016. The other will focus on products, including TiVo Plus, slated to launch next month.

As long as it is smart about how and who sees the pre-roll ads, it should not have a problem with customers complaining, but we'll see.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/81992-tivo-tests-inserting-ads-before-dvr-recorded-content.html

 

[wiyosaya]

I'm glad I use Media Portal!

 

[Hexic]

TiVo is still around? I don’t think I’ve had that service since ‘04 or so.

 

[ZackL04]

Isnt Tivo a paid service, Id be pissed

 

[yRaz]

It frustrates me how companies constantly build a user base only to later change their business model and screw over the people that invested in their products.

 

[toooooot]

It frustrates me how companies constantly build a user base only to later change their business model and screw over the people that invested in their products.

It is possible that it is way harder to build a user base with the service that does not bring a lot of profit.
New players have to compete with big guys somehow.
Ads is something that is a very strong thing for somebody who dislikes it greatly though.

 

[Ludak021]

It frustrates me how companies constantly build a user base only to later change their business model and screw over the people that invested in their products.

It is possible that it is way harder to build a user base with the service that does not bring a lot of profit.
New players have to compete with big guys somehow.
Ads is something that is a very strong thing for somebody who dislikes it greatly though.

TiVo is older than Youtube, I'd hardly call them "new". They are just stuck in the past.

 

[axiomatic13]

Glad I cut cable TV and TiVo and went streaming only. YouTube TV is fantastic. So is Fubo. I have both and am still saving $150 over my old cable bill.