New DirecTV TiVo will be based on the old TiVo interface

Well isn't this a kick in the head -- first TiVo fans who subscribe to DirecTV were left high and dry years ago and now if it is actually released this Spring it'll have been almost two years since the two companies announced they'd join forces once again. As if all that waiting wasn't bad enough, these same fans were probably excited to see the new TiVo user interface -- even if they weren't excited about anything else -- only to hear Tom Rogers tell Light Reading that "Their [DirecTV's] next implementation of us is not going to have this look and feel. It's based on the classic TiVo." Oh man are you kidding? Rogers did say that a new tru2way version of the new look would be available in the future and that Comcast has already shown interest. And for those who think $300 is still too much for a DVR, Rogers confirms that "We don't make money on hardware. Hardware is really a way for us to get out our user experience."

[cypherx Posted Mar 3rd 2010 5:25PM]

Wow nothing but strike outs from Tivo lately!

[JumpstartMyPC Posted Mar 4th 2010 8:16PM]

@cypherx I have to think that DirecTV is the more responsible party in this disaster.

[palomosan Posted Mar 3rd 2010 7:04PM]

This is nonsense, what we're going back in time, what a joke and I was waiting for this.

[deecee Posted Mar 3rd 2010 7:49PM]

Is this a problem? The "old" interface is entirely intuitive and functional, and I don't see anything in the new interface I can't live without. As long as the HD DirecTivo works as well as the previous incarnation did, I'll be happy.

[TheLoveDr Posted Mar 4th 2010 3:10PM]

@deecee
No argument from me. I'll take the old DirecTV Tivo interface over the Comcraptic DVR setup any day of the week.

[shorties Posted Mar 3rd 2010 8:38PM]

I have a feeling that the old TiVo interface is actually going to show its face a lot, I think they are going to try to license it out (As in actually try, instead of just say that they are and then only offer it in one market) to Cable companies and Satellite Providers. According to this: http://www.tivo.com/products/source/index.html They mention adding the tivo software to current COX boxes: "TiVo's downloadable software will allow Cox to deliver the TiVo® service in Cox subscriber homes without replacing existing DVR boxes" so it sounds like they are going to try to get the old interface on non TiVo boxes, and keep the fancy one for the premiere only.

Honestly all I wanted them to do for the current TiVo HD (And future DirecTiVo) was just update the interface to use High-Def resources, (Essentially replace all the icons backgrounds and such to HD versions of them) That would of made me happy even if all the cool features of the Premiere weren't ported over, just make it look crisper.

Oh and TiVo has to be making money off the new TiVo, maybe they didn't in the past but the minimal hardware improvements make me believe that there is no way that the $300 TiVo isn't profitable. I mean seriously a 320GB hard drive? the $300 should be a terabyte, and the $500 should be 2TB. The Xbox 360 came out in 2005 and while when it was released it wasn't profitable for Microsoft, it is now (Or would have been had the RROD issue not been such a big deal), the 2005 xbox was much more capable hardware wise than the current TiVo, so I don't buy the "We don't make money on hardware. Hardware is really a way for us to get out our user experience." They are trying to cut their losses by passing the cost over to the customer.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2010 11:55PM]

Does this mean it is actually coming out? I don't need the new UI. I just want directv with TiVo.

[Fanfoot Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:44AM]

Oh Joy, a new version of Comcast's pile of crap Tivo interface on top of some garbage Motorola box. This time running on top of that fabulous tru2way thing that cable isn't even rolling out and will likely run slower than the last bag of dirt. If this is where Tivo is spending their development money, I wish them well in their future endeavors. I just hope the guide data for my existing Tivo's continues for a few years...

[xyvyx Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:48AM]

I'd settle for just about any stable DVR on DirecTV....

but I couldn't wait for this Tivo and glad I didn't. Canceled my DTV service for FIOS last week. It leaves a bit to be desired, but the FIOS dvr interface isn't so bad. And if the interface supports "widgets", I wonder if you could make one to interface w/ a remote tivo database... hmm...

[Brian Posted Mar 4th 2010 2:23AM]

I'm sure others will disagree, but I like the old interface over the new one. It's just a simpler display to use. I just use the basics of the UI and not all this other stuff the new UI has to offer.

[vgsmike Posted Mar 4th 2010 2:33AM]

The SD Tivo interface is totally serviceable and still better than most DVRs. Besides, you're watching movies and TV shows 95% of the time, not staring at menus.

[BenD Posted Mar 4th 2010 7:01AM]

@vgsmike

It isn't only about looks, it's about usability and when TVs went 16x9 and HD we got more realestate. Current TiVo is like running Windows 2000 at 1280x720, sure it works, just not as good as Windows 7 at 1640x1280.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 4th 2010 5:49AM]

Such a same that both DirecTV and Dish cancelled their Media Center tuners.

[JumpstartMyPC Posted Mar 4th 2010 8:20PM]

The "old interface" would be fine if had all the great features available in the last 2 generations of TiVo units (Netflix, Amazon, Remote Scheduling, mobile transfers). If these things are not included, then it's bye-bye DirecTV!!