TiVo says all retail DVR owners will see ads before recorded shows

Engadget ^ | 9-21-2019 | John Fingas

[pluvmantelo]

TiVo isn't wasting much time implementing pre-roll ads before recorded shows. The company told Light Reading in a follow-up statement that these promos will reach "all eligible" retail DVRs within 90 days. This marketing will be a "permanent part of the service," a spokesperson said. TiVo reiterated that you'll have the ability to skip these ads, although an early tester said he had to fast forward to get to the show.

[dp0622]

I went NUTS when amazon did this with the beginning of movies that I BOUGHT.

They stopped the practice and I’m certain it wasn’t because of me but probably because of many complaints.

[oldvirginian]

I don’t mind ads before a show starts as long as I can fast forward through them. The five minute ad breaks every four minutes during the show are the ones that drive me crazy.

[jeffc]

I'd start up the show and go make popcorn while the ads run unwatched. Then you have hot popcorn just as the movie starts.

Of course, as fast as I eat popcorn, I'm done by the time the opening credits finish...

[SecondAmendment]

This is what happens when a company goes public.
They are under relentless pressure to increase quarterly earnings, which often results in a hasty decision which is harmful over the long term.

[HonkyTonkMan]

TiVo had a great idea and was ahead of the competition. I don’t see how they remain competitive. And you’re right - they started with no ads, now they are trying to survive on corporate ads.....

[pluvmantelo]

Ah, makes sense. Didn’t know about them going public.

[Bommer]

Just tells me what to boycott is all. Thank you for wasting my time. I’ll be damned if I waste any money on your product!

[Phillyred]

People still use tevo?