Hmm...
I'm glad there are people out there who feel it's worth spending $1,000 for a TivoHD. However, at that price, it just isn't worth it to me. If it were half that I'd consider it but that's just too steep. Honestly, I just don't watch that much TV and since I watch next to nothing on the local channels, Tivoing something from a local station in HD OTA does nothing for me either.
I'll be shocked, yes, shocked, if DTV adds any significant HD channels (other than OTA) before the end of 2005. Nothing in their press release has indicated they will add any HD channels other than locals in 2005. Ok, I'm gonna guess they'll add a channel or two but ESPN2? Who really cares? Heck, ESPN can't show much HD, what's ESPN2 going to give me? Maybe one more game a week in HD. Vurbano, you've been one of the loudest complainers about ESPN's lack of HD. Now you're beating their drum over ESPN2. Tsk, tsk tsk...
Also, this announcement isn't going to put Voom out of business. Again, it's all about whether they get enough subscribers to survive. I highly doubt Voom is going to pull the plug after a few months of being in business. They've got deeper pockets than that. Heck, they still have deeper pockets than DTV if you factor in the owner (sure, they spun them off but they're still connected).
Voom isn't going to put DTV out of business either. I don't think that was ever a part of their business plan. Remember, there is certainly more than enough room to have more than one satellite provider.
I also still don't think having a DVR or not having one will keep anyone in business or put them out of business. Around here, we're more technically savy people who appreciate gadgets like DVRs. However, most of the general public still hasn't adopted DVRs altogether. I still have VERY few friends who use them. I also have very few friends who really know what they are! So, although a DVR would keep most of us around, it doesn't mean anything to the bulk of the customers out there.
And on that front, all of the doomsdayers are complaining about Voom going out of business and touting the TivoHD. Well, what about Tivo staying in business. I'd worry about them before I'd worry about Voom. Voom is just starting and they're losing money. Tivo has a long track record of losing money. At some point, the shareholders want to make money. Tivo has shown they can't come up with a plan to become profitable. This can only last so long. Why do you think DTV has been trying to break away from Tivo?
Anyway, again, I'm happy DTV has finally announced something. I'll be even happier if they actually provide something I want. They haven't done that yet and won't for a while.
The Rickster