But the Tivo lifetime subscription is in addition buying the hardware. IMO, the Moxi is less espensive to own since they dropped the prices down to $499...with no subscription fees. Of course, just how long a "lifetime" will be for the Moxi is unknown as you mentioned.
Indeed... The fact that the Moxi -- all in -- was
more expensive than the TiVo -- all in -- was ridiculous. With the situation now reversed, there is a better match between the price being charged and the value being offered. However, again, it really comes down to whether or not you want to be the guinea pig for something new, or whether you want to pay a little more and latch onto the more well-established bandwagon. Regardless of which choice you make, either way, it absolutely
is a risk. Neither company is making money on these units. As such, their future is always in question. Having said that, I tend to doubt that the TiVo, at least, would cease operations -- given its recent legal successes and its firmly-established reputation in the marketplace, at worst, someone stronger will buy it, and so legacy TiVo owners will be supported regardless, in accordance with the current terms and conditions.