TiVo,
poster child of technological advancement for companies like Direct TV, is really nothing more than a middle-aged woman in a designer dress - with plastic surgery. The technology behind TiVo is really just a tweaked DVR, or digital video recorder. Other companies have it; but no other company has built as successful marketing package around their product as has Direct TV with TiVo.
What is TiVo, um, I mean a Digital Video Recorder?
Digital Video Recorders capture video in a way similar to old video recorders, but they do it digitally. Watchers can "pause and rewind live TV" because
speed and response time of DVRs, like TiVo, provide for a virtually seamless transition from live TV to recorded material. Based on user settings, up to 80 hours of television can be recorded. This can include your favorite show each week, or you can record everything you watch to make sure you don't miss anything. Remember, every DVR can do this, not just TiVo.
The difference is
way Direct TV has partnered with TiVo and positioned it for success in
highly competitive market of satellite television and accessories. The true success of TiVo's marketing strategy lies in
fact that many people believe it is a unique product.
With product lines in competitive markets, positioning and packaging is king. Direct TV touts TiVo in nearly every major marketing campaign they put together. They offer discount TiVo technologies to new customers who are willing to commit to a one-year contract. My guess is that if you have ever heard of Direct TV and seen any advertisement they have produced, you have been exposed to
TiVo name and features.
Have You Ever Heard of Tevas?
The three strap sandals that have come in and out of fashion over
last few decades are now known almost