TiVo FAQs

Is TiVo expensive?

As far as TV home equiptment is concerned, TiVo is a relatively inexpensive addition. TiVo units range in price, but you can expect to pay around $130 - $200 on a name-brand system. The TiVo service is currently $12.95 per month.

How will TiVo work with my current TV setup?

TiVo can work with a variety of set-ups. It can be set up to run with VCRs, DVDs, cable, antennas, satellite, and more.

If TiVo uses phone line, will calls be missed?

TiVo says no. TiVo will not interrupt current calls you may be making, in-coming, or out-going phone calls. The initial setup is only time your phone line will be blocked from calls, but this should only take a few minutes.

Are there parental controls?

Yes, TiVo has parental controls, allowing parents to lock certain programs and set limitations on their children's viewing.

Can I record programs off Internet?

Yes, but you will need TiVo series 2. With this unit, you can use online schedualing to record your favorite shows. A broadband connection is highly recommended for this service, however.

Is TiVo hackable (i.e. able to be modified?)

Yes, much like a computer, it is. Because TiVo utilizes Linux, an open-source operating system, device can be modified in various ways. For instance, it is possible to increase TiVo storage space through hacking.

COUNTER-MEASURES

Despite these and other such dangers, however, there are some steps being taken to mitigate these privacy issues. For example, a recent proposal would require that all RFID-tagged products be clearly labeled. This would give consumers choice to select products without RFID, or at a minimum to recognize that items they select are being tracked. For those unsatisfied with disclosure, there also exist a growing number of products designed to limit their exposure to RFID tagged products. One such product is ìKill Codesî a command which turns off all RFID tags immediately as consumer comes into contact with them, thus entirely eliminating effectiveness of technology. Another proposal, however, ìRSA Blocker Tagsî, try to address privacy concerns while maintaining integrity of product. Under this technology, item can only be tracked by that store's authorized reader, meaning that customers cannot be tracked outside of store in which they purchased item.

CONCLUSION

While some of dangers posited here seem far-fetched and unlikely, technology already exists and is developing rapidly to ensure that such hypotheticals can become realities. RFID tags have potential to revolutionize shopping experience by bringing us targeted products and allowing retailers and manufacturers to track purchases and shopper behavior more accurately and cost-effectively. The concern, however, is that if we are not aware and careful about potential abuses of such technologies early on, we may fail to incorporate them at a time when laws and mores of such a system are still developing, ultimately suffering consequences later on.