So tivo has launched its new tivo to go software, which allows you to download shows you’ve recorded to your tivo onto your pc so you can watch them on other devices (a laptop for when you’re on the road, for example). Except. Except they’ve crippled it, you have to use encryption keys to access your own recordings, and you can’t share them with others (at peril of having your Tivo account deactivated), and you are not able to encord some cable channels, which are maintained at Tivo’s discretion. HBO being one example. So Tivo, tell me why the hell I would pay you for such a device, when I can go get these recordings off the net restriction free, or when I can use my snapstream box to record the shows myself, restriction free, then move them wherever I like in whatever format I like?

The answer is – I won’t pay Tivo, and you shouldn’t either. Can you imagine how the VCR would have gone over if it had been encumbered with such crap? I’m sure the hacker community will crack their protections but no corporation should be rewarded with your $$$’s for so completely failing to recognize the sea change that’s taking place. I’m aware that Tivo is trying to walk a fine line and they’re terrified they’ll be sued into extinction by big media if they don’t build in restrictions like this, but they’re going to go under anyway with half-assed offerings like this.