said by ReVeLaTeD:What I don't like about Network DVR (potentially):
- Time limit restrictions on how long I can keep shows. I
like to keep them as long as I want and watch them whenever I please.
They already have the ability to limit the time on your DVR box.
- Inability to fast forward commercials. This is a big one for me.
I don't think this has been discussed in the service already available.. again, they could do this now if they wanted. The consumer could actually avoid this by purchasing their own DVR.
- You'll still be charged a box rental fee.
Sure, you will... but it won't be a DVR box rental fee mostly if you wanted to have a DVR on each set, you'd avoid it all together. Some people are paying huge fees to have DVRs on multiple televisions now - this would be a savings.
- You'll still be charged a DVR service fee (and likely a higher one to cover the cost of bandwith).
The model already out there doesn't support that theory. But who knows.
- Possible increased charges for storing HD content.
Doubt it.. it's based on storage space, period.
Here are some positives - and there ARE some.
- You can access content and record content from any standard box in the home.
- Power goes out, your content is still recorded.
- Less hardware in the home to go bad. Everyone complains about how bad the DVR is and how they have to stay home for a tech, this would eliminate the weak spot.
- People complain about the higher power used by the DVR.. this eliminates it.
- If your hardware based DVR fails, you no longer lose your content.
- The potential for purchasing more recording space if you want more space instead of waiting for a DVR that offers a larger HDD.
- You'd be guaranteed that your recording will work no matter what your cable line quality is like as it's recorded at the head end.
- Many systems require digital service in order to have DVR service.. this would remove that requirement.
There are more...
.. and yes, I DO see that there are some down sides as well. For one, I do not like the fact there is such latency in the controls. Further, it would be nice if there was a jump function, including in VOD services, where you could tell the server to "jump" to a certain minute/time of the program.
Who knows... the bottom line is, however, that there is still Tivo service. Considering the amount of money that Comcast, for example, has put into Tivo already, I doubt the box will go away anytime soon. I'm guessing that the network based DVR will be an option. Besides, there IS a major benefit to going network based to the company and that's the DVR really is not a money maker anyway.. it's a retention tool for the customer against dish. With the cost of the box, the monthly revenue they receive from them, and the cost to SERVICE these boxes that have so many problems (as so many report) they don't really make money on the DVR.
Personally, if done right, I see this as a win win.