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Beta, Anyone?
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Posted by: TiVoPony

Just a reminder...

If you're interested in being a beta tester for any of our upcoming releases, you really should have an up to date beta application filled out.

Even if you've filled out an app in the past, you can still visit the website and update your info. (If you've done this before, you'll be asked for your email address and password).

Here's the site: http://beta.tivo.com/beta_app/index.php

By the way, if you have two series2 standalones...it's a very good time to fill out the form. ;)

And before you ask about HD...there's not much in the application about that yet...

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: stevel

I assume that those of us with combo boxes no longer need apply - is this correct?

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by stevel
I assume that those of us with combo boxes no longer need apply - is this correct?

Participants for DIRECTV beta programs are selected from this same pool, so by all means, fill out the form.

But there are many beta groups, and they don't all test the same things.

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: beejay

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony

Even if you've filled out an app in the past, you can still visit the website and update your info. (If you've done this before, you'll be asked for your email address and password).

Here's the site: http://beta.tivo.com/beta_app/index.php

Cheers,
Pony

So I went to the website to update my app, since you can see from my signature that I'm a prime target...

And I'm stopped because I don't answer questions 7, 8, 9 but there is no place for me to put in the answers...

Hmmmmm....maybe if I'm not smart enough to deal with that I'm not smart enough to be a beta tester...

Or maybe this is the first level of beta testing....

Posted by: SteakMan

What browser are you using. Woked fine for me using Opera 7.01

-SteakMan-

Posted by: martinp13

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
By the way, if you have two series2 standalones...it's a very good time to fill out the form. ;)

Woohoo.... put me in, coach. ;)

Posted by: beejay

Thanks, Steakman.

That's the issue. They are weeding out the Luddites still using an old Netscape version.

I was able to get through the application with IE.

Posted by: shady

quote:
Originally posted by beejay
So I went to the website to update my app, since you can see from my signature that I'm a prime target...

And I'm stopped because I don't answer questions 7, 8, 9 but there is no place for me to put in the answers...

Hmmmmm....maybe if I'm not smart enough to deal with that I'm not smart enough to be a beta tester...

Or maybe this is the first level of beta testing....

Questions 7, 8 and 9 all use drop down list boxes. Must be your browser

Posted by: mtmra70

<---------- :D

Posted by: MighTiVo

Welcome back, didn't see any new questions and mine were all still correct.

Posted by: LtSparky

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
By the way, if you have two series2 standalones...it's a very good time to fill out the form. ;)

All I need is for you to send me the other series2 and I'm all set. ;)

If I tell you that I'll go out and buy another series2 (looking around to see if the wife saw me type that), will that help get me in the beta group? :D

*sigh* Only one series2, but all ready for HMO and/or 4.0 nonetheless.

Posted by: JuryDuty

Man, as soon as I got the email, I signed up. I would so LOVE to beta test. I know it can be a lot of work and recording of information, but I love to help test new technology, you know? Who wouldn't?! :D

Posted by: phone1

Does having added storage space make you ineligible for beta testing? I can understand why it might.

Posted by: jlharing99

I also would love to be a beta tester. I'm can't wait for HMO to be released.

Joe

Posted by: jmace57

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
Even if you've filled out an app in the past, you can still visit the website and update your info. (If you've done this before, you'll be asked for your email address and password).

Here's my problem. I signed up to be a Beta tester about a month ago. I haven't heard anything yet, but that's OK.

I went to the site to make sure everything is up to date...it won't let me log in. It says my password is invalid (I have autofill turned on and it remembers the password I used before).

Even so, I went to the "forgot" my password area...when I put in my email address, it says that it is "Error: No user for that e-mail address".

I'm a 2 Series II TiVo user, and would love to be a Beta tester.

Can anyone help here?

Thanks
Jim

Posted by: stevel

That means it has no record for you. Follow the link in the first page to sign up anew.

Posted by: Okeemike

What is a TiVo Service Number?

Posted by: stevel

The 15-digit number (some of them may be letters A through F) on the back of your TiVo - also available from the System Information screen and printed on a sticker in the back of one of the manuals.

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

Tivopony,

When will beta for 4.0 start?

Posted by: SnakeEyes

Having participated before I expected to have a record of me.. no dice. *shrugs*

Posted by: Bilbrey

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
By the way, if you have two series2 standalones...it's a very good time to fill out the form. ;)

Darn, darn, darn...

I only have one (1) 'Series 2' standalone.

But I also have four (4) 'Series 2' HDVR2's, a DSR6000, and a HDR612 too...

Do they count???

:D

Posted by: PrimeRisk

Ok, I have two Series 2 and they're already connected to the network for the nightly phone-home action. The Beta Test application filled out and up to date. Hook me up Pony! (please)

Posted by: HTH

My Series2 are on the way.

Posted by: cptodd

OK TiVoPony, I have already begged in another thread. I can beg again! I already checked to see if my application was OK! :)

Posted by: jmace57

quote:
Originally posted by stevel
That means it has no record for you. Follow the link in the first page to sign up anew.

...ah, but the problem is when I go to sign up on the first page, it says the addresss already exists.

Jim

Posted by: MighTiVo

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoPony
By the way, if you have two series2 standalones...it's a very good time to fill out the form. ;)

Good enough to buy another?

Posted by: Okeemike

quote:
Originally posted by stevel
The 15-digit number (some of them may be letters A through F) on the back of your TiVo - also available from the System Information screen and printed on a sticker in the back of one of the manuals.

Boo-Ya! Thanks. Doubtful they'll beta any DTivo stuff, but I gotta try.

Posted by: wkirke

Do they want us to tell the truth about hard drive space?

Or has TiVo been officially turning a blind eye to upgraders, and filling out a beta form to say my 60 hour unit has 250 hours would be a problem?

Thanks!

Posted by: Bilbrey

quote:
Originally posted by wkirke
Do they want us to tell the truth about hard drive space?

Or has TiVo been officially turning a blind eye to upgraders, and filling out a beta form to say my 60 hour unit has 250 hours would be a problem?

Thanks!

Tell the truth about your HD size... TiVo is very cool about HD upgrades!

Posted by: crazywater

Ok, so I've got two Series 2 Standalone units and a wired/wireless home network, just waiting for that beta 4.0 software to show up....
.
.
.
.
.
.
still waiting..... :confused:
.
.
.
.
.
still waiting..... :(
.
.
.
.
.
Ah TiVoPony? Where's my beta software????

:confused: :(

Posted by: mikedaly

I seriously doubt TiVoPony has ANY say who the beta testers are. He's in Product Marketing, not QA.

I've signed up to be a beta tester as well, but I have no expectation that I'll actually be chosen, since there will undoubtedly be more people interested than they need. And he mentioned no timeframe for when the beta testing would begin (although soon was certainly implied).

You people need to CHILL OUT! :)

Posted by: PrimeRisk

I'm betting the group at TiVo is close and that TiVoPony can make some friendly suggestions to the QA/Test group. The reality is TiVo wants to easily find a number of people out there that have two Series 2 units, a home network, and a broadband connection to boot. I'm sure the concentration on this forum is high compared to anywhere else, but I still don't see very many people with SIGs that advertise they have 2 or more Series 2 boxes, much less the other components.

Posted by: mikedaly

Yah, it's probably a good bet that if you have two Series 2 boxes, you're likely to get to beta test HMO. As PrimeRisk pointed out, there probably aren't too many of those people.

Some people are just a little impatient, though. I mean, TiVoPony posted a reminder yesterday afternoon to sign up to be a beta tester, and people are already wondering where their beta software is? Take a chill pill. :)

Posted by: PrimeRisk

The techies are an impatient bunch...I can be one of those people too, but I'm trying to control myself. :) At the very least I would expect TiVo to require you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before they pushed the new software to your TiVo. If and when you get the NDA e-mail, then the pee-pee dancing can commence.

Posted by: SteakMan

quote:
Originally posted by Bilbrey
Tell the truth about your HD size... TiVo is very cool about HD upgrades!

Not only that, but there are so many people that ARE upgraded it would be careless to NOT include a few in the beta.

-SteakMan-

Posted by: rseligman

Remember, "beta" does not mean "first to get the new software". It means it's a test version of the software that TiVo believes is solid, but they want to try it out on real users to make sure. If there's a bug that causes your shows to be deleted (as there once was in an earlier beta), you may encounter that.

I'm sure TiVo discloses all this, but I wanted to remind those who are excited at the prospect of getting the "new software" that they may not be happy with the results. In the real world, beta software is rarely used on a live system that would upset the user if it became hosed.

Posted by: beejay

quote:
Originally posted by PrimeRisk
At the very least I would expect TiVo to require you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before they pushed the new software to your TiVo. If and when you get the NDA e-mail, then the pee-pee dancing can commence.

Undoubtably the NDA comes first. And I imagine the pee-pee dancers know that, but just enjoy dancing.

Because once they sign the NDA, they have to do their dancing in private.

I would guess this is the "feature-complete beta, let's see if it breaks anyone" test. So I would guess everyone with 2 Series 2's gets invited in. (Especially if they have added disk...TiVo needs to know if that's going to break.)

So...my version of the pee-pee dance:

When someone gets the NDA, before they've signed it, will they post some cryptic comment so the rest of us can start watching our e-mail? (Signed up at my home e-mail, inaccessible from work.)

Posted by: MighTiVo

My guess would be they send yo an invitation to join the beta and you then go to a secret web site to enter/confirm your service number. On that secret web site would be posted the terms of the NDA and by entering your service number you acknowledge that you agree. Following this your system is loaded with the beta software within a week.

Just a guess though.....

Posted by: crazywater

My post was just a little humor, very little...:D

Posted by: martinp13

Wow, MighTiVo... sounds like you've done this before. ;)

Posted by: futerfas

What about the original Series 1, i'm guessing there's no more beta programs for them.

Jake

Posted by: PrimeRisk

Bump

Posted by: biker

quote:
Originally posted by futerfas
What about the original Series 1, i'm guessing there's no more beta programs for them.

Jake

No.

Posted by: beejay

I don't think you can say "no more Series 1 betas" unless you know "no more Series 1 software updates".

If I've kept my Series 1's listed in the beta application just in case TiVo has a Series 1 change to test. (Although I'll be a little cautious about what happens to an unsubbed Series 1.)

Posted by: crazywater

Just wondering if anyone has been contacted yet about the beta????

Posted by: PrimeRisk

If anyone had, they probably wouldn't be advertising it here. To get to participate in beta testing you have to keep quiet about it.

Posted by: crazywater

I was under the impression that you couldn't reveal details. Anyone that revealed that they are simply involved in the beta would be releasing less info than TiVo themselves have already described about HMO.

But I could be wrong...there's always the first time. ;)

Posted by: Turtleboy

But people who enrolled and HAVEN'T been contacted are still allowed to answer in the negative.

Posted by: beejay

OK, I have my beta application in. I'm a prime candidate per Pony's post.

I haven't been contacted yet. (Although contact location is not here, so maybe an e-mail is waiting for me there...)

And technically, after you receive your invitation and before you've signed your beta agreement, you aren't bound by anything...

but I know I've been hesitant in the past to anger the TiVo gods by saying anything...

Posted by: genearch

Could I be any more of a prime candidate? :D

2 x Series/2
Ethernet connections already established
Wired Network
Wireless Network
MAC (OS X w/MP3 and Photos)
PC (XP Pro w/MP3 and Photos)

And.. Credit card ready in the event that they would like me to test a wireless Linksys USB Ethernet device.

Posted by: flyersfan

I'm almost as prime as genearch. I have:

2x S2 60 hour units (both upgraded w/a 2nd drive)
both on wired network with DSL broadband
Win2k server w/over 8700 mp3s and 4 gig of photos

Pick me, TivoPony!! :)

Posted by: smak

I threw Pony a Benjamin, so i think i'm more prime than all of you.

-smak-

Posted by: loubob57

Can't seem to get the application page to work. After filling in my name, email, location and password all I get is an SQL error page. :(

Posted by: wallace

quote:
Originally posted by loubob57
Can't seem to get the application page to work. After filling in my name, email, location and password all I get is an SQL error page. :(

Welcome to the crowd! I had the exact same problem over 2 weeks ago and I still have not heard anything from anyone at TiVo. I sent a PM to TiVoPony, I posted on these forums, and I sent an email to the TiVo webmaster. Despite taking every approach I could and being patient waiting over 2-3 weeks they still have not replied or fixed the problem, nor has TiVoPony even given me the common courtesy of a reply.

You can see my post and description of the problem here:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...&highlight=beta

Posted by: PrimeRisk

What type & version of web browser are you using?

Posted by: foo monkey

Settle down people. The last time I participated in a beta release, I was never contacted by Tivo. I just turned on my tv one day to see my box had downloaded the beta release.

oh, and I want a pony.

Posted by: Bilbrey

quote:
Originally posted by loubob57
Can't seem to get the application page to work. After filling in my name, email, location and password all I get is an SQL error page. :(

Try not using the dashes in the service number. That seemed to be the issue for me...

I want an Apple to give the Pony.
:D

Posted by: Okeemike

quote:
Originally posted by wallace
[B]....nor has TiVoPony even given me the common courtesy of a reply.

This is TiVo's issue, not Pony's. He isn't anyone's personal support person, and shouldn�t be expected to reply to anyone's PM. Anything he does is out of the love of the product and his job. He isn't (AFAIK) paid to read this group, or post replies to our incessant questions...cut the guy some slack before you go trashing him. Else we risk him getting ticked off and not giving us the inside scoop he CHOOSES to give us.

Now, let's go worry about something really important, like what's on television...

Posted by: loubob57

quote:
Originally posted by Bilbrey
Try not using the dashes in the service number. That seemed to be the issue for me...

I want an Apple to give the Pony.
:D

I didn't even get to that screen. The first one only asks for name, email and location.

As for browsers, I used IE6 and Netscape 7, both had the same result.

Posted by: Bilbrey

quote:
Originally posted by loubob57
I didn't even get to that screen. The first one only asks for name, email and location.

As for browsers, I used IE6 and Netscape 7, both had the same result.

I know you probably realize this, but you did put a password of 7 or more characters?

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by wallace
nor has TiVoPony even given me the common courtesy of a reply.

Hi Wallace,

I'm afraid that I missed your message...my mailbox does fill up quite fast.

You're not the first to comment that they expected a personal response from me. I do participate here in my free time, and it's just not possible to send a reply to each and every message I receive.

I have forwarded your note, as well as a copy of your post here, to the appropriate people.

Sorry you've had trouble with the site.

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by Bilbrey

I want an Apple to give the Pony.
:D

Absolutely! :)

As a matter of fact, we were just looking at them this weekend. My daughter thinks they're the coolest looking computers she's ever seen. I agree.

Wait...that isn't the type of apple you meant? ;)

Oh well. :D

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: HTH

I'm still waiting for delivery of my two new Series2s.

Update: They just arrived!!!

Now, how do I send in for the rebates when both units are on the same receipt?

Posted by: loubob57

The beta sign up page worked much better today. No SQL errors this time.

Come on beta! :)

Posted by: davewill

quote:
Originally posted by futerfas
What about the original Series 1, i'm guessing there's no more beta programs for them.

Jake

Actually, if they're planning to release an upgrade, they should beta test it. They might well have a Series 1 beta program (of course it won't be as exciting as the Series 2 program).

Posted by: bluetarga

For a company with limited resources in terms of personnel and dollars, what's the point of doing a beta test on next generation functionality (HMO) when TiVo still hasn't solved supply chain issues with its current product (as well as the HDVR 2)? Wouldn't it make more sense to focus manpower on the Series 2 out of stock conditions that still exist with TiVo's retail partners, as well as assist DirecTV and its mfg partners like Samsung and Philips with their roll-outs?

I love my two Tivos and I want the company to be around for a while (at least until I've fully amortized my standalone's lifetime sub $$$). But I think HMO right now is a dangerous distraction. What's Tivo doing to ensure that these partners (Linksys, for example) don't screw up their product launches a la DirecTV and its HDVR 2? Remember, DirecTV said they would have that product rolled out in September last year; instead they recalled something to the tune of 30K units due to a defective chip, and missed out on the majority of the holiday selling season.

Posted by: PrimeRisk

TiVo Inc. provides the software and service, other companies manufacture and sell the product. TiVo is doing exactly what it should be doing. Developing software features and enhancing their overall service. A public beta is a very smart move considering the potential impact of a bad roll of the software.

Posted by: Dennis Wilkinson

quote:
Originally posted by bluetarga
For a company with limited resources in terms of personnel and dollars, what's the point of doing a beta test on next generation functionality (HMO) when TiVo still hasn't solved supply chain issues with its current product (as well as the HDVR 2)? Wouldn't it make more sense to focus manpower on the Series 2 out of stock conditions that still exist with TiVo's retail partners, as well as assist DirecTV and its mfg partners like Samsung and Philips with their roll-outs?

Probably because there's (almost certainly) very little overlap between the employees who manage beta programs and software upgrades and the employees who manage licensing and manufacturing...

Posted by: Squeak

quote:
Originally posted by bluetarga
....instead they recalled something to the tune of 30K units due to a defective chip...

Really? do you have a link for that? I don't ever remember seeing that, at least admitted.

Posted by: bluetarga

Squeak,

Don't have a link with details on the HDVR 2 issue. This was DirecTV's best-kept secret of their fourth quarter. But if you check their press release at the beginning of August, they mention "the fall" for availability. At that time DirecTV's investor relations dept was saying "fall" meant "September". As I'm sure you know, "September" became "October", and product didn't reach meaningful (though low) levels until mid-November. That launch info should be on their investor conference calls, because that is where I got it. In fact, I think TiVo confirmed this, too, on their call(s).

As far as the specific product problem, that story was broken here (tivocommunity), if I remember correctly. I was able to confirm with DirecTV reps at COMDEX in Nov 02 that there was an issue with a defective "chip" in the HDVR 2 and that this was a tens of thousands issue (I'm pretty sure they said 30K units). I realize "chip" is vague, but the guys at COMDEX were sales types, and they also stated that DirecTV was hush hush on the product delay.

Posted by: Raech

Got my 2 series 2s yesterday. Switching service was very easy. Updating my beta application was also very easy. :) Hope I get picked.

Posted by: wallace

Well, I am now going on 3-4 weeks without response from TiVo's webmaster and the problem still exists :(

As mentioned before, I originally encountered a SQL error when I was in the 5th and final step when signing up for the first time on the website. Now when I try to login to update my account (or rather get it submitted correctly for the first time) I get stuck in an endless loop. When I try to go login as beta tester it brings me to the sign up step 1 page. When I hit the next button to goto Step 2 it sais "There is already a profile for the email address you have chosen. Please click here to login". So, I click the link and go back to the login, enter my info, get to the step 1, hit next, and get error again (rinse and repeat). So, I can't ever get past step 1 and get to finish submitting my information in step 5, and the original time I did failed with those errors seen above.

Posted by: LtSparky

quote:
Originally posted by wallace
Well, I am now going on 3-4 weeks without response from TiVo's webmaster and the problem still exists :(

As mentioned before, I originally encountered a SQL error when I was in the 5th and final step when signing up for the first time on the website. Now when I try to login to update my account (or rather get it submitted correctly for the first time) I get stuck in an endless loop. When I try to go login as beta tester it brings me to the sign up step 1 page. When I hit the next button to goto Step 2 it sais "There is already a profile for the email address you have chosen. Please click here to login". So, I click the link and go back to the login, enter my info, get to the step 1, hit next, and get error again (rinse and repeat). So, I can't ever get past step 1 and get to finish submitting my information in step 5, and the original time I did failed with those errors seen above.

If nobody else is experiencing this, then you might have a corrupt cookie or some similar cached file. I'd suggest flushing your cache and/or cookies and see if that helps.

Anybody else out there experiencing anything similar to wallace's problem?

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by bluetarga
...instead they recalled something to the tune of 30K units due to a defective chip, and missed out on the majority of the holiday selling season.

There is a very good reason why you can't find anything referencing a 'product recall'.

It didn't happen. :D

I'm not saying that earlier isn't better.

But to claim that 30,000 units were recalled...I'm afraid that's just a myth born of a very long 'is it here yet?' thread.

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: wallace

quote:
Originally posted by LtSparky
If nobody else is experiencing this, then you might have a corrupt cookie or some similar cached file. I'd suggest flushing your cache and/or cookies and see if that helps.

Anybody else out there experiencing anything similar to wallace's problem?

I deleted all cookies and everything else in the temp internet files directory and problems still exists. I am positive it has nothing to do with my computer (as I have tried multiple) and is completely something wrong in their database. I am guessing the fact that it hit sql error's on my first attempt to submit (on step 5) that it somehow corrupted the profile for my email address. The fact that their database allows me to login with my email/password and has all of the Data in Step 1 already filled in and correct shows me that it has my account. But the fact that I cannot continue past Step 1 by hitting next with it giving the error that a profile exists for that email (DUH! I just logged in with it, of course it exists) makes me think that it is something wrong on their end.

If they would simply delete my account completely from their database (beta signup database that is), I am pretty sure I could start all over fresh and everything would be fine. But it seems that thought has not entered the webmaster's mind for some reason??? Obviouslly it does not prevent this from happening again (but apparently from their lack of interest since my report of the problem they could care less), but it would fix the immediate problem and of course make me happy :D

Posted by: jmace57

quote:
Originally posted by wallace
Well, I am now going on 3-4 weeks without response from TiVo's webmaster and the problem still exists :(

As mentioned before, I originally encountered a SQL error when I was in the 5th and final step when signing up for the first time on the website. Now when I try to login to update my account (or rather get it submitted correctly for the first time) I get stuck in an endless loop. When I try to go login as beta tester it brings me to the sign up step 1 page. When I hit the next button to goto Step 2 it sais "There is already a profile for the email address you have chosen. Please click here to login". So, I click the link and go back to the login, enter my info, get to the step 1, hit next, and get error again (rinse and repeat). So, I can't ever get past step 1 and get to finish submitting my information in step 5, and the original time I did failed with those errors seen above.

Exactly the same circumstance I am in Wallace.

Jim

Posted by: bluetarga

"There is a very good reason why you can't find anything referencing a 'product recall'.

It didn't happen.

I'm not saying that earlier isn't better.

But to claim that 30,000 units were recalled...I'm afraid that's just a myth born of a very long 'is it here yet?' thread. "

I put a disclaimer in my comment, stating that I didn't have the exact details on the HDVR 2 issue, becuase I don't believe in spreading unsubstantiated rumors. But I put a range of confidence/safety/truth on the whole of the story between 50% and 75%. The delay part, that's not made up. Nor is the fact that there was a hardware issue with the new boxes. My guesstimate is only on the # of units.

But your comments lead me to believe two things: 1) your employer's organizational structure is such that you're unaware of issues outside of your particular workstream, which I believe is s/w development. 2) you are inclined to publicly trash my credibility without doing any homework on your end. You haven't listened to the last two DirecTV earnings conference calls, have you? Or spoken to your own investor relations representative? Hint: his name begins with an E. Next time, try a private message. If you're gonna make unsubstatiated statements in a public forum, your credibility is going to suffer.

I suggest you follow up with your boss, or maybe your bosses' boss to find out when DirecTV was supposed to launch the HDVR 2 and why they didn't. Building units (and I'm talking more than a thousand) with a faulty chip and then removing them from the channel is a screw up. I don't care whether you call it a recall or not.

If you're interested in seeing mass adoption of the home networking feature you've worked so hard to develop, look up above your cubicle and figure out why your colleagues tasked with production planning, distribution, and retailing are having such a hard time. Your company hasn't had a steady supply of TiVo products in the retail channel for the last two years. Your product development efforts deserve better internal support.

Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

quote:
Originally posted by bluetarga
Squeak,

Don't have a link with details on the HDVR 2 issue. This was DirecTV's best-kept secret of their fourth quarter. But if you check their press release at the beginning of August, they mention "the fall" for availability. At that time DirecTV's investor relations dept was saying "fall" meant "September". As I'm sure you know, "September" became "October", and product didn't reach meaningful (though low) levels until mid-November. That launch info should be on their investor conference calls, because that is where I got it. In fact, I think TiVo confirmed this, too, on their call(s).

As far as the specific product problem, that story was broken here (tivocommunity), if I remember correctly. I was able to confirm with DirecTV reps at COMDEX in Nov 02 that there was an issue with a defective "chip" in the HDVR 2 and that this was a tens of thousands issue (I'm pretty sure they said 30K units). I realize "chip" is vague, but the guys at COMDEX were sales types, and they also stated that DirecTV was hush hush on the product delay.

I'm in the front line of distribution to the end users and I am a very active manager in my company. We are one of the 4 largest HDVR2 independent retailers in the US and I never heard of anything like what your post states. We have been shipping HDVR2's since November 15, 2002 and have not missed one day of shipping large quantities. We did have a shortage of inventory for the first month, but product availability since the December 2002 has not been a problem. Retailers who are in a limited stock position have their own varied reasons for shortages.

DTV, HNS and TiVo have carefully inspected the limited HDVR2 problem units of the early production and interviewed me regarding my experience and knowledge of any reported trouble. Remember, we are talking about a very large quantity of units and although we did experience a higher than normal early production of problem units it is nowhere near what you are claiming. In more than 2,000 initial HDVR2's we experienced less than 15 DOA's. Our company Fed Exed Overnight new replacement HDVR2's to all customers with problem units. We sent call tags for the bad units and between HNS, DTV and TiVo every one was carefully inspected.

Posted by: Chris Gerhard

I just registered and the site worked fine for me, was very fast and I completed quickly. Unfortunately I don't own a TiVo that will be getting any new features as far as I know, so I shouldn't be considered for any beta testing but what the heck, maybe it registered me for something good.

Chris

Posted by: corrigan

Speaking of Apples...

I'd really like the beta signup website to allow me to show that I have both a Mac and a PC. I have both Windows XP and Mac OS X, but at the moment I can only list one of them.

Posted by: futerfas

I noticed there was a question about if we participate in the Tivo comunity forum, why do they need to know if we do?

Jake

Posted by: TiVoPony

quote:
Originally posted by bluetarga
"There is a very good reason why you can't find anything referencing a 'product recall'.

I put a disclaimer in my comment, stating that I didn't have the exact details on the HDVR 2 issue, becuase I don't believe in spreading unsubstantiated rumors.

And yet you continue to do it.

Let me say again, there was no recall of product from retailers. That is a myth, and misinformation. You are incorrect in your assertions, and are, in fact, spreading unsubstantiated rumors.

The comments regarding my personal knowledge, and the competency of my co-workers, are also quite inaccurate.

You're free to hold your personal opinions. But when they're not based on facts, you might not hold on to them so tightly.

Cheers,
Pony

Posted by: willardcpa

quote:
"You're free to hold your personal opinions. But when they're not based on facts, you might not hold on to them so tightly. "

Hmmmmmm, usually under those conditions I encourage folks to hold on to them tightly - as in don't share em with anyone.;) :D

Posted by: innocentfreak

Yeah no record of my previous signup and when trying to submit I also get

Warning: SQL error: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]String or binary data would be truncated., SQL state 22001 in SQLExecDirect in C:\htdocs\beta\sites\beta_app\ba_functions.php on line 39

Warning: SQL error: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]String or binary data would be truncated., SQL state 22001 in SQLExecDirect in C:\htdocs\beta\sites\beta_app\ba_functions.php on line 39

Warning: Cannot add header information - headers already sent by (output started at C:\htdocs\beta\sites\beta_app\ba_functions.php:39) in C:\htdocs\beta\sites\beta_app\step5.php on line 264

I am using IE 6.0 with win 98.

Posted by: Bilbrey

quote:
Originally posted by innocentfreak
I am using IE 6.0 with win 98.

Well there's your problem! ;)

Serioulsy, make sure that you are not using a dash or any other 'offending' characters. When I first tried, it did not like me putting a dash in and gave me the same error... Perhaps that will help you.

Posted by: innocentfreak

quote:
Originally posted by Bilbrey
Well there's your problem! ;)

Serioulsy, make sure that you are not using a dash or any other 'offending' characters. When I first tried, it did not like me putting a dash in and gave me the same error... Perhaps that will help you.

Yeah I know 98 is definitely a problem, but until I collect some old debts I don't think I will be seeing a new computer anytime soon.

I didn't use any dashes, but oh well. No big deal.

Posted by: gjustice

I'd LOVE to be a beta tester. I have a new series II (60 hour). I spend this afternoon at Fry's buying Cat5 cable and a USB network adapter and hooking it up. A daily call took less than 5 minutes.

Anyway, I've was a Microsoft beta tester years ago and actually like being involved.

I bought a new series 2 instead of used series 1 ASSUMING the network connection would be useful for more than just daily updates.

Thanks

Posted by: emory

I applied once, and then got an email back a year later after my TiVo was dead asking me to beta test something. This was around TiVo 2.0 time.

Now that I have a new TiVo S|2 I applied, and I never heard a thing back.

Unless the person that wrote me was too dense to respond to an email that said "Please respond to this - I'm using TMDA and I don't receive email from people I don't know,"

the TiVo beta form would NOT accept a tagged address (emory+tivo.com535@hellyeah.com, for example)

Posted by: beejay

quote:
Originally posted by beejay
When someone gets the NDA, before they've signed it, will they post some cryptic comment so the rest of us can start watching our e-mail?

Never mind. :D

Posted by: PeteyBoy23

quote:
Originally posted by futerfas
I noticed there was a question about if we participate in the Tivo comunity forum, why do they need to know if we do?

Jake

I think it may just be to find out if you would be active in discussing your experiences. Say, if you had a problem, to post it out there, and also to assist people in resolving their issues.

Just my $.02 :D

Posted by: LtSparky

[Edit: Quoted a message that has since been deleted.]

Nothing to see here. Move along! :)

Posted by: edrock200

TivoPony:
While on the topic of software updates is their any better way to express to directv our want for the HMO option? At the present we are just using the feedback form on their website.

(you like how I worked this question in ;):):))

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

If we beta test the Home Media Option, can we get the release version for free?

Posted by: sambeckett

Let me beta test with my new series 2 sony.
I submitting my name, but no responce.
People over at Tivo are getting lazy in the QA department.

Posted by: LtSparky

quote:
Originally posted by sambeckett
Let me beta test with my new series 2 sony.
I submitting my name, but no responce.
People over at Tivo are getting lazy in the QA department.

Just because you've submitted your info doesn't mean Tivo will select you for the beta program. I'm sure they have far more applicants than they have a need for.

That being said...I'm still hoping. :)

Posted by: Ejmct

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
If we beta test the Home Media Option, can we get the release version for free?

No. You'll pay the same as everyone else.

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

there is no incentive to be a beta tester? They should give you something. A full-time programmer cost about $30-50 per hour. A tech type person who test/beta test things gets at least $10-15 per hour. Why not throw us a discount.

Posted by: raitchison

The incentive is that you get to play with the new stuff before anyone else. And you don't have to pay for it while it it's in testing.

Posted by: MediaLivingRoom

It's more than playing. they need feedback, so it takes thought and time. Just give us a deal of some sort.

Posted by: Squeak

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
It's more than playing. they need feedback, so it takes thought and time. Just give us a deal of some sort.

TiVo -- don't listen to him!

I'll do it for free! :D

Posted by: raitchison

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
It's more than playing. they need feedback, so it takes thought and time. Just give us a deal of some sort.

It's not like they MAKE you participate in the �eta program. If they had a hard enough time getting voluteerys to test for free they would likely include some addtional incentive. I don't think that will be necessary.

Posted by: Ejmct

quote:
Originally posted by raitchison
It's not like they MAKE you participate in the �eta program. If they had a hard enough time getting voluteerys to test for free they would likely include some addtional incentive. I don't think that will be necessary.

Exactly. Its the simple law of supply and demand. In this case demand is outstripping supply.
As soon as they have a hard time finding enough qualified people to do it, they'll have to offer some kind of incentive.
Until then, there's plenty of folks here who are just dying to be beta testers, no incentive required.

Posted by: Chris Gerhard

quote:
Originally posted by MediaLivingRoom
It's more than playing. they need feedback, so it takes thought and time. Just give us a deal of some sort.

If TiVo offers to have you beta test, just respond with what you need to participate. You will either receive it or you won't but under no circumstances will you have to participate without compensation.

Chris