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Microsoft introduces a new concept - TIVO
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Posted by: DeckerSyn

Interesting article regarding integration of media suite into PCs (including DVR) and problems with DRM (digital rights management).

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-956285.html

Posted by: Breacagan

quote:
Originally posted by DeckerSyn
Microsoft introduces a new concept - TIVO

They have gone so far as to copy the original introductory price.

Does Microsoft have any idea how few Americans can afford a $1,500 living room toy? They will never be able to get it down to $299.

Posted by: dburkes

quote:
Originally posted by byronshock
They have gone so far as to copy the original introductory price.

Does Microsoft have any idea how few Americans can afford a $1,500 living room toy? They will never be able to get it down to $299.

While I agree with the part about how few Americans can afford it, I think you're fooling yourself if you think "they will never be able to get it down to $299". This is a company that has, according to their last quarterly statment, over five billion dollars in cash. They could cut the price to $10 and sell millions of them at a loss, just to gain market share. It's a tried-and-true marketing tactic and they are in a perfect position to do it (i.e.- cash rich).

Just my 2c.

- Danny

Posted by: jones07

Could this be the new UTV, XBOX & WEBTV wonder box peeps been talking about ?

They will have to lower that price by 50% IMO

Hate the Copy protection part

Posted by: SuperRob

No. What was formerly UltimateTV will probably be rolled into XBOX2.

This is "Freestyle", it's just a version of Windows XP specifically for Media Center PCs. You'll only be able to get it on new computers.

Posted by: pv

A computer with built in television functionality. Imagine that.

The day I have a PC in my living room is the day I was replaced by a pod person. I mean really, a device designed for college students, that costs $1,500, and includes digital rights management features that are in conflict with everything a college student cares for? What genius thought this up? PV

Posted by: jasonl99

quote:
Originally posted by dburkes

This is a company that has, according to their last quarterly statment, over five billion dollars in cash.

Just my 2c.

- Danny

..and 34 billion in short-term investments (bonds, CDs, etc).

Makes your two cents seem pretty meaningless :D.

Posted by: ttb

also it has been reported that microsoft is selling the xbox at a loss,just to get market share,then they will make it up on software,

Posted by: jlb

quote:
I mean really, a device designed for college students, that costs $1,500, and includes digital rights management features that are in conflict with everything a college student cares for? What genius thought this up?

Bill Gates, most likely.

Posted by: shady

quote:
Originally posted by ttb
also it has been reported that microsoft is selling the xbox at a loss,just to get market share,then they will make it up on software,

Which is why they must be pissed with the idea of people installing Linux on their XBoxes i.e. Folks get cheap hardware and Microsoft are no longer guaranteed the software revenue.

Posted by: cwerdna

quote:
Originally posted by ttb
also it has been reported that microsoft is selling the xbox at a loss,just to get market share,then they will make it up on software,

Uhh... selling consoles at a loss and making up for it in software and licensing is how the whole console business works. It's not specific to MS and has been going on WAY longer than the Xbox has been existence.

Posted by: AJRitz

I think the question though remains how MS thinks they're going to get any ROI from Freestyle computers if they subsidize them. Once the Freestyle OS is in place, there's no additional software to "buy", and what you do buy you get from your cable company or dbs provider. Service fees (a la TiVo) are one solution, but a service fee that would cover the necessary subsidy on a $1500 box would be prohibitive.

Posted by: foo monkey

quote:
Originally posted by dburkes

This is a company that has, according to their last quarterly statment, over five billion dollars in cash. They could cut the price to $10 and sell millions of them at a loss, just to gain market share. It's a tried-and-true marketing tactic and they are in a perfect position to do it (i.e.- cash rich).

Sure they could, but it would exceptionally stupid. MSFT didn't get $5B in the bank by being exceptionally stupid. Besides, everyone knows that money is their warchest. The next time the feds come around Redmond, MSFT's going to move off-shore and hang its butt off the stern of the boat for the DOJ to enjoy.