SlashNOT

Matthew writes: TiVo, the company that originated the Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and is soon to achieve actual profitability, fended off accusations that it is more of a mind-control cult than a subscriber-based device of unexplainable benefit. When confronted by reporters about a recent increase in inexplicable behavior from TiVo subscribers, a spokesman said, “TiVo has nothing to do with mind control. TiVo does not believe in mind control. You should not use the term mind control in your reports. Tivo has nothing to do with mind control.”

Questions began arising shortly after TiVo held it’s first annual “virtual crusade” by delivering a recorded message from “The TiVo Guy”, an animated spokesgraphic, to all subscribers. Most subscribers, already “tivoted” to their PVRs, watched enrapt as the TiVo guy explained the new features of the newly “tivolved” Series 2 PVRs. Until watching the virtual crusade, most TiVotees simply harangued their unwashed coworkers and friends at parties about the amazing life-altering experience of watching a Tivo.

After viewing the virtual crusade, the TiVoted began going from door to door in their neighborhoods, handing out quick-start setup guides and evangelizing the benefits of the TiVo to any who would listen, and offering free demonstrations in their homes. Sometimes encountering one another, there have been numerous reports of the TiVoted forming in-home TiVo congregations.

TiVo has recently changed their subscription terms form 10 dollars per month to 10 percent of the subscribers net income, a move most of the Tivoted greeted with enthusiasm since it will allow the company to get the word out faster. Reports of minor skirmishes with ReplayTV subscribers have been reported as well.