why does it need a subscription?
1639720
For what the device physically does, it wouldn't need a subscription. It records whatever comes through the antenna (digital antenna or cable). But because TiVo would like to continue to make money off people every month, it's built in software that actually tells the device to record shows won't work without a subscription. The software has info for all the channels that come in- what shows are playing at what time, details about each episode, etc... It allows you to record shows how you want (every week, only new episodes, all episodes, etc...). There are also apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, and such built in. This is a nice feature for me because I have a Netflix account. So while it is a bit frustrating to have to pay a subscription fee for hardware that doesn't really need it, you are actually paying for the software to control it, which gives you some nice features.
1639721
Because there is very limited functionality of the receiver and no automatic recording or programming can be done without a subscription to the TiVo service.
1639722
It pays for the hardware build cost, hardware development cost, and software development cost. You can opt to pay the lifetime subscription fee of $500 if you don't want the monthly fee. That pays off after 3+ years and is worth it if you can afford the higher upfront costs.
1639723
I wish the monthly fee were more like $10, but keep in mind Tivo's business model means selling the hardware at a loss and making it back on the subscription. Also, a DVR from a cable company will cost you just as much if not more -- and this is a MUCH better DVR than any cable company model. There are other DVRs that require little or no monthly fee but they are not anything like Tivo in functionality or ease of use.
1639724
The monthly is $15 which is cheaper than lot of DVR's from the cable company and it has more storage and features. I paid $150 for the TiVo and got a lifetime subscription for $400. It is usually $500 but there is a online promo code for $100 off. Paying $550 up front may be a lot but in 36 months I break even based on the $15 monthly price. It's a matter of choice but ether way you have to pay for service.
1671751
It is their subscription service. They are on twitter if you'd like to talk to them. I just bought mine I love it, Amazon asked me if I could answer this. That's the only reason I know of, it's their subscription :)
2276575
It comes with Norton installed, but you have to buy the subscription for it.
1808769
No subscription required. Just register online for free to start tracking. It only tracks steps, so for even my elliptical, I have to enter the activity and time I spent doing it. I have mine synced with My Fitness Pal, and it works awesome for tracking activity and food intake. Love the fitbit, it makes me think more about being active.
108263
no you don't need service, you can play your songs with out any subscription.
2260667
No. A special box and a subscription service are required. The box is bundled with the lock in some of the packages.
1032523
It should be one subscription. The camera will detect motion and take a small video or series of pictures to be displayed in your cloud accunt
556387
no, you do not have to subscribe if you dont want to. i just bought one yesterday from here, i probably will use the data only when i know i will need it, just nice to have if i ever do wanna use it.
298394
It is a wifi connection, so your internet provider will cover it for what your subscription is
1766876
NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01390/animation.htm give animations explaining the basics. NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like... » Read More NO. It's not like a cellphone or satellite radio service that requires a subscription. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of satellites put up by the US Government. Each one broadcasts a signal that can be used to triangulate your position anywhere on the Earth (with reasonable exposure and reception of the signals, meaning it won't work underground, etc). Your tax dollars already pay for the signals and research to make the antenna small enough to be practical. The wiki page for GPS give more background on it, and things like http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01390/animation.htm give animations explaining the basics. « Show Less
78347
No subscription is needed. This device is largely for people like myself who get their signal over the air. 21 channels and no monthly fee. We look up the TV schedule on line.
1997926
There is a subscription in order to get the service. They have different packages, but the common one is $14.99 per month.
1037625
No. No subscription is required, but the Android and Apple Apps are not free. The Android app is $19.99. There is an optional subscription based service that apparently simplifies setting the apps up to communicate with the device from outside your LAN. It is not required if you know how to configure your router to handle port forwarding.
2099313
There is no subscription fee. The software is included with the unit and does not require any subscription or activation.
1588683
No, the 3 month subscription is just to the online stuff. You have your software on your computer forever and you do not have to continue the online subscription.
113535
Good Afternoon,I am not sure if this is a subscription required item or not. You may need to contact the manufacturer to verify this.Thank you
997206
Have never used OnStar; I am using initial service; I read that to have availabilty of more frequent updates than the free annual, then there is a subscription charge.