It's also remarkable how little success they've had, even though : (a) the verb "to Tivo" applies to any DVR; (b) lots of discussion about "my Tivo thinks I'm gay"; and (c) great product placement on Sex in the City.
Personally, when they decided to lock up the system (predating GPL3) I put the company in the AVOID column : not a good step for a tech company to alienate potential enthusiasts.
I think that part of the problem is the "verbing" of their brand. Nowadays even my grandparents (who don't even have a web connection) have a DVR, but most people don't know the difference between the DVR they get from Comcast and an actual Tivo. Since most people use the word 'Tivo' to describe all DVR's this education problem is incredibly tough to overcome.
Personally, when they decided to lock up the system (predating GPL3) I put the company in the AVOID column : not a good step for a tech company to alienate potential enthusiasts.