That was quick! After only two months, Microsoft and LG have abandoned DVR guide fees. Furthermore, those who have previously paid are entitled to refunds. The fee structure was originally $9.99 a month or $249 pre-paid for an infinite subscription.

At $599 a pop, the LG LRM-519 rivals the cost of some Windows Media Center Edition computers — which have not required a subscription. Even without a service fee, I’m not sure what kind of success these guys will have introducing a DVR with only a single analog tuner this late in the game. TiVo’s pretty much got that market segment locked up. Read More