TiVo replicates the cable model

I just got my TiVo email newsletter today and noticed that they are now offering an 80 hour Series 2 model for as little as $16.95 per month (3 year signup required). I coped and pasted the fine print below.

1. At the time of purchase of a TiVo Package Payment Plan, you will be required to commit to the TiVo service for one (1), two (2), or three (3) years based on the TiVo Package selected.
   You may either choose to: (a) pay for your TiVo Package Payment Plan on a monthly basis; or (b) prepay for your TiVo Package Payment Plan.
2. If you choose the monthly TiVo Package Payment Plan, your options are as follows: (a) Commit to the TiVo Package for three (3) years at $16.95 per month; (b) Commit to the TiVo Package for two (2) years at $18.95 per month; or (c) Commit to the TiVo Package for one (1) year at $19.95 per month.
3. Alternatively, you may prepay for your TiVo Package Payment Plan for either three (3) years at $469, two (2) years at $369, or one (1) year at $224.

Interesting because if you buy that same recorder in a store you'd pay $219.99 (Best Buy). You only end up paying $94 for the recorder with the new one year plan. I think this is a great move by TiVo, lower the upfront investment and then rely on auto-rebilling after the contract ends.

I hope this really juices up their subscriber numbers.