TiVo Goes On Sale In Australia Two Weeks Early

Although slated for retail availability on July 29th, Business Spectator is reporting that TiVo units are now available for purchase in Harvey Norman stores in at least three Australian states. Under the launch plans as announced, Harvey Norman was to start doing in-store TiVo demonstrations on July 17th, but not begin selling the units until July 29th. I think that makes more sense, myself. If you’re doing a demonstration and someone decides they want the product, you’re much more likely to make the sale there and then instead of telling them to come back at a later date. By then they may change their mind, lost interest, or just be distracted by some other shiny object. If they have the units available, it makes sense to strike while the iron is hot. And with the iPhone launch last week driving consumers into stores, it may be an opportunity to put TiVo into the hands of a few gadget freaks. So if you’re in Australia and you’ve been waiting for TiVo, it sounds like you may be able to get one now.