TiVo Anyone?

[Conan71]

I'm really slow on the up-take when it comes to new technologies (hey just the fact that I consider TiVo to still be new ought to be evidence of that [}:)]).

My mother had mentioned TiVo as a gift idea she would like for Xmas this year.  I've done some surfing this morning and looked at a variety of web sites on it, including the TiVo one.

For comparison purposes, I think I've settled on a basic 80 hour unit.

It looks like a subscription service, so I'm wondering if there is wisdom in getting one of the packages direct from TiVo, or buying a unit at Best Buy.

Here's the TiVo package- 80 hour unit for $69.95, one year subscription for $199, two or three years for $299.

-or-

Best Buy has a unit for $219, and there is a mail-in rebate for $220 from TiVo, which I am guessing applies toward subscription.

Based on other's experience, are there any ins and outs of buying from a big box store?  How much of a hassle is it to get the subscription up and running if you buy from a big box, and does she need anything like a spare phone line or anything like that for the service? (I read somewhere this morning something about a phone line being needed with one of the progams).

Are there any other parts or pieces to buy with it, like a $50 3 ft. long gold-plated cable?

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

[patric]

Not counting High-Definition TV, TiVo comes in basically two categories:  The "standalone" variety for people who get their TV from Cable or an antenna, and the DirecTv TiVo that has two satellite receivers built into the recorder.

Here's the standalone, which in many cases you can get for *free* (locally or online)after the rebate (provided you have been a subscriber for a couple of months).

A Standalone subscription is about $13-20/month while the DirecTiVo subscription is $5.99.

The subscription is for the channel guide, which is constantly updated and gives the recorder it's "smarts" as far as how and what to record. (It knows the season finale of your favorite program is two hours instead of one, so you dont have a nasty surprise like you would with a VCR.  It also knows if the time has changed, and what channel to go to).

As far as connecting to the phone line, it isnt always necessary.  DirecTivo's update the guide via satellite and mainly use the phone connection to report "non-personally-identifiable viewing habits" back to TiVo.  (That's how they knew the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" was the most replayed moment on TV), but your name isnt attached to the report.  You can "opt-out" by unplugging the phone line, and many DirecTiVo users never plug it in (such as TiVo's in RV's and summer cabins).

And as for extended warranties, there's no need.  If the TiVo's hard drive is bad it will fail within the first weeks and you can exchange it under the existing warranty.

Newer TiVo's have the option of connecting to a home network, but it isnt necessary and will work fine without.  You can archive what you record on TiVo to an external DVD recorder or VCR (some fancier TiVo's have DVD recorders built-in).

I got my DirecTivo right before 9/11 and it's been in use every day since.  I expanded it's recording capacity to 100+ hours by adding a larger hard drive (something you can have done or do yourself).

Having two internal tuners means you can record two programs while simultaneously watching a third (that you have already recorded) so TiVo definitely doesnt get in the way.  If anything, your TV is now on your terms instead of the other way around.

There are imitators, of course.  Cable companies began copying TiVo once they saw their success, but they dont have the TiVo guide information or functionality.  Some have been ordered to stop service for stealing TiVo's patent, so you may end up with a dud if you go with so-and-so's DVR instead of a real TiVo.

Unless you are a big lover of Cox Cable (and their annual rate increases) you might consider a DirecTiVo
(if for no other reason than it all comes in one box).  Either way, prepare to change you viewing habits forever.  You wont regret it.

[Conan71]

Patric,

Thanks for the detailed reply.

I guess my only quandry is now is whether or not to buy the reciever at BB and take the rebate or to go with TiVo directly from the internet.

I think I'll pay BB a visit tomorrow and find out for certain what the rebate program entails.  I've pretty well committed in my mind to get her the box and a three year subscription, just trying to figure out the best way to go about it.

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by patric
 Cable companies began copying TiVo once they saw their success, but they dont have the TiVo guide information or functionality.  Some have been ordered to stop service for stealing TiVo's patent, so you may end up with a dud if you go with so-and-so's DVR instead of a real TiVo.

Cox is getting the Tivo software in its DVRs starting next year.  At that point there will be no reason to buy a box that you are responsible for.  (if the Cox DVR breaks you just swap it for a new one)

The current Cox dvr software is not that bad, it is certainly better than shelling out the dough for a tivo

[swake]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

quote:Originally posted by patric
 Cable companies began copying TiVo once they saw their success, but they dont have the TiVo guide information or functionality.  Some have been ordered to stop service for stealing TiVo's patent, so you may end up with a dud if you go with so-and-so's DVR instead of a real TiVo.

Cox is getting the Tivo software in its DVRs starting next year.  At that point there will be no reason to buy a box that you are responsible for.  (if the Cox DVR breaks you just swap it for a new one)

The current Cox dvr software is not that bad, it is certainly better than shelling out the dough for a tivo

Stand alone Tivo's can be linked via a wireless network (or wired if you want to) so they can trade programming. Also, once on a network, programs can be transferred to PCs so you can view (or burn) programs as you wish on the computer.

I have one 40 hr tivo and one 80 hr tivo standard def linked via my wireless "g" network. The setup works great, and that will NOT be possible on a DCT from COX, even if it's running Tivo software.

[Conan71]

I looked up Cox, they wanted $9.95 a month for the box and $9.95 for the service.  I figured that was pretty much $720 for three years.

After doing a little more checking, I got the box for $69.95 from TiVo and three years service for $299. Free shipping, no sales tax.  Saved about half of what Cox would have cost.  Besides, it's a gift and this was the most convenient way to do it.  I can't wait to see Mom's face on Xmas.  She said this was really the only thing she could think of she would like but didn't want me to spend that much.

[GoDasher]

If you are looking at the box for $69, then you will be getting the "dual tuner" box.  This will allow Mom to record two channels at once (2 basic, or 1 basic/1 digital).  If you don't want this feature you can get the standard 80 hour box for free.  

I was looking at this offer yesterday - I am considering upgrading my 40 hour series 2 box to the 80 hour series 2 dual tuner.  I currently pay monthly, but am also considering the 3 year deal.  

I purchased mine from tivo.com and it was very easy to set up. I doubt there is any difference in the setup procedures.  

But I have a question for the group:  If I do make the upgrade, can I use the old machine in another room, but with out paying for the addtional "service"?  In other words, could I just say "record channel 8 at 8:00 on Tuesday".  Or could I use it to pause live TV and whatnot?

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by GoDasher

If I do make the upgrade, can I use the old machine in another room, but with out paying for the additional "service"?  In other words, could I just say "record channel 8 at 8:00 on Tuesday".  Or could I use it to pause live TV and whatnot?

You already know the normal TiVo recording method is like telling it to "go fetch" wherever/whenever, but they also have a "Manual" VCR-style option where you can manually have it record a specific channel at a specific time.  I honestly dont know if that will still work with a TiVo that isnt subscribed, but I think I know where you can find out:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/

http://www.wkforums.com/forums/
     
http://www.wkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105

Another option might be to just ask TiVo Customer Service if there is a price break for having more than one TiVo on your account (like the way they do it with DirecTV where they charge $4.99/mo. for each additional box, instead of treating each as a separate account.)

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by swake


Stand alone Tivo's can be linked via a wireless network (or wired if you want to) so they can trade programming. Also, once on a network, programs can be transferred to PCs so you can view (or burn) programs as you wish on the computer.

I have one 40 hr tivo and one 80 hr tivo standard def linked via my wireless "g" network. The setup works great, and that will NOT be possible on a DCT from COX, even if it's running Tivo software.

That feature is also disable in all series 3 tivo's so it's not a direct comparison.

I have a tivo and a cox DVR and I've been running them side by side for a year. They both cost the same (after you finally get Tivo's rebate back) and the Cox DVR stores a lot more. Tivo's come in 40G adn 80G version. My Cox DVR has a 160G drive. The COX DVR is also dual tuner, and, as mentioned before, if it has a problem it's free replacement. If your Tivo dies during the 1 year commitment, you still have to pay for the subscription. I also notice pixelation a lot more on the Tivo than on the Cox DVR.

My one year commitment with Tivo is up so I'm canning the Tivo and going with Cox DVR's only.

Keep in mind that Tivo looks for ways to ADD advertising to your viewing. They are currently talking about adding commercials that play at the end of every show you watch.  The Tivo will also require a network adapter or phone line and they are extremely picky on what network adapters work.

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

They both cost the same (after you finally get Tivo's rebate back) and the Cox DVR stores a lot more. Tivo's come in 40G adn 80G version. My Cox DVR has a 160G drive.

A 1300 hour TiVo:
http://www.weaknees.com/tivo.php

A 1.5 Terrabyte Drive for do-it-yourselfers:
http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EA&Product_Code=22586&Category_Code=NEW
That's 1450 hours of standard-definition (SD) recording capacity, and/or up to 222 hours of high-definition (HD) recording.
The options from Cox are much more limited.

quote:
The COX DVR is also dual tuner, and, as mentioned before, if it has a problem it's free replacement. If your Tivo dies during the 1 year commitment, you still have to pay for the subscription.

Why wouldnt you replace a TiVo if it went bad?  They have warranties and the subscription is still good.

quote:
Keep in mind that Tivo looks for ways to ADD advertising to your viewing. They are currently talking about adding commercials that play at the end of every show you watch.  The Tivo will also require a network adapter or phone line and they are extremely picky on what network adapters work.

There are rumors that you might someday see a still frame Ad after you dispose of a program, but sofar it's just rumor.  Anyone think Cox woulnt be more likely to do something like that given the amount of commercials Cox already injects into the programing it caries?
As I also mentioned before, DirecTiVo users in RV's dont worry about phone lines, and networking is not required to use a TiVo.

Regardless of the hardware/software, the days of channel-flipping and being tied to the tube at a time and place not necessarily of your choosing are growing fewer, and the industry is beginning to break a sweat at the thought of mere consumers being so empowered.
The cross-eyed kids can have their iPod-sized screens; I like my entertainment scaled up a bit, and waiting for me whenever I get home.

[swake]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

They both cost the same (after you finally get Tivo's rebate back) and the Cox DVR stores a lot more. Tivo's come in 40G adn 80G version. My Cox DVR has a 160G drive.

A 1300 hour TiVo:
http://www.weaknees.com/tivo.php

A 1.5 Terrabyte Drive for do-it-yourselfers:
http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EA&Product_Code=22586&Category_Code=NEW
That's 1450 hours of standard-definition (SD) recording capacity, and/or up to 222 hours of high-definition (HD) recording.
The options from Cox are much more limited.

quote:
The COX DVR is also dual tuner, and, as mentioned before, if it has a problem it's free replacement. If your Tivo dies during the 1 year commitment, you still have to pay for the subscription.

Why wouldnt you replace a TiVo if it went bad?  They have warranties and the subscription is still good.

quote:
Keep in mind that Tivo looks for ways to ADD advertising to your viewing. They are currently talking about adding commercials that play at the end of every show you watch.  The Tivo will also require a network adapter or phone line and they are extremely picky on what network adapters work.

There are rumors that you might someday see a still frame Ad after you dispose of a program, but sofar it's just rumor.  Anyone think Cox woulnt be more likely to do something like that given the amount of commercials Cox already injects into the programing it caries?
As I also mentioned before, DirecTiVo users in RV's dont worry about phone lines, and networking is not required to use a TiVo.

Regardless of the hardware/software, the days of channel-flipping and being tied to the tube at a time and place not necessarily of your choosing are growing fewer, and the industry is beginning to break a sweat at the thought of mere consumers being so empowered.
The cross-eyed kids can have their iPod-sized screens; I like my entertainment scaled up a bit, and waiting for me whenever I get home.

Do you use the COX DCT as a HD DVR or standard Def?

[sgrizzle]

patric:
Adding disk space is great, but it voids any/all warranties.

The Tivo warranty is 90 days. You potentially have 9 months of unwarrantied service. Those with lifetime subscriptions fair worse as they are not transferrable.

More details on tivo and ads:
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061128-8304.html




Swake:
I'm using standard def

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

 I figured that was pretty much $720 for three years.

in 3 years you'll still have the same box and cox dvr customers will have the latest and greatest from Cox.

and about the wireless question...all of my content is taken from the Cox box via the firewire port and streams across my network.  tivo2go is buggy at best.

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

in 3 years you'll still have the same box and cox dvr customers will have the latest and greatest from Cox.

In my experience, Cox has consistently been at least four years behind the curve in terms of features and content.

When cable had just HBO, DirecTv had all eight HBO's for years.  When Cable was just talking about High Definition channels, we already had them.  And did I mention My TiVo was pre- 9/11?  Cox only started offering cheap imitations just last year?  
It just seemed funny to see the term "latest and greatest" being used to describe catch-up-Cox without a long string of smiley faces at the end. []

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by inteller

in 3 years you'll still have the same box and cox dvr customers will have the latest and greatest from Cox.

In my experience, Cox has consistently been at least four years behind the curve in terms of features and content.

When cable had just HBO, DirecTv had all eight HBO's for years.  When Cable was just talking about High Definition channels, we already had them.  And did I mention My TiVo was pre- 9/11?  Cox only started offering cheap imitations just last year?  
It just seemed funny to see the term "latest and greatest" being used to describe catch-up-Cox without a long string of smiley faces at the end. []

DirecTVs "HD" is highly compressed crap.

I've had my Cox HD box for several years.  It is feature packed and far from "cheap"  The only deficiency is the IPG which will be getting replaced with Tivo next year.

Its funny how rabidly zealous people are over Tivo.  Its only started THIS YEAR that you can Tivo HD....for a swell price of $700 a box.  No thanks.  Oh and it uses broke donkey CableCARD technology so no recorded PPV.