Is buying a Tivo worth it?

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Tbirdkid

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2002
3,758
4
81
starting to wonder if i should just get the one from comcast.. just add the 10 a month and be done with it... problem is, i already pay that POS company like 130 a month...
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,094
461
136
Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
starting to wonder if i should just get the one from comcast.. just add the 10 a month and be done with it... problem is, i already pay that POS company like 130 a month...

It's worth considering because those have dual tuners IIRC.

$2.95/mo cheaper, nothing out of your pocket and dual tuners :thumbsup:
 

nitsuj3580

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2001
2,668
14
81
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
ok, well where is the cheapest place to get one?

If you can wait Circuit City sometimes has it for $99 - $100 MIR = FREE

They should have another in a few weeks.

Yes FREE, the catch of course is the $12.95 per month fee or $299 lifetime fee.

yes, but after a month or two, call to cancel your service and they'll offer you a reduced monthly fee of $6.95. I was pleasantly surprised when they offered this but then later on read that this is common practice. So for $6.95 I kept the Plus features (my Toshiba Tivo has basic service included free)
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: StormRider
Originally posted by: LordSnailz
Can someone give me a quick summary of what Tivo To go is?

It allows you to transfer shows to your PC where you can burn them to DVD (you must buy myDVD) or transfer them to Portrable Windows Media Players.

The transfer is extremely slow and myDVD is extremely slow.

Yeah, the USB ports on them are 2.0, but for some reason they're software locked to USB 1.1, so the max speed you can get is a crappy 11mb connection. Not sure why they don't enable USB2.0 on them. It takes a good 15-20 minutes to transfer a medium quality 30 min. show, then if you burn it to DVD, it does it in real time (30min=30 min). They gotta improve that.
 

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Jan 2, 2001
25,376
5,090
146
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
ok, well where is the cheapest place to get one?

If you can wait Circuit City sometimes has it for $99 - $100 MIR = FREE

They should have another in a few weeks.

Yes FREE, the catch of course is the $12.95 per month fee or $299 lifetime fee.

Currently, TiVo doesn't have the $100 MIR available (Gasp!) that we have relied on for many months. My son found the 80-hr unit with DVD burner at his Sam's this weekend for $169 - it would have been a really great deal for $69 AR, but alas, no rebate. Here's hoping they reinstate it soon.

PS: I love my TiVos.


 

VTHodge

Golden Member
Aug 3, 2001
1,575
0
0
Originally posted by: StormRider
Originally posted by: LordSnailz
Can someone give me a quick summary of what Tivo To go is?

It allows you to transfer shows to your PC where you can burn them to DVD (you must buy myDVD) or transfer them to Portrable Windows Media Players.

The transfer is extremely slow and myDVD is extremely slow.

I have had no problems editing / burning with Nero. My transfers are close to "real time" for medium quality (30 min show = 30 min transfer). Not fast, but you can queue them up for an overnight transfer.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: VTHodge
Originally posted by: StormRider
Originally posted by: LordSnailz
Can someone give me a quick summary of what Tivo To go is?

It allows you to transfer shows to your PC where you can burn them to DVD (you must buy myDVD) or transfer them to Portrable Windows Media Players.

The transfer is extremely slow and myDVD is extremely slow.

I have had no problems editing / burning with Nero. My transfers are close to "real time" for medium quality (30 min show = 30 min transfer). Not fast, but you can queue them up for an overnight transfer.

:confused: How do you get Nero to recognize the .tivo codec? I have the newest retail version of Nero and it doesn't recognize that file extension. Can you let us know how you do it?
 

jalaram

Lifer
Aug 14, 2000
12,920
2
81
I love my ReplayTV. The Comcast DVR is a simple way to get into DVRs, but I don't think it's as good as either Tivo or RTV.

IMHO, all 3 are better than a computer based PVR box. However, just having one will change your life and there's a 90% chance that you'll end up watching more TV.

 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'd make a PVR. Can even just use your computer you're using right now and load SageTV on it. Pick up a video card and you're done. No monthly fees is the big part. Can get SageTV and a Capture card for $120 and never have to pay another dime.
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=236dd027384b0afa0b16816fc97b5a61

A big tower wouldn't look good sitting next to my TV, and what if I want to use the computer? Do I have to drag it back to my monitor each time?
 

Fingolfin269

Lifer
Feb 28, 2003
17,948
34
91
You don't have to use a big tower for a HTPC and you sure don't make an HTPC that is meant to be used in multiple rooms. Just make one that will ALWAYS stay in your living room. Besides, why move it when you can hook it up to the TV?

Anyway, I don't use a Tivo anymore because I just wanted to get rid of a component. The one in my Comcast box isn't quite as functional but it does the job and now I have more space. Woo?
 

Phoenix15

Golden Member
Aug 9, 2001
1,587
3
81
Is there a way to use a Tivo with out a land based line? I just use my cell, and don't have a land based line.
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
1
76
Is there a way to use a Tivo with out a land based line? I just use my cell, and don't have a land based line.
Yep, but there's a catch.

Guided setup (the intial setup) is only supported with a phone line. You can use a WIRED USB ethernet adapter in some cases (people at the Tivocommunity forums report mixed luck).

I bought the only tested and supported wired 10/100 USB adapter, the Linksys USB200M. I plugged it into the network, then connected all the other cables on the Tivo. My Tivo was never powered on without the adapter. During guided setup, I set my dialing prefix to ,#401 (that's comma, pound, four, zero, one) and it did the guided setup just fine without a phone line.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'd make a PVR. Can even just use your computer you're using right now and load SageTV on it. Pick up a video card and you're done. No monthly fees is the big part. Can get SageTV and a Capture card for $120 and never have to pay another dime.
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=236dd027384b0afa0b16816fc97b5a61

A big tower wouldn't look good sitting next to my TV, and what if I want to use the computer? Do I have to drag it back to my monitor each time?

You don't have to have the tower near the TV. Just has to be hooked up to a cable line. My comptuer is in the office, TV is in the main room. I have my favorites setup and it records Alias, CSI, Charmed, etc for me and I just go watch them whenever I want.

Only reason you'd have to have the computer right there is to use a remote.. But you can get IR extenders for like $20 to let the remote control somethig in a different room.

I don't use mine for watching Live TV, I just use it for the VCR type functionality and it works great.
 

royaldank

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2001
5,440
0
0
Guess I'm in a minority here.

I've had a TiVo for 3 years and a Replay for 2 years. The Comcast DVR kicks both their arses. I can record 2 shows at once. I can record 2 HD shows at once. Neither of the other units can do that. I can record one show and watch another with pause/rewind/etc. as well.

I hear DirecTiVo is great and very similar. But, I think the OP said he had comcast and not DTV.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
8,115
0
76
I never watch TV, and my parents mainly only watch primetime. For shows they're going to miss, or when they want to see two shows airing at the same time, they still use a regular VCR (combo DVD player and VCR unit). So in such a simple case what is the need for TiVo? Seems like a waste of money. I don't even really know what TiVo does besides record shows on schedules.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Originally posted by: archcommus
I never watch TV, and my parents mainly only watch primetime. For shows they're going to miss, or when they want to see two shows airing at the same time, they still use a regular VCR (combo DVD player and VCR unit). So in such a simple case what is the need for TiVo? Seems like a waste of money. I don't even really know what TiVo does besides record shows on schedules.

That's actually the whole reason I got a PVR system (SageTV). I would always forget to record shows when I was away and just wanted the ability to setup a show as a Favorite and have the system automatically record it every time it was on regardless of the channel, day, time, etc. I don't use any of the rewind, pause live TV stuff at all.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'd make a PVR. Can even just use your computer you're using right now and load SageTV on it. Pick up a video card and you're done. No monthly fees is the big part. Can get SageTV and a Capture card for $120 and never have to pay another dime.
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=236dd027384b0afa0b16816fc97b5a61

A big tower wouldn't look good sitting next to my TV, and what if I want to use the computer? Do I have to drag it back to my monitor each time?

You don't have to have the tower near the TV. Just has to be hooked up to a cable line. My comptuer is in the office, TV is in the main room. I have my favorites setup and it records Alias, CSI, Charmed, etc for me and I just go watch them whenever I want.

Only reason you'd have to have the computer right there is to use a remote.. But you can get IR extenders for like $20 to let the remote control somethig in a different room.

I don't use mine for watching Live TV, I just use it for the VCR type functionality and it works great.

So you sit at your computer when you watch your recorded shows? What if it's something everyone wants to see? This seems like a solution for a the single college guy. If there's more than one person in the house, get a Tivo.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Originally posted by: archcommus
I never watch TV, and my parents mainly only watch primetime. For shows they're going to miss, or when they want to see two shows airing at the same time, they still use a regular VCR (combo DVD player and VCR unit). So in such a simple case what is the need for TiVo? Seems like a waste of money. I don't even really know what TiVo does besides record shows on schedules.

That's actually the whole reason I got a PVR system (SageTV). I would always forget to record shows when I was away and just wanted the ability to setup a show as a Favorite and have the system automatically record it every time it was on regardless of the channel, day, time, etc. I don't use any of the rewind, pause live TV stuff at all.

We pause live TV all the time to use the bathroom, go throw a load of laundry in, go on a snack run, etc.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'd make a PVR. Can even just use your computer you're using right now and load SageTV on it. Pick up a video card and you're done. No monthly fees is the big part. Can get SageTV and a Capture card for $120 and never have to pay another dime.
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=236dd027384b0afa0b16816fc97b5a61

A big tower wouldn't look good sitting next to my TV, and what if I want to use the computer? Do I have to drag it back to my monitor each time?

You don't have to have the tower near the TV. Just has to be hooked up to a cable line. My comptuer is in the office, TV is in the main room. I have my favorites setup and it records Alias, CSI, Charmed, etc for me and I just go watch them whenever I want.

Only reason you'd have to have the computer right there is to use a remote.. But you can get IR extenders for like $20 to let the remote control somethig in a different room.

I don't use mine for watching Live TV, I just use it for the VCR type functionality and it works great.

So you sit at your computer when you watch your recorded shows? What if it's something everyone wants to see? This seems like a solution for a the single college guy. If there's more than one person in the house, get a Tivo.

I either burn it to DVD, FTP it to my XBox, use my video out card... Plenty of options. Get a modulator and stick the VIdeo Out on your home cable system and you can tune to that channel and watch it on any TV in the house. Plenty of flexibility.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,094
461
136
Originally posted by: allisolm
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
ok, well where is the cheapest place to get one?

If you can wait Circuit City sometimes has it for $99 - $100 MIR = FREE

They should have another in a few weeks.

Yes FREE, the catch of course is the $12.95 per month fee or $299 lifetime fee.

Currently, TiVo doesn't have the $100 MIR available (Gasp!) that we have relied on for many months. My son found the 80-hr unit with DVD burner at his Sam's this weekend for $169 - it would have been a really great deal for $69 AR, but alas, no rebate. Here's hoping they reinstate it soon.

PS: I love my TiVos.

That's odd because it seems they kept extending the $100 MIR offer.

I wish we had a Sam's Club nearby, they have some killer DVD Burner/TIVO deals!
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,162
126
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'd make a PVR. Can even just use your computer you're using right now and load SageTV on it. Pick up a video card and you're done. No monthly fees is the big part. Can get SageTV and a Capture card for $120 and never have to pay another dime.
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=236dd027384b0afa0b16816fc97b5a61

A big tower wouldn't look good sitting next to my TV, and what if I want to use the computer? Do I have to drag it back to my monitor each time?

You don't have to have the tower near the TV. Just has to be hooked up to a cable line. My comptuer is in the office, TV is in the main room. I have my favorites setup and it records Alias, CSI, Charmed, etc for me and I just go watch them whenever I want.

Only reason you'd have to have the computer right there is to use a remote.. But you can get IR extenders for like $20 to let the remote control somethig in a different room.

I don't use mine for watching Live TV, I just use it for the VCR type functionality and it works great.

So you sit at your computer when you watch your recorded shows? What if it's something everyone wants to see? This seems like a solution for a the single college guy. If there's more than one person in the house, get a Tivo.

I either burn it to DVD, FTP it to my XBox, use my video out card... Plenty of options. Get a modulator and stick the VIdeo Out on your home cable system and you can tune to that channel and watch it on any TV in the house. Plenty of flexibility.

I don't think my wife or 8 year old would handle that. Geeze, if she wants to watch full house, she hits two buttons on a remote. Like I said, good cheap hack for a college guy, but no where near Tivo in ease of use and convienience.
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
1
76
I've had a TiVo for 3 years and a Replay for 2 years. The Comcast DVR kicks both their arses. I can record 2 shows at once. I can record 2 HD shows at once. Neither of the other units can do that. I can record one show and watch another with pause/rewind/etc. as well.
If anything kills Tivo, it'll be their lack of adopting new technology. They have yet to even announce a dual-tuner DVR or an HD DVR and other companies keep shipping them. It looks like they're betting on their software sales keeping them alive, rather than hardware.

You can hook up your Tivo so you can watch one show while another is recording, but you can't have digital cable and you won't be able to pause/etc on whatever you're watching. Just split the cable going into the Tivo and send a line to the TV as well. Hook your Tivo up on a video input and you're good to go.