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Thinking about getting a DVR... Need some help

S

Schnieds

Senior member
Hey,

I don't watch much TV, but I do like to catch Simpsons, Sienfeld and NBA games. However, I live in Hawaii and since I am outdoors most weekends, etc. I end up missing all of the good games and am not around when the re-runs of the above mentioned shows are on. So I am thinking about getting a Digital Video Recorder (like TiVo or something.)

We have basic cable and I would like some suggestions on what to get. I have heard about TiVo, I know our local cable company offers something (Time Warner) and I also know you can build your own with a spare computer (which I have.)

So what do you recommend?

Thanks!

Aaron
 
Cheapest, but lacks features = Cable Company Box
Easiest, but has plenty of features = Tivo or Replay TV
Most difficult, but has tons of features = Build Your Own
 
Depends on your budget and how much programming you actually want to have available at any given time. Tivo and replaytv are pretty expensive options. Do you have more info about the time warner DVR?
 
Originally posted by: Schnieds
Hey,

I don't watch much TV, but I do like to catch Simpsons, Sienfeld and NBA games. However, I live in Hawaii and since I am outdoors most weekends, etc. I end up missing all of the good games and am not around when the re-runs of the above mentioned shows are on. So I am thinking about getting a Digital Video Recorder (like TiVo or something.)

We have basic cable and I would like some suggestions on what to get. I have heard about TiVo, I know our local cable company offers something (Time Warner) and I also know you can build your own with a spare computer (which I have.)

So what do you recommend?

Thanks!

Aaron
Click to expand...

I have mine through TW and I couldn't imagine going without it now after only about two months of use. Combined with a package of Digital cable and all of the HBO and Cinemax channels, the DVR and my cable modem my rate actually went DOWN a few dollars. So, I got more for less.

I am sure TIVO is great but it doesn't make sense for me to pay more for it when I can get it bundled with TW.
 
Originally posted by: Schnieds
We have basic cable and I would like some suggestions on what to get. I have heard about TiVo, I know our local cable company offers something (Time Warner) and I also know you can build your own with a spare computer (which I have.)

So what do you recommend?

Thanks!

Aaron
Click to expand...

1) I would first contact your cable provider to see what DVR products they offer.

2) You can use that spare computer, just buy a TV Tuner card ($89) and PVR software (Beyond TV or Sage TV). It works best if you have broadband.

I have a mint ReplayTV 5040 which I am looking to sell, comes with original box, packing materials, remote, cables, user guide, everything.
 
I would get a ReplayTV 5XXX, we have two in the house and they are great especially when coupled with the DVArchive software.

if you don't go the replay route i would go for the Windows Media Center, that way you get a new computer and it can record shows. Dell has them for pretty cheap.
 
Having tried replaytv and the time warner drv, I must say, the Tivo (both the 'regular' tivo and directivo units) absolutely rule the roost. Yeah, they're pretty expensive, you have to pay $12.95 per month, but it's the best darn DVR you can get.

Building your own DVR box isn't all that difficult or expensive, but I find it rather inconvenient to have a PC sitting in the living room close to the tv instead of a nice sleek little tivo box. I'm sure if you spend some time at it, you can make a nice looking media center box as well, but that takes more time....
 
Originally posted by: Schnieds
RossMan,

How much are you looking to get for your ReplayTV?
Click to expand...

I'll give you a good deal, can you PM me your contact info (name and phone number) and I'll call you.
 
Originally posted by: tagej
Having tried replaytv and the time warner drv, I must say, the Tivo (both the 'regular' tivo and directivo units) absolutely rule the roost. Yeah, they're pretty expensive, you have to pay $12.95 per month, but it's the best darn DVR you can get.

Building your own DVR box isn't all that difficult or expensive, but I find it rather inconvenient to have a PC sitting in the living room close to the tv instead of a nice sleek little tivo box. I'm sure if you spend some time at it, you can make a nice looking media center box as well, but that takes more time....
Click to expand...

Since I know next to nothing about TIVO why is it they "rule the roost?" What sets them apart from TW's DVR effort?
 
My Tivo is out for delivery and should be arriving any moment 🙂 🙂 🙂
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: aphex
My Tivo is out for delivery and should be arriving any moment 🙂 🙂 🙂
Click to expand...

Did you get the silver model?

We're really enjoying our Free Tivo :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Yep, when it came down to $80 for the silver, and $60 for the black my mind was made up 🙂
 
The time warner box looks like something you might expect to be bundled with a tv tuner. It doesn't seem to have anywhere near the features of a tivo, and even slightly less than the dish network dvr which is in my opinion the de facto standard for bare bones dvd. It may still be worth considering, depending on the price and contract.

I'd miss the more robust features of TiVo like wishlists and seemingly more advanced season passes. The guide on the tivo is one of its best features... hard to say but the guide looks kind of weak on the TW box.

But, the record 2 things at once might be a good equalizer. I have that on my directv/tivo unit and it is really, really nice.
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
What are the differences between the silver and black models?
Click to expand...

Silver has a new kernel that supports >137gb drives, newer software (which the blacks will eventually get), has new animations (which i dont care about), and a nightlight on the front 😀
 
Originally posted by: torpid
The time warner box looks like something you might expect to be bundled with a tv tuner. It doesn't seem to have anywhere near the features of a tivo, and even slightly less than the dish network dvr which is in my opinion the de facto standard for bare bones dvd. It may still be worth considering, depending on the price and contract.

I'd miss the more robust features of TiVo like wishlists and seemingly more advanced season passes. The guide on the tivo is one of its best features... hard to say but the guide looks kind of weak on the TW box.

But, the record 2 things at once might be a good equalizer. I have that on my directv/tivo unit and it is really, really nice.
Click to expand...

Yes, I utilize the two tuners often. I have never used a TIVO but I have heard of people doing some really great things with them in the way of networking, upgrading the HDD, etc.
 
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