• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

TV is controlling my life - I need a Tivo/DVR/PVR...whatever

fustercluck

fustercluck

Diamond Member
TV is controlling my life, I've been living around TV schedules for too long. I really could use a good Tivo or DVR. We have Dish network, our receiver is pretty old (model 500 or something like that i think). I want to get a good Tivo or DVR so i can watch TV shows whenever i choose, without commercial interruption. My goal is to keep it as cheap as possible. I'm kind of cheap, i've been putting off getting a Tivo/DVR for a long time because they are usually really expensive, and charge monthly fees. I don't want to be bound to a long term contract. Would love it if i could get some help on what to get and where i can purchase it for the cheapest price. I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to Tivo/DVR systems.

Don't need an HD DVR since we still have a SD TV, but i suspect we will be getting an HD tv within 6 months to a year. Would be great if i could get the info i need, thanks. Hopefully TV won't own me for much longer.
 
Just download any show you want via BitTorrent. THey you don't have to do the dirty work and also don't have to worry about shows being on at the same time as another show.

THere are two programs that I know of (TED and TVTad) that you plug in the shows you want and it will automatically download them when they come avaialble. I'm still playing with getting it setup all the way but it's pretty simple.

But if you really want your own, I'd go with a PVR ona computer because TIVO and thsoe places charge you a monthly fee just to hook onto their online schedule which is lame. SageTV is what I use. There's also MythTV and possible BeyondTV if that's still around.
 
The dish dvr works great. The box works two tv's too. They will probably give you the hardware.
 
How much is the DVR from dish? Can i send it back whenever i want or trade it in for an HD DVR when the time comes? There are monthly fees i assume?

Can't download every TV show from bittorrent. Plus it's illegal, and plus the video quality is always below par.
 
Till end of October, Dish has a promo to trade one of your receivers for a DVR for 50 bucks or an HD-DVR for 200 bucks. (Not sure what the HD or PVR fees are per month)

Check the dish network website under my account -> equipment for all the details.
 
Originally posted by: IonBlade
Till end of October, Dish has a promo to trade one of your receivers for a DVR for 50 bucks or an HD-DVR for 200 bucks. (Not sure what the HD or PVR fees are per month)

Check the dish network website under my account -> equipment for all the details.
Click to expand...

it's cheaper to just cancel and make a new account using one of the dish affiliates.

you'd get free install several receivers including a dvr unit and probably several months of HBO free

here's one from a simple google search

http://www.satellitesales.com/?cpao=111...c=PPC&gclid=CIKtlZLY0YcCFQs8SgodD3PvHg
 
Cheap as possible = from your TV provider

If that isn't an option, buy a TiVo from someplace other than TiVo and buy a 3-year plan. The box is more expensive but the service works out to ~$8.30 a month. I got mine maybe a month ago and love it. It's so easy, my wife uses it, without ever having read the manual or having me explain it to her. Hasn't crashed yet either. Awesome. I'm not even a big TV watcher but you'll be surprised at how you ever lived without it...
 
Lemmings actually move, i think you mean couch potato 😀

Canceling and getting a newer cheaper account might be a good plan, thanks.
 
So instead of having the TV control your life, you want to move up to Tivo controlling your life? In the end, if I'm old and on my death bed, I'm definitely going to be saying to myself, "Thank God I watched all those episodes of Stargate and Smallville before I die [especially not Smallville...can't believe I liked that show... horrible writing]!". Man, have I watched too much TV during my life. Not watching TV at all will save you a lot of money, too 🙂 Not to mention time, which =money. But if it's essential, go with tuner + SageTV, if it's an option for you. Cheaper in the long run, and it's legit.

Summary: TV is a drug :Q
 
TV is just like everything else, to get the good stuff you have to do alot of filtering. Sometimes I hear people say things like "reading the worst book is better than watching the best tv show". I say BS, the person saying this has either not read enough books (TONS of pure garbage out there) or not watched enough TV (give them season one of 24!). If a DVR helps you filter out the garbage on TV and watch only the good stuff, it sounds like a boon to me.
 
Originally posted by: JBT
Tivo is amazing. That said just get whatever Dish has to offer.
Click to expand...

Yes it is. Series 3 is like crack :laugh:

That said, your best bet *may* be your local cable provider. Around here they lease out the HDTV/DVR boxes for like $6 or $7 a month. No contract, and no equipment to buy. Additionally, I've never been impressed with the DVR functionality from any of the satellite providers.
 
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Just download any show you want via BitTorrent. THey you don't have to do the dirty work and also don't have to worry about shows being on at the same time as another show.

THere are two programs that I know of (TED and TVTad) that you plug in the shows you want and it will automatically download them when they come avaialble. I'm still playing with getting it setup all the way but it's pretty simple.

But if you really want your own, I'd go with a PVR ona computer because TIVO and thsoe places charge you a monthly fee just to hook onto their online schedule which is lame. SageTV is what I use. There's also MythTV and possible BeyondTV if that's still around.
Click to expand...

🙂
 
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Just download any show you want via BitTorrent. THey you don't have to do the dirty work and also don't have to worry about shows being on at the same time as another show.

THere are two programs that I know of (TED and TVTad) that you plug in the shows you want and it will automatically download them when they come avaialble. I'm still playing with getting it setup all the way but it's pretty simple.

But if you really want your own, I'd go with a PVR ona computer because TIVO and thsoe places charge you a monthly fee just to hook onto their online schedule which is lame. SageTV is what I use. There's also MythTV and possible BeyondTV if that's still around.
Click to expand...

Yep BeyondTV is still around and here's a good deal on a TV tuner card, Beyond TV 4 software and FireFly remote control.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top