What's better, Tivo or Replay TV, and why?

[faZZter]

I am thinking about getting either a Tivo unit or Replay TV. I work a rotating shift and can't watch regular programming unless I tape em all or miss some episodes and this would help me solve that problem. Was looking for feedback from people on what to look for and which they think is better. Will probably get at least an 80 gig version. Let's hear your comments then......

 

[Yomicron]

Personally I would get a TV tuner card and an extra hard drive and turn my computer into a Tivo like device.

that or simply use a VCR.

 

[faZZter]

VCR I already have....way too inconvenient. I don't wanna change tapes/rewind/ff and stuff, just watch the shows.

As far as using the computer to do it, no thanks. First of all I don't want the computer in my living room making noise. My receiver already does DD 2 so I wanna continue using it...not some computer sound card. (Soundblaster comes to mind and they don't like VIA chipsets....which most of my computers have)
Besides I don't wanna have to boot a computer just to start watching TV shows I recorded.

Surely some of you have a DVR unit and can make some recommendations??!

 

[Thegonagle]

Tivo, because I have one. It's so easy to set up and use.

BTW, to turn on the 30 second skip on the Tivo, hit select, play, select, 3, 0, select.

 

[Zim Hosein]

faZZter, I'm in the same boat as you, what is your budget, as that is the same issue that keeps me from deciding between the two different services?

 

[faZZter]

What is the 30 second skip thing? Also I will be using it with sattelite (DirecTV), is it going to be compatible....? How does it change the channels?

Reply to other question: Budget? What budget? LOL j/k. Well right now BB has both replay tv and tivo 80 gig units for $350.00 AR. So I guess that is the budget....hehe.

 

[Thegonagle]

You need a DirecTivo for DirecTV. OK, you won't need it, but you will probably be much happier. It has 2 built in DirecTV tuners. If you use a standalone Tivo, the Tivo uses IR to change the satellite channel, just like a remote control. You're also limited to one tuner with a stand alone (so only one show can be recorded at a time).

You should probably take a look at the Tivo Community Forums, which you can access through the AVS forums.

AVS forums also has its own Replay TV forum.

 

[Thegonagle]

Ah yes, the 30 second skip allows you to press one button to instantly skip ahead by 30 seconds, theoretically skipping through a single commercial. It?s one of the things that Replay TV lovers tout as an advantage, but since Tivo has it too, it shouldn?t need to factor in to one?s decision.

 

[RossMAN]

I would get a DirecTivo and as Garfang has suggested I would suggest visiting AVSForum.com they have a whole Tivo community.

 

[dolph]

replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay replay

actually, it depends on your needs. if you need easy and you have a satellite, then directivo ain't bad. if you want all the fancy stuff (progressive video out, automatic commercial skip, a whole bunch of cool networking stuff), replay's your friend. replay does satellite too, just not integrated. tivo = good, replay = better. test both out before you decide, or you might regret it later.

 

[Digobick]

Originally posted by: Garfang
Ah yes, the 30 second skip allows you to press one button to instantly skip ahead by 30 seconds, theoretically skipping through a single commercial. It?s one of the things that Replay TV lovers tout as an advantage, but since Tivo has it too, it shouldn?t need to factor in to one?s decision.

Actually ReplayTV skips over commercials (unless the show you're recording is extremely dark, like X-Files, etc.) using their "commercial advance" technology.

ReplayTV also gives you broadband access, so you can transfer files from your ReplayTV to you're computer, or you can transfer files between other ReplayTVs (not just the ones in your house!). They've added a USB port as well in case you want to go the 802.11b route.

Tivo, on the other hand, is a little bit quicker, and seems to be more user friendly.

 

[faZZter]

Automatic commercial skip eh? I think I could get used to that!! Ok I get the idea I need to check out those forums...so I will.

Still if you have horror stories or good ones post em, thx.

 

[Digobick]

Just purchase a ReplayTV and I couldn't be happier. Next to my fiance's wedding ring, this is the coolest thing I've ever bought.

BUY ONE NOW! (a ReplayTV, that is . . . not a ring)

 

[dolph]

Originally posted by: Digobick
this is the coolest thing I've ever bought.

couldn't agree more