Switch from DVR to TIVO? Pros and cons?

[dixie]

We are wondering if it is really worth the additional $17.00 a month?

Thanks for any information!

 

[Fisch]

We are wondering if it is really worth the additional $17.00 a month?

Thanks for any information!

$17 extra per month? What provider are you with?

 

[SOS8260456]

What is the difference between the two? Tech ignorant that I am, I always thought the two were one and the same.

 

[Makai Guy]

A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) records an incoming audio/video signal to its own internal hard drive where it can be played back, deleted, etc. It generally will have some sort of guide data included which lets you choose the programs you wish to record by name, not just by channel, date, and time like the old VCRs that recorded on tape.

A DVR provided by a cable company or satellite service will usually access the guide data provided by that company. A fee is normally charged for the use of this guide data.

Tivo is one brand of DVR, and was one of the first ones out there. They have one of the better user interfaces, especially when compared to many of the cable-provided units. Many people prefer their search and series management capabilities over units coming from the cable/satellite services. Tivos use their own guide information database, and they do charge for access to this database.

 

[dlca1]

Hi Dixie,

This is obviously a personal decision, but I would be happy to share my experiences. See below.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me or ask any other question you may have about the tivo. Would be happy to share. Whereas I can't offer much to the TUG group with my limited timeshare knowledge, I am good with gadgets.

Cheers,
dlca1


I bought the original TIVO way back when it first came out. Over the years, I then went on to use DVR's from Dish network as well as Comcast. The Tivo spoiled me and nothing could compare. I finally splurged and switched back to Tivo.

Here are some of the things I like about our Tivo. The features might exist with other DVR's as well.
- The user-interface of the Tivo s WAY nicer than any of the other DVR's I've used
- The Tivo remote is way nicer than any of the other remotes.
- We have two Tivo Premeires. Can record on one device and watch from the other.
- We can watch movies off a NAS using pyTivo (ignore if you don't know what this means)
- Bought lifetime subscription. Higher up front cost, but pays for itself over time
- The one thing that was missing for me before was Comcast on demand. Previously, you could only get that with the Comcast Box. Now Tivo has that built-in as well
- There are nice Iphone and Ipad Tivo Apps.
- This weekend, we were out. I forgot if I had scheduled the 49ers game to get recorded. I was able to use the tivo iphone app from the restaurant to record the game.
- I tend to be frugal, but am glad with this purchase.
- My wife didn't understand why I bought the tivo at first because we had a DVR, but now loves the Tivo.
- Even my 16 month toddler can use the Tivo!

CONS
- Cost.
- Whenever you travel, you might get frustrated by the hotel/timeshare remotes and interfaces =)
- Things may be different now, but the Tivo Premiere was a bit slow/sluggish when I used wifi (instead of plugging directly into ethernet).

 

[DavidnRobin]

you can buy a resale/refurbished TiVo (series 3 iirc) with life-time TiVo - Google this and check eBay

TiVo also has secret short-cuts that can be programmed into the remote (Google this)

 

[baz48]

We also had TiVo for years. Then when we moved here to Oregon we tried the cable company's DVR. After a few months, we went back to our TiVo and haven't looked back. We've bought 2 more since then. I'm a big fan for all the reasons that dlca1 mentions. And I would second the idea of getting a used one on eBay that includes the lifetime service. You'll just need to register it on your own TiVo account. You can call them and get the details - they are very helpful.