TheRaven wrote:I find the box cost plus the subscription fees make the TIVO DVR's not a good deal.

If you have Windows XP/Vista/7 on a home network and an Xbox360 you can use Windows Media Center for all your DVR and guide needs.

I purchased a Silicon Dust HDHomeRun Prime 3 tuner http://sellout.woot.com/offers/silicondust-hdhomerun-prime-tuner-3 here about a month ago that does the tuning with a cable card.

I'm using Verizon FIOS and have absolutely no problems. My total monthly cost for FIOS now is $10/mo for basic channels and $4/mo for the cable card. That's less than the subscription fee for this box!

I can use as much storage space as I want on my PC for recordiings, I have three tuners so I can record three channels at once and I can play any media I want from my PC i the living room where the Xbox360 is. I also put another Xbox360 in my bedroom. All is good! :-0

That's all well and good if you like waiting over 3 minutes for your damn 360 to boot up and get into the media center and become usable. I tried that route for a while. I got sick and tired of waiting on the damn thing, so I bought this TiVo and have been very happy. I hate the fees, but it works great.

thatgrrl wrote:While I haven't experienced your power outage issues, I'm another who seems stuck at "b" instead of "n" for my Tivo wireless adapter. I haven't noticed any speed issues, other than when using Netflix via Tivo it seems a bit slow to patch in and download.

For those of you not getting the n speeds on your wireless device, let me ask a few questions that maybe you didn't know about.

1) Do you have other wireless devices in your house? If you do, do they run on b or g?

If you have other devices on older tech, your router can bring down the speeds of the n devices to work on the same frequency and speeds as the older, legacy devices. This happens 9 times out of 10 with people who buy cheap routers.

2) Do you have a router that has n capability? If you do, does it support dual-band operation where you can have b/g AND n running simultaneously without dragging n down to b/g speeds?

Not all routers can do n and b/g at the same time. Some routers see the older stuff and turn EVERYTHING down onto the 2.4GHz frequency and force them to use older methods.

edarrell wrote:Is there any way to record DVDs from the TIVO, if you wanted to save something? Or get a program recorded to a format you could play on a computer?

There are applications for PC's and Mac's that will do this. But know that they will NOT transfer copy-protected content. And there is no hack around this. I have tried and tried to find one, but I cannot.

thomas998 wrote:.. not to mention on a WMC machine if I have a show I just have to keep forever I can easily burn it to a DVD, something you can't do with a TiVo.

Not with copy-protected content you cannot. WMC has that loophole blocked as well as TiVo.

cperry100 wrote:So let me get this straight. I use to have a VCR and I could pay $2.00 for a video tape and I could record tv for 6 months or more before it wore out. Not I have to pay $14.99 a month to record tv? Doesn't make sense to me. Give me my VCR back.

It's called "progress." I have dozens of mystery audio cassette books dumped by libraries cheap and a nice cassette player..MUCH less hassle than trying to find your place on an MP3 player.

I bought two of these last time they came up and I haven't done a thing with them. Originally, my hope was to cut the cable and switch to over the air broadcast. I figured for the savings we could buy seasons of the handful of shows that we actually watch on cable.

Also at the time that these were up there was some discussion of a special that Tivo runs sometimes where OTA users would only pay $10/month per box. Unfortunately that special was already over and it hasn't reappeared.

Unfortunately some of my better half's favorite shows aren't available on Hulu/Netflix/iTunes so we're stuck with cable until I can convincer her otherwise.

But due to the HIGH cost of the service it would actually be more expensive than the two FIOS DVRs that we're renting from Verizon.

Tivo is just too expensive.

steveken wrote:That's all well and good if you like waiting over 3 minutes for your damn 360 to boot up and get into the media center and become usable. I tried that route for a while. I got sick and tired of waiting on the damn thing, so I bought this TiVo and have been very happy. I hate the fees, but it works great.

Not to mention the HTPC itself seems to pop up a Java update or Adobe update or Windows update, or virus scan, occasionally followed by a reboot, every time you try to watch TV; and every so often just randomly decides not to record something (even with a quad-tuner Cablecard). Not to mention that depending on the order of powering up/down the receiver and HTPC or it going to sleep/waking, Windows sometimes tries to be helpful by changing the screen resolution to something totally wrong, but never changes it back unless you do it manually, or reboot. The guide is also fairly _often_ wrong, and sometimes doesn't get fixed for some time.

A fair amount of that can be avoided by using a Linux HTPC rather than Windows, but in practice, for anything we actually care much about, we just use the TiVo. It's just "better."

That having been said, yeah I think the service ought to be more like $5/mo with no contract required (got a lifetime subscription with a discount coupon in order to avoid the higher monthly charge), but you do get at least some value for your money.

cperry100 wrote:So let me get this straight. I use to have a VCR and I could pay $2.00 for a video tape and I could record tv for 6 months or more before it wore out. Not I have to pay $14.99 a month to record tv? Doesn't make sense to me. Give me my VCR back.

Very well. Enjoy.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-Refurbished-DV225MG9-DVD-Player-and-4-Head-Hi-Fi-Stereo-VCR-with-Line-in-Recording/20923419

crabboy wrote:So, in the short run, I could use it (connected to an antenna) to tune in OTA channels? Could I connect it to a DVD recorder and make recordings?

I also bought one for the $44.99 woot price. Was cheap enough for me to try it as a cable box in my garage to pick up more channels. Once the subscription ran out I was still able to watch movies I recorded to the DVR. Once I got DirecTV I didn't need it anymore. I stripped the Hard Drive out of it and basically ended up with a very nice 750gb 7200RPM SATA HD for $50.

I would also like to recommend PyTivo as a third party app. You install it on your computer and then all of your video and music folders show up as drives on the Tivo for easy transferring. It also converts most video formats to Tivo friendly (mpg) on the fly. This set-up allows me to have just about everything available on demand by ripping/downloading videos, storing them on a network storage or computer and transferring as needed. You can also transfer from Tivo to your computer through a web browser and it will convert and even save metadata.

I've had a Series 2 running since 2004 and added a Premiere in 2010. Love Love Love my Tivos!

Best user interface and remote control of any DVR and all with Hulu/Netflix/Amazon and third party apps, it's only getting better.

I'm hesitating because I just bought the Neato vacuum, but I'm pretty sure I'm in for another Premiere.

scottdkuhn wrote:45 hours seems like it should be enough to me. Anyone have an opinion on this?

Probably for most people. I tend to record a lot of movies off TCM and not get around to watching them, but I really want to some day. I also get five, six, seven episodes behind on some series.

If I didn't record more than I watched I'd probably be OK.

One of the fun TiVo features is the Wishlist. I can, for example, tell it I want to watch movies directed by Billy Wilder, so it will keep an eye out for them, this month, this year, next year, whenever. It can either automatically record them or just show me they are coming up.

You can also have lists for actors or keywords or titles. I can read something about a movie and decide I want to watch it some day, so I get the TiVo to keep an eye out for it.

It would be nice if everytime I click on "I want one" a stupid video game doesn't attack my browser and it would actually take me to an order page. Absolutely ridiculous its doing it on Chrome, Firefox & IE.. Wait! There's Homework? WOOT?!?!?!?!?!

wdstancil wrote:Bought one of these on a previous Woot and since I am a long-term Tivo user, via playing CSR roulette I managed to add lifetime for $199.

$299 would be the best I could do today - I'm very sorry they raised lifetime by $100.

I think I paid $150 for lifetime service on my first Tivo, which was a 30 hour (worst quality) Series 1 Phillips box. I got it in 2000, before there were Wishlists or even the ability to reorder season passes.

mkl wrote:Yes you can access Amazon Prime content on the TiVo (series 3 HD or newer - including the Premier & XL)

Unless it's hiding somewhere you can download rented or purchased content but you cannot stream stuff that's free with Prime.

edarrell wrote:Is there any way to record DVDs from the TIVO, if you wanted to save something? Or get a program recorded to a format you could play on a computer?

In theory you can use their TiVo desktop software to download stuff to your computer. In practice, many cable companies set the "Copy protected" flag, which prevents you fro downloading it.

Mine does it on every channel except the broadcast ones. I could understand that on pay movie channels, but this is ridiculous.

So far the only work-around I've found requires soldering, which I'm not going to do.

itguy12 wrote:Looks like you can get a Premiere for FREE if you sign up for a two year service agreement: http://www3.tivo.com/promo/renewedpremiere_0.html

Yes, but you pay $5 more a month, which means you pay $120 for the TiVo over two years.

What is the difference between the Tivo Premier and the Premier XL?

jlastick wrote:What is the difference between the Tivo Premier and the Premier XL?

The only difference is the size of the hard drive. The XL can store more programming

The XL4 is another matter. It loses the OTA ability but adds two more tuners for a total of four. And it has a 2TB hard drive.

Are you required to sign up for a year (or two) contract when buying this device?

Bootes wrote:You realize the Tivo's Woot is selling right now can be used with your cable service?

i have 4 and use them with my cable ..have never had directtv or dish...love my tivos..have about 500 hrs of recording time between the 4 units..

is this the 4 tuner one or the 2 tuner?

I have one, and love it.

michiganmarine wrote:I work as a cable tech, and I you should know that you will need a digital tuning adaptor (such as a MTR 700) and CABLEcable card provided by the cable company if you wish to view digital content. The tuner will be loaned for free, but the CABLEcard will run you around $2.50/month. From experiance, I will tell you that CABLEcards are finicky little devices and sometimes fail to pair, or will unpair from your TiVo.

I had a sweet setup once: Comcast-Tivo- SlingBox. Always had the cable box in the mix and wires ALL over the place. Then I switched to Fios and the tech had NO idea how to set up w TiVo and the boxes competed and ultimately failed to record. Everything went to the dogs. I was traveling and when I got home &had NO Sling ability, no recording, lots of fees, etc. - I canceled I all, boxed up sling and TiVo (still in garage) and went back to Comcast - xfinity by then. Now I have xfinity, Netflix, & Hulu. ALMOST but not quite nostalgic enough to start over - but Where do I find cable guys that know about Tivos? Do you get trained in this stuff?

mevande wrote:A "2gb" drive"??

2 Gigabyte or 2GB

bomberfl wrote:Ok I read all the comments, specs, went to the TiVO site and I am still a little unclear about whether this device can work for me.
I ditched cable, use roku for streaming. I do not have a cable box, and do not pay for cable. However, when I connect the cable to my TV I pick up digital broadcasts. I also have can hook up an indoor antenna instead of the cable hook up and pick up OTA programming. I would like to be able to record some of the programming that I can get over the air with my antenna (or with my cable hooked directly to the TV) . Would I be able to use either of these boxes to do this without additional tuners, cards etc? I do understand the monthy and lifetime TiVo charge. Thank you gang!

Yes, the TiVo will record OTA tv programs with only an external antenna attached. It has it own built in tuner. Just hook the antenna to the TiVo, then hook the TiVo to the TV.

eeideo wrote:Got my TiVo months ago when Woot offered it. Have made one attempt to hook it up. I know I can't stream w/out it, but is the TiVo network adapter required to use it like I am currently using the DVR? (I did get a Cable Card)..And..is there a trick to getting the tiVo network adapter cheaper than for 90 bux from tivo?
Thanks for any help.

If you have high speed internet and already have wireless in your home you can pick up a Linksys router for under $50 and turn it into a wireless bridge with DD-WRT. I had a spare lying around and have this set up working great.

morninglark wrote:First, issue, you do need a subscription to record--at least after the first month. The program guide I'd not necessary to record because you can set it up manually . However you need the Internet to set it up and that starts a timer that will shut off recording functions after one month.

Second issue, this does NOT have a built in OTA antenna. If you have a dvd recorder all you need is an OTA antenna--unless your dvdr doesn't have a tuner. I never tried to hook it up to a dvdr.I don't think it has the output for anything except TVs but I haven't checked recently. This unit is mainly to stream video like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon etc.

IMHO, if you already have a DVD recorder and want to stream off the Internet a rocku box will do that without any additional fees ( other than the service you are streaming). A Roku doesn't record though. If all you want is OTA, then buy an indoor antenna. If you are in a good reception area a cheap indoor antenna will work fine.

Do not buy a TiVo unless you need both Internet streaming avd a recorder and don't mind paying the fee. BTW, the lifetime subscription is for the life of the box and vastly increases the resale value later on.

I am using a Roku for streaming over the Internet and a indoor antenna for OTA.

I may subscribe later. I was hoping, in the mean time, to use this unit as a converter: Antenna to Tivo to DVD recorder. Ordered already, so we'll see!

crabboy wrote:I may subscribe later. I was hoping, in the mean time, to use this unit as a converter: Antenna to Tivo to DVD recorder. Ordered already, so we'll see!

As someone else pointed out, that guy was clueless. It does have an OTA tuner so you should be fine.

wdstancil wrote:OTA takes the most space - nearly 7GB/hour for HD content.

Which is why 2TB DIY upgrades are so popular.

Bought one of these on a previous Woot and since I am a long-term Tivo user, via playing CSR roulette I managed to add lifetime for $199.

$299 would be the best I could do today - I'm very sorry they raised lifetime by $100.

CSR Roulette? What is that, and how might I similarly get $199 (or even $299) lifetime service if I too am a long-term Tivo'er?

Also, what's the deal with THX certification vs. no certification? I heard the sound quality is the same on both these but the cert is used to partly justify the extra price.

Note a 2TB upgrade is available for $140 w/ shipping--that would make a Premier eXtraLarge, but won't make the remote glow.

Ship my tivo Ship my Tivo! Picked up my fresh new cablecard yesterday, and now I need (yes NEED) my shiny new premiere.

-hutch (Tivo Whore)

itguy12 wrote:Looks like you can get a Premiere for FREE if you sign up for a two year service agreement: http://www3.tivo.com/promo/renewedpremiere_0.html

That'll actually end up costing you about $189 extra after the end of the two years. The monthly service is 7 bucks more than the $12.99 (with the multi service discount) normal monthly fee. PLUS, they make you pay sales tax on the full MSRP of the box itself, which they value at around $300.

Clever marketing for sure, but that deal is definitely not a freebie!

-hutch

cperry100 wrote:So let me get this straight. I use to have a VCR and I could pay $2.00 for a video tape and I could record tv for 6 months or more before it wore out. Not I have to pay $14.99 a month to record tv? Doesn't make sense to me. Give me my VCR back.

joke. if u like terrible and ever degrading quality, rewinding & fast-forwarding with the speed and precision of a feather falling from the sky,and manually recording everything after browsing TV guide, then have at it.
however, if you like HD quality picture, speed & near full automation, then get the TiVo and forget that vcr's ever existed.

Bought two of these, going to have to return both. One rattles immediately upon boot up and locks up pretty quickly after using it. the other works for a while then stops responding to the remote.