So recently I've been toying with the idea of getting TiVO or a service similar to it. I like the idea of having the ability to record my favorite shows digitally and not have to worry about tapes, VCR timers or any of that crap. Just tell it to record Rockets games, and it does all the work. But is it really that simple? Anyone out there use it and care to give a testimonial? Has it been worth the money, and did it do all that it promised? Ever have significant downtime or problems with the service? Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.
I've had TIVO for about 6 months now. I think it's terrific. It's very easy to set up and use. The new TIVO service allows you to log online and set your TIVO from anywhere you have an Internet connection. That's convenient if you find out you have to work late or you have some other obligation and you don't want to miss the Rockets game.
Sweet. I didn't even know about that feature. That is a definite plus in my book, since I am almost always around a 'net connection but don't always remember to set things to record.
I have TIVO with my Dish Network (I think Direct TV has it available too), which they actually call a PVR (Personal Video Recorder). All I can say is, I just don't think i could watch TV without. Nothing beats being able to pause and rewind live TV, plus, have the abilit to record at the click of a button. All in digital quality (better than VHS).
codell, So your service is something offered through the Dish Network? Or is it an actual TiVO and it is just compatible with Dish Network?
Its an all in once receiver offered by Dish Network. They call it a PVR receiver and not a TIVO. But basically, its the exact same thing as TIVO. The TIVO is built into the Dish Network receiver. One remote for the satellite tuner and TIVO. http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/receivers/dishpvr508/index.shtml
I see. Thanks for the link, codell. The only downside I see to the Dish Network TiVO type system is that they have a monthly charge (albeit only $4.98 and nothing if you pay for their most expensive channel package) whereas the actual TiVO system can be bought outright and you never get a monthly charge (and they claim it is compatible with Dish Network). I'm not sure how comparable the features are, but I'm glad the majority of people in this thread seem to have really enjoyed their system. That is encouraging.
I run Snapstream PVS, a software package from Houston-based Snapstream Media on a dedicated PC in my entertainment center. http://www.snapstream.com It's basicaly a software package that turns a PC into a TiVO-type machine with some unique features. Like TiVO, you can watch/pause live TV and record shows at the touch of a button. The interface is very polished and the program guide is easy to use. Best of all, there are NO subscription fees ever. What I like are the extra features that are not offered on other PVS boxes to the best of my knowledge. You can search for and set shows to record from any Internet-connected PC or WEP-enabled mobile phone. Not only can you watch the shows on your TV, but you can also stream live tv and recorded shows to any computer or Pocket PC on your home network or even over the internet. I've used it to watch shows when at work or out of town. You can also record in (S)VCD or DVD ready formats to make archiving simple. The company releases regular updates with new, and requested features free of charge. They also have an outstanding BBS, in which the software developers frequently participate. Might be worth a look...
I didnt realize they had a monthy charge for it. Ive never seen anything on my bill. Must be something new. IMO, the advantages to getting the integrated receiver over the TIVO system and hooking it up to an existing receiver is a) THe all in one remote makes it easy to record on demand and b) The integrated PVR/DVR will have a better quality recording than a TIVO hooked up to a receiver via coaxial cable, unless, you have S-video and fiber optic audio output capabilities. Also, they say the sytem costs $300. However, if you are new to Dish Network (not an existing customer), you get free installation, free 1st month's bill, and free equipment (including a free PVR/DVR for one room). I know this because my mom just had her system installed today and received a free PVR/DVR with her package.
So am I to understand that you must then use your own harddrive space to record the shows, right? That might still be worth it, if I bought a new hard drive for the sole purpose of recording the TV shows. I'm going to check into this.
That is correct; shows are recorded directly to hard drive. This isn't much of a problem for me, since that is the only thing that that PC does. The software does allow you to set a limit to the amount of disk space that it can consume, in case you want to run the software on a PC that will be used for other things. It does a very good job of managing disk space automatically, so manually deleting shows is not necessary...
Just a note, I beat you to this by about 4 days . http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66263
Hey, you're a moderator now, lobby to get the search function back! Then we wouldn't have these embarassing little moments.
i just got the dish network PVR also (PVR-510). they do charge $4.98/month for this service. for the most part i really like it -- its great to have the ability to rewind live tv, record shows without using tapes, etc... the only thing i wish it had was the ability to record one channel and watch another. i think they have another one PVR-710 thats gives you this option. anyone have this one and also does anyone know how much this model costs??
THats the only complaint I have about the PVR, having to watch something while you record it. The PVR 710 is around $500 and unfortunately, Dish is not offering it for free like they are the other PVRs.
For the record, they are NOT the same thing. The PVR functionality (record, watch, pause, FF) is similar , but the DISH PVR's don't have the features of TiVo, and many people report the boxes to be buggy. It is all about the software, and (IMHO), TiVo produces the best of the bunch. http://www.pvrcompare.com is a good site listing all the features of several different types of PVRs As to options: "Standalone" -- These boxes can record from any source. 40 hour is ~$250, 80 hour is ~$350. Service is $13/month, or $299/lifetime. "Home Media Option" (which allows you to play MP3s, view photos, and schedule through the Internet) is an additional $99 "DirecTV w/TiVo" -- If you have DirecTV, this is the cheapest option by far. ~$100 for a 35-hour box. Service is $4.99/month, or free if you are on their "Premiere" tier. You also pay the normal DirecTV $4.99/receiver fee. The big advantage is that all of these boxes include two tuners, so you can record two things (or watch one and record another) simultaneously. Unlike the standalone, the box records what is coming down the satellite, so there is no re-encoding. Better picture quality for you.
EDC, What TIVO features does the Dish DVR/PVR not have??? I always understood that the Dish DVR/PVR has every single feature that TIVO has, and more, plus, is cheaper.
The last time I looked, DISH did not have "Season Pass" or "Wishlist" capability. The human has to go select either each instance of the show s/he wants to record, or set up a re-occuring manual recording. It is a very big deal to have the box scan the schedule, and record every Rockets game (for example) with me having to do nothing other than watch
Actually, the Dish does have that. There is a screen you can go to and type in "Houston Rockets" (for example) and set it to record any program that has "Houston Rockets" in the title automatically. Also, the reason I favored the DVR/PVR over the basic TIVO is because the Dish DVR will automatically record in Digital video and audio, which I know the basic Tivo does not do directly. Plus, the fact that the equipment is free is a huge plus. That and the on screen caller ID (for lazy people who dont want to have to look for the phone when someone calls).
Can you save that search so it does it "forever", or do you need to repeat it every nine days when the new guide comes in? The DirecTV w/TiVo DVR is close enough to free ($99, and they occasionally run $50 rebates off of that), and records digitally. It is the equivalent of the DISH 501, except with two tuners and powered by TiVo. IMHO, that (esp combined with NFL Sunday Ticket) is reason enough to choose DirecTV over DISH. The biggest complaint I've heard from 501/701 owners is that many of them have to restart their boxes every three weeks or so, or they become buggy. YMMV. Onscreen caller ID holds no attraction for me
