TiVo question...

Grimster74
Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
edited November 2003 in Electronics
Here's the deal. Been tossing this whole TiVo deal around for quit some time now. Does anyone on the Polk Forum currently own a TiVo system. I currently have Directv and was just wondering if its worth it to get one. Its been a toss up of TiVo or the HDTV receiver. If you say go with the HDTV receiver then I'm going to hold off until sometime after X-mas.
Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • dylan
    dylan Posts: 453
    edited October 2003
    Absolutely love the DirectTV/ Tivo combo receivers. I upgraded mine about a month ago, and can't imagine TV without it now. So easy to tape programs, set 'Season Passes' to get the whole season (excluding re-runs), watch one show while taping another, and the recorded quality is as good as the normal input. Finally get rid of the VCR. It can also record in DD, like Carnivale on HBO (very interesting show by the way). Mine can record up to 40 hours, but there are bigger models available.

    One of my favorite features is when you fast forward through a commercial, and go a couple seconds in to the program, it backs up to the beginning of the segment for you.

    At the time there was a $199 upgrade, which included installation. At first I wanted to install it myself, but then was too busy and thought it was OK, and was happy they did it. They replaced my old dish for 'free', ran all the new lines since it has more inputs, and ran another line with wall jacks and everything so we could put our old receiver in the bedroom.

    And another nice feature... my wife thinks it's the best thing ever. Two big thumbs up.

    More info here.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited October 2003
    Yeah, Directv is running a deal know for $99 installed. Says model of TiVo units will very though. Really only like the Hughes units though. I like the programming better on the Hughes.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • 4_everyman
    4_everyman Posts: 50
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Grimster74
    Here's the deal. Been tossing this whole TiVo deal around for quit some time now. Does anyone on the Polk Forum currently own a TiVo system. I currently have Directv and was just wondering if its worth it to get one.
    I've had a Series 2 80-hour TiVO since June. I love it. It's very easy to program. (I actually enjoy programming it.) It's nice not having to muck around with videocassettes. :D
    DirecTV offers combo satellite/PVR units with dual tuners in them, so that's nicer still. I'm on digital cable and my PQ is nothing to write home about. Of course, the fact that the cable box only has a composite output doesn't help.
    Grimster, i'd definitely recommend you go with a TiVO. If they offer it, the Home Media Option is very nice. I can now program my TiVO from work. If you've got networked PCs at home, it's a nice addition.
    Rgds,
    --Pete
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited October 2003
    Well fellas, took the plunge last night. I ordered the Hughes HNS SDDVR120 with the 120 Gig drive in it. Directv let me upgrade from the standard issued 40 Gig beings I wanted a specific unit. In total my total bill was $225 with install from Directv. Figured it wasn't to bad due to the fact that everyone else wants $399 for the unit alone. Can't wait to get it and thanks for all your inputs.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2003
    I bet you really enjoy your tivo. Let me say that my wife would give up the washing machine and do clothes by hand before she would give up that tivo.:D

    I also have a HD reciever on the HT and love it, more and more HD stuff to watch. ESPN Sunday night football is increcible, lots of hockey on HDN also the discovery channel is marvelous. Enjoy Grimster.
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  • 4_everyman
    4_everyman Posts: 50
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Grimster74
    Well fellas, took the plunge last night. I ordered the Hughes HNS SDDVR120 with the 120 Gig drive in it.
    ...
    Can't wait to get it and thanks for all your inputs.
    Excellent, Grimster! I think you'll really enjoy the convenience of TiVO...and with a 120 GB drive, you're set! Sounds as though you got a sweet deal, too.
    Rgds,
    --Pete
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited October 2003
    With those Tivo boxes, can't you just buy the minimal HD unit and then upgrade the HD yourself? I can't think of the competitor to Tivo, but had heard that their system allowed you to upgrade the drives. I've also heard that between the two, the Tivo is the easiest to program and use.
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • Duffman
    Duffman Posts: 51
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by brettw22
    With those Tivo boxes, can't you just buy the minimal HD unit and then upgrade the HD yourself? I can't think of the competitor to Tivo, but had heard that their system allowed you to upgrade the drives. I've also heard that between the two, the Tivo is the easiest to program and use.

    You can upgrade HD's anytime. Try www.weaknees.com or www.9thtee.com for more info.

    Friends don't let other friends watch live TV.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited November 2003
    Okay fella's, received my Hughes TiVo unit yesterday. Setup was very easy. Haven't really had time to fully play around with it but so far the only downfall I've found is that noisy **** fan. Any suggestions on how to calm this thing down some. Thx.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Duffman
    Duffman Posts: 51
    edited November 2003
    Originally posted by Grimster74
    Okay fella's, received my Hughes TiVo unit yesterday. Setup was very easy. Haven't really had time to fully play around with it but so far the only downfall I've found is that noisy **** fan. Any suggestions on how to calm this thing down some. Thx.
    The fan noise is a common complaint among series 2 owners. You can purchase a different fan (weaknees offers something they call the Twinbreeze) but most just decide to live with it. You can check out http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/ for a pretty good tivo forum.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited November 2003
    Allow Mantis to speak..............JUST BUY IT AND DON'T LOOK BACK.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • jdavy
    jdavy Posts: 380
    edited November 2003
    we have had our directivo since they first come out with them. my wife will never give up her tivo. she will cancel her cell phone, sell the dog, get rid of me but hey once you have tivo, you will never go back. tivo is the best thing to happen to tv for the viewer in years. Hey HDTV is evolutionary, tivo is revolutionary.

    what else is there to say?
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited November 2003
    well put......... just buy one.....................the end


    Mantis owns 3 of them and going to ad a forth..HDTV Tivo is coming boys......
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited November 2003
    I must say this, TiVo has to be one of the greatest inventions made since the TV. I finally finished hooking it up this weekend. At first I only had 1 satellite in going into the box. Hooked up my multi-switch this past weekend and now have 2 coming into the box. With the ability to record 2 shows at one time, DAMUM, life is good. :D
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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