Is it worth it? Why or why not? Any varieties of TiVo that work better than others? Any major bugs that I should watch out for?
Also, does basic cable (that does not go through a box) work with it, or does it only work with certain systems?
I have the basic cable my college, UC Santa Cruz provides. I don't have a big-time cable provider. Will it make a difference?
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
Hi Tommy,
I prefer TiVO because of simplicity of use. We love them. Their schedule is always correct because it is updated every day. I can program TiVO to record from out of town over the Internet. TiVO learns what you like and recommends shows that you might like. Often times we never would have known they were on. You can program an entire season of a given series with a single click and TiVO never forgets. You can tell TiVO you like someone or something and it will locate shows for you. For example if you tell it you like John Wayne it will watch for and record anything he is on.
I could go on and on about TiVO. There is one downside and that is the monthly (you can pay yearly if you want) fee.
To learn all about TiVO check their web site here - https://www3.tivo.com
Check the TiVO user forum here - http://www.tivocommunity.com
I hope this helps you make the best decision.
Norm
Neil L
Hey Tommy,
I have Directv (satellite) service and use their DVRs. I won't watch shows without pre-recording them so that I can skip through the ads when I watch. It's also great to be able to pause live shows so that you can go to the bathroom, get a snack, answer the phone, etc. Plus, you never miss favorite shows that you've set up with a season pass. Of course, all of this can be accomplished with a Tivo unit as well. Before you buy a unit, first decide who your service provider will be as this decision will determine what DVR you should purchase. DVRs are provided free by most service providers. Good luck and take care.
ewtaylor2001
It pretty much works with any system except sattelite you need a special tivo box with that. If you are somewhat technically oriented you canbuild your own from an old computer. The advantage of this is no montlhy fee. That being said I recently bought a tivo for $ 85 and that included a year of service. I must say the tivo name brand service is really really nice.
monster
If you have Cable, then you could get a cable box with DVR function from your cable operator. It does the same time-shift recording thing as Tivo and no phone connection is needed for program guide download.
Philip G
You will never view television the same. In fact it would be neer impossible to go back to regular TV. I have a Ti Vo and another brand (don't even know waht it is) and they both work fine. My wife prefers the Ti Vo, but it makes no difference to me.
Can't answer your last question.