Tivo -- Still the way to go?

Just an FYI, I've started collecting the parts for my 1.5TB file server.

I'm aiming to get HDTV recording up and running by the World Cup.

 

This article may help reduce the price. If you manage to build one, I will buy another one from you.

http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=183702383

Sachin

 

Does anybody have any idea when TiVo's next version is coming out?

 

Most estimates place the release of Tivo 3 in late summer/early fall. It's going to cost an armored truck worth of pretty pennies too.

 

It sounds like a standard definition DVR. Yes?

TiVo Announces First Standalone Dual Tuner Product, the TiVo Series2 DT DVR

 

[Mr. Burns]Excellent![/Mr. Burns]

 

Except that more than a few DVRs have dual tuners for digital cable. The new Tivo2 is only a dual tuner if you're still on analog cable. Tivo claims it was a cost-based decision, but they're just setting up the Tivo 3 to look that much better when it's released.

 

And won't work with satellite either.

 

I'm trying to figure out whether its a good idea to get Comcast vs. DirecTV, Tivo vs. Provider-DVR.

 

You can always spend $10 for a month of the Comcast DVR and try it out. If you don't like it, return it and get your box back and get something different.

 

I love my TiVo - and think it's miles above any cable DVR (at least software wise) that I've seen - but this is great advice. It's an inexpensive, low-committment foray into the world of DVR. After a month or so of that, you'll have a better idea of what you want.

I would suggest, however, that even if you like your cable DVR, do yourself the favor of seeing a real TiVo in action somewhere. After some experience with your first DVR you'll be better at evaluating what else the TiVo has to offer.

 

To add to this, I'm thinking about getting Dish Network as my Comcast digital cable bill has gone past the tipping point of what I'm willing to pay ($87 for digital classic in Philly) and need to know if my series 2 Tivo will work with Dish's receivers.

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

So Church of Foos BBQ at your place on Saturday?

 

I recently ordered Dishnetwork and dropped Comcast.
I got a 180 package and got the 625 Dual Reciever DVR. I can record on two seperate TVs, and I pay about 60 bucks a month for it. To get comparable equipment through Comcast I would be paying nearly 100 a month. This particular DVR records upto 100 hours of programming.

 

From my understanding, it's dual tuner limited to ONE digital source. In other words, you can use this with digital cable, but one of the tuners will only go up to 77 or 80 or whereever your cable system's digital tier begins, and the other can take care of the digital tier.

This is the unit I was talking about a few pages back....

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/25/tivo-series2-dt-hands-on-review/

Kinda wish I had waited for this, so I might take back the Tivo I just got for this one.

And Chicago, your DVD player would not play .tivo files directly. You'd have to use the Tivo software and a burning utility to burn them as DVDs. I'm sure there are options to convert to Divx or Xvid or whatever out there, but I'm not familiar with any.

As dark knight said, tivocommunity.com is a great starting point.

 

I find your message intriguing and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Since Pints is in Baltimore, and I'm relocating there (though probably not in time for the WC) I am interested in Internet/TV options in Baltimore.

May I ask, did you get MLS Direct Kick, FSC, GolTV or any other football packages? and what is your current Internet situation?

 

Good point about the channels. Realistically you might as well just wait for Tivo 3 to come out then. While an increase in price, it will have dual digital tuners, among other features.

Thanks, that's what I figured, but good to know.

 

If you want Dish Network and FSC, spend $50 a month on the "Top 180 package". That's the only way. It'll also get you Gol TV. Spend another whatever-DSL-costs (usually $20 per month). DSL isn't as fast as cable though, but it is good if you're on a budget.

If you want cable, i'm guessing the major provider is Comcast. Most likely, FSC (and possibly Gol TV) are on the "basic digital" or whatever it's called there. Expect to pay ~$45 for standard service plus an additional $10 at most for the digital package with FSC. Then there's ~$8 or so for the box. If you get Comcast's cable internet service, that's probably an additional $40 or so.

Odds are, it'll probably be $100 or so all said and done for Comcast, including internet. Ask them for their best introductory offer and you may be looking at $70-something a month. When that offer ends, ask for another one.

If you already have satellite, it can most likely transfer to your new address. Cable may or may not. I know my local Time Warner will "move with you", as long as you stay in the local area, or something like that. Direct Kick costs $69 for the season, and there is no mid-season price cut. If you get it now, it would be extremely wise to check with your provider if you can continue receiving it at your new address.

 

It looks like I may go with Dish Network. My only question is the best place to install the dish.

I think DSL was always going to be my choice. I think (hope).

 

Southwest corner of your house.

Nothing wrong with DSL. I've got residential grade DSL and serve three websites, one bittorrent tracker, an a personal email server out over it with no problem.

 

Anyone else been following Yahoo's forray into the DVR world?

Yahoo Go Competing with Tivo?