TIVO - which one to get?
#1
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Which model of TIVO should I get ?
There are different brands out there.. I have cable with a box from Scientific Atlanta if that makes a diff.
Should be "upgradeable" of course
I'm all new to TIVO, advice MOST welcome!
There are different brands out there.. I have cable with a box from Scientific Atlanta if that makes a diff.
Should be "upgradeable" of course
I'm all new to TIVO, advice MOST welcome!
#2
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I have the 30 hour Philips and I LOVE IT
May I suggest going to here for all the info you could possibly imagine
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May I suggest going to here for all the info you could possibly imagine
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#3
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There are only two brands out there - Sony and Philips.
Sony has one stand alone model (30 hour) and a TiVo/Direct TV combo called DirectTiVo.
Philips has four models. 20 hour, 30 hour, 60 hour and a TiVo/Direct TV combo box.
The stand alones all work the same way. They are essentially the same inside - the Sony unit as well as all the Philips models. They essentially use the same software. The Sony one looks different and has several features on the remote the Philips does not - a stand by button (does not turn the unit off but turns the indicator lights off, essentially a useless feature), a list button that takes you directly to "Now Playing" which is a list of all recorded shows. The Sony remote is also a learning remote. Personally I prefer the Philips remote which is affectionately known as the Peanut.
Both the Sony and the Philips stand alone models are compatible with the same cable and satellite services.
I have the Philips and prefer it. Which one you choose is more of a personal preference then anything else based on the cosmetic look and the added features of the Sony's remote.
I am not sure if your cable box is compatible, I believe it is. You check the link provided by dbrink for an answer to this and additional info. I am a member there and the people there are very friendly and helpful.
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Sony has one stand alone model (30 hour) and a TiVo/Direct TV combo called DirectTiVo.
Philips has four models. 20 hour, 30 hour, 60 hour and a TiVo/Direct TV combo box.
The stand alones all work the same way. They are essentially the same inside - the Sony unit as well as all the Philips models. They essentially use the same software. The Sony one looks different and has several features on the remote the Philips does not - a stand by button (does not turn the unit off but turns the indicator lights off, essentially a useless feature), a list button that takes you directly to "Now Playing" which is a list of all recorded shows. The Sony remote is also a learning remote. Personally I prefer the Philips remote which is affectionately known as the Peanut.
Both the Sony and the Philips stand alone models are compatible with the same cable and satellite services.
I have the Philips and prefer it. Which one you choose is more of a personal preference then anything else based on the cosmetic look and the added features of the Sony's remote.
I am not sure if your cable box is compatible, I believe it is. You check the link provided by dbrink for an answer to this and additional info. I am a member there and the people there are very friendly and helpful.
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#4
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Thanks - appreciate all your info!
I take that to mean that they can both be "upgraded" right?
Will head to the tivo place soon - theres also something you should do before you load info into it right? a disk dump or something?
I take that to mean that they can both be "upgraded" right?
Will head to the tivo place soon - theres also something you should do before you load info into it right? a disk dump or something?
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by ravan:
Thanks - appreciate all your info!
I take that to mean that they can both be "upgraded" right?
Will head to the tivo place soon - theres also something you should do before you load info into it right? a disk dump or something?<HR>
Both Phillips and Sony models can be "upgraded" by adding an additional drive. The only requirement is that the unit is a single drive unit when you buy it - should not be much of an issue now unless you find a really old box lying on the shelves. Again, the forum linked to above will provide you with all the info you need regarding backing up the drive prior to upgrading. Also, you might consider holding off an upgrade until after the upcoming release of the 2.0 software upgrade which will be automatically pushed to everyone's TiVo (eventually).
BTW - love my Sony (prefer the remote)!
Hope to see you on the AVS TiVo forum soon!
#6
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How about instead of a TIVO you get a ReplayTV System. Does the same thing and doesn't require a monthly service fee.
http://www.replaytv.com/
http://www.replaytv.com/
#8
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???I don't get it??? Why are so many people concerned with having a monster memory with the TiVo? That only encourages one to save programs too long. I thought the idea was to use it to time-shift, so you could catch programs you did't get a chance to catch live. If I start saving programs, it will make me feel as guilty as all the as-yet-unread magazines I have.
I picked up one of the 14 hour TiVo's, and it seems that would be plenty. (And, if not, the tech here at my office could certainly install a bigger hard-drive. I mean he does that all the time for computers.
So tell me what I'm not seeing.
Scott
I picked up one of the 14 hour TiVo's, and it seems that would be plenty. (And, if not, the tech here at my office could certainly install a bigger hard-drive. I mean he does that all the time for computers.
So tell me what I'm not seeing.
Scott
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by BadAsh:
How about instead of a TIVO you get a ReplayTV System. Does the same thing and doesn't require a monthly service fee.
http://www.replaytv.com/<HR>
That's not true. Replay TV units cost $200 more then TiVo units. This extra $200 is essentially for the service and is basically a one time payment.
The TiVo's cost $200 less and give you three options.
1)$9.95/month
2)$100/year
3)$200 lifetime (this is the equivilant of the Replay's that include this in the cost.
TiVo basically gives you three choices.
Further more Replay has changed their business model and is no longer making the hardware. They are now only outsourcing/licencing to Panasonic which is currently the only hard manufacturer for Replay. The problem is that a number of Panasonic Replay owners have had problems regarding macrovision, resulting in not being able to watch certain programs. Panasonic has stated it has no intention of doing anything about it. Replay says it's a Panasonic issue and to take it up with them.
Although they both have their pros and cons, TiVo is a better choice right now.
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:
???I don't get it??? Why are so many people concerned with having a monster memory with the TiVo? That only encourages one to save programs too long. I thought the idea was to use it to time-shift, so you could catch programs you did't get a chance to catch live. If I start saving programs, it will make me feel as guilty as all the as-yet-unread magazines I have.
I picked up one of the 14 hour TiVo's, and it seems that would be plenty. (And, if not, the tech here at my office could certainly install a bigger hard-drive. I mean he does that all the time for computers.
So tell me what I'm not seeing.
Scott<HR>
It's great to hear a 14 hour is enough for you.
I have a 30 hour model and find it's not enough, especially as I record primarily in medium quality which only gives me about 19 hours of recording time. I find basic is not good enough especially for sports and action programs.
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Be careful, tivo is in financial trouble. They just filed to raise another 75 million. This company is burning a ton of cash and has no real path to profitability.
The only way they may be able to make money is to sell forced ads. You push the tivo button and before it takes you to tivo central, it makes you watch a commercial.
They are also talking about charging for upgrades which us lifetime subscribers have already paid for. Not ethical and we will be suing them if they go through with it.
I would be go with UltimateTV by MSFT which works with directv or or wait for them to put out a stand alone version. MSFT will be around to provide the service in the future.
The only way they may be able to make money is to sell forced ads. You push the tivo button and before it takes you to tivo central, it makes you watch a commercial.
They are also talking about charging for upgrades which us lifetime subscribers have already paid for. Not ethical and we will be suing them if they go through with it.
I would be go with UltimateTV by MSFT which works with directv or or wait for them to put out a stand alone version. MSFT will be around to provide the service in the future.
#15
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I have a 14 hour Tivo and I need more space. I set it to record certain shows during the weekday afternoons when I'm at work, and I don't get a chance to watch them until the weekend. I'll probably upgrade the thing in the next few months by throwing another hard drive into it.
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#16
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i'm with Tachon.
I plan on getting a digital recorder in the future but will not be going with Tivo because in a year or less they won't be around to provide me with service. The Tivo box will end up being one expensive paper weight!
Although i could be wrong...
good luck!
I plan on getting a digital recorder in the future but will not be going with Tivo because in a year or less they won't be around to provide me with service. The Tivo box will end up being one expensive paper weight!
Although i could be wrong...
good luck!
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by robot:
i'm with Tachon.
I plan on getting a digital recorder in the future but will not be going with Tivo because in a year or less they won't be around to provide me with service. The Tivo box will end up being one expensive paper weight!
Although i could be wrong...
good luck!<HR>
Sorry, but I think you are dead wrong on thinking that Tivo will not be around for long. I have the Sony SAT-60 Directv and I love it. It has 5.1 sound, 35 hrs recording time, one great picture and is sooo easy to use. Also the soon to be added (through) software second tuner.
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by patrckpiteo:
Sorry, but I think you are dead wrong on thinking that Tivo will not be around for long. I have the Sony SAT-60 Directv and I love it. It has 5.1 sound, 35 hrs recording time, one great picture and is sooo easy to use. Also the soon to be added (through) software second tuner.
<HR>
I totally don't respect your opinion that i'm "dead wrong"(no disrespect intended) because i don't think you understand Tivo's financial situation.
If you look at the company itself, you'll see that they are losing a ton of money. One way that they're losing money fast is the fact that they sell the box for half the money(possible exaggeration but not by much) it costs to make. Tivo pays the difference to Sony or who ever manufactures the box. That's a lot of cash to make up. I also think they blew a huge wad of cash for their CES booth.
... but again, i could be wrong. It is also only my opinion...
But if i had a Tivo i'm sure i'd love it as well ...for the 6-12 months the company was still around.
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The kickbacks tivo pays the manufacturers are listed on their financial statements as related parties items. The amount they are paying is well over half the price of the units.
Last quarter they rang up a $19 million bill for the 25,000 units sold.
That's an average of $760 per unit
Additionally, their big advertising campaign cost them $1,000 per sub last quarter.
So those two expenses alone have each unit costing $1,760 and they get a $200 lifetime fee(many have got a $100 rebate even).
This is one insane business plan. They are going to run out of money well before they reaach critical mass.
Last quarter they rang up a $19 million bill for the 25,000 units sold.
That's an average of $760 per unit
Additionally, their big advertising campaign cost them $1,000 per sub last quarter.
So those two expenses alone have each unit costing $1,760 and they get a $200 lifetime fee(many have got a $100 rebate even).
This is one insane business plan. They are going to run out of money well before they reaach critical mass.
#20
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Tivo has a partnership with a little company called AOL. Maybe you've heard of it. AOL wants to be competitive with MS in the set-top market they're going to need first- rate PVR capabilities, that's what they've contracted with Tivo to provide.
AOL isn't going to allow Tivo to just go away. They need that PVR capability. My view is that the worst case scenario for Tivo sees them being bought by AOL.
As for forcing ads on users, I think Tivo knows better. First of all Tivo reps are on record that they will never force you to watch an ad. Second, Replay tried it with their pause and menu ads and gave up when it was barely off the ground. It's just not a viable revenue source where the market stands today.
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by BadAsh:
How about instead of a TIVO you get a ReplayTV System. Does the same thing and doesn't require a monthly service fee.
http://www.replaytv.com/<HR>
I am afraid you are slightly misinformed. Replay's unit costs about $200 more than a comparable Tivo (a Tivo WITHOUT lifetime membership), or a Replay unit costs the SAME as a Tivo with lifetime membership.
That's right boys and girls, do not believe the hype. If anything, Tivo gives you the option to buy monthly service (9.95 /mo) or the lifetime service (200 /mo) which essentially brings the cost to the same level of a Replay unit.
I happen to prefer the monthly service because as musch as I love my Tivos (2) I simply do not believe that neither Replay not Tivo are guaranteed to make it as viable entities.
Anyway, just my .02
Art
[This message has been edited by artbatista (edited January 12, 2001).]
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Oh great, here come the hacks from AVS forum. Lets hype tivo. Lets pretend that AOL is really really stupid and going to let tivo make all this money that they are able to make themselves instead. I love you avs guys. Me personally, I'm encoumbered by reality.
Tivo is a going concern, if you own stock sell it. If you want a pvr, don't get a tivo, they will unlikely be around to provide the service.
Tivo is a going concern, if you own stock sell it. If you want a pvr, don't get a tivo, they will unlikely be around to provide the service.
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by tachon:
Oh great, here come the hacks from AVS forum. Lets hype tivo. Lets pretend that AOL is really really stupid and going to let tivo make all this money that they are able to make themselves instead. I love you avs guys. Me personally, I'm encoumbered by reality.
Tivo is a going concern, if you own stock sell it. If you want a pvr, don't get a tivo, they will unlikely be around to provide the service.<HR>
LOL!!!!
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by ravan:
Which model of TIVO should I get ? <HR>
ravan--
I have the 30 hour Philips unit. I've only had it a few days, but I'm already enjoying it very much. I expect that I may want more recording time at some point, but 30 hours is fine for now.
quote:<HR>Originally posted by tachon:
Tivo is a going concern, if you own stock sell it.<HR>
tachon--
You speak of TiVo as "a going concern". If that is the case, then I'm very happy.
The business term "going concern" refers to an entity which is likely to do well not poorly. The word "concern" here is meant in the sense that Webster's defines as "an organization or establishment for business or manufacture"; the word "going" is used in the sense of "conducting business with the expectation of indefinite continuance". Admittedly, these meanings are different from the way the words are used in everyday English. In this case a "going concern" implies a business with a committed customer base and a protected marketplace for the years to come. It's a business (a concern) that is likely to keep going, not one that people are worried (concerned) is likely to be going away.
I assume you meant to say that TiVo is not a going concern.
I assume that the Board of Directors of TiVo still thinks that the company is a going concern, since I have not heard otherwise.
quote:<HR>Originally posted by tachon:
If you want a pvr, don't get a tivo, they will unlikely be around to provide the service.<HR>
quote:<HR>Originally posted by tachon:
Last quarter they rang up a $19 million bill for the 25,000 units sold.
That's an average of $760 per unit
Additionally, their big advertising campaign cost them $1,000 per sub last quarter.
So those two expenses alone have each unit costing $1,760 and they get a $200 lifetime fee(many have got a $100 rebate even).
This is one insane business plan. They are going to run out of money well before they reaach critical mass.<HR>
As I said in my reply to ravan, I really like my TiVo. I think the company will be around for a while. Clearly you don't -- your numbers are interesting, and I commend your due diligence. We can disagree on the future of the company.
I think the market for products like the TiVo is likely to be large, however. I have only had mine for a couple of days, and already I find that I have more free time -- since I can speed through ads and skip re-runs -- and I have more choices as to when to spend that free time -- since my viewing is not tied to a network's schedule. That's worth quite a lot, to me.
So: even if TiVo (the company) isn't around, I contend that someone will be making similar products. If TiVo goes out of business, their user base will need someone to buy the service from. If there are, say, 100,000 units in the field, that's still a fairly large customer base that TiVo could offer to someone else if the company folds. I'm fairly confident that I'll be able to buy TiVo service from someone in the future, even if it isn't from the company currently called TiVo.
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Yes I left out the word "not", I'll leave it that way.
Also I wanted to say that last quarter they lost a total of 64 million just to bring in a total revenue of 1 million. There is no conceivable way for them to turn this around.
Also I wanted to say that last quarter they lost a total of 64 million just to bring in a total revenue of 1 million. There is no conceivable way for them to turn this around.