Tivo Series 2 Question
 

I am currently contemplating getting the Tivo Series 2. My roomates and I used to have a series 1 machine so I know exactly how it works and how terrible watching T.V. is without it.

My question is does anyone know when the Series 2 machine is going to be made by Sony, Phillips, etc.? Currently, the Series 2 is only made by Tivo itself but I've heard rumors about different companies branding the series 2 "later this year".

Right now Tivo's website is offering free shipping on the Series 2 units as well as a 90 free trial of the service. I don't know whether to jump on this offer or be suspicious that something better is coming soon.

Anybody heard anything?

Why would a Sony or Philips unit be better?

Anyway, the best way to keep up with TiVo is the follow the forums at www.tivocommunity.com

I'm not sure they would be. But it is possible they could have more features (i.e. 2 tuners so you could watch live t.v. while you record another channel). I know they've made satellite models in the past with 2 tuners but not for regular cable.

Very unlikely. 2 tuners isn't the problem. A standalone unit would also require two mpeg-encoders (very expensive, the DirecTiVo have none), so I doubt they will ever make a two tuner standalone unit.

I would buy the TiVo unit now, unless you are considering switching to sat.

Do you have the series2 skar? If so, thoughts?

I have the 2 tuner directv unit, and love it. I talked to the people at TIVO (they are a client of mine), and they tell me the TIVO unit is the same as the Philips unit. Same parts and everything. I dont know if this helps, but there you go.

No, I don't. I have a Philips 20 hour and love it. I think a TiVo-branded unit would be great since TiVo customer service seems much better than Philips/Sony. Some of the people at www.tivocommunity.com own half a dozen TiVo's and could easily tell you the pros/cons of any model.

There is a Series II unit branded by AT&T broadband that is also available on the TiVO website, where I got mine. It's a 40 hour machine instead of the 60 hour TiVO branded model, but it is cheaper by $100. And you do not have to have AT&T broadband.

If you really want a Series II machine, and are handy with computers, get the AT&T and you can always upgrade the drive.....