Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Tivo & DVR

[Hans E. Hansen (FList]

Comments below

On 9/22/08, LarryT <l02turner [at] comcast.net> wrote:
> Howdy - Getting ready to join the rest of the world and buy a DVR and I'm 
> considering springing for a Tivo service also -
>
> Ya'll are always so knowledgable about this stuff I thought I'd see what you 
> suggest -
>
> Tivo has a plan for $12.95/mo or $129/yr - is there any reason to buy a more 
> expensive plan?

Uh, Larry, do the math.  At $129/yr, you're getting 2 extra months.  But
*really* do the math and get the lifetime....  It'll transfer (I've done it
twice) when you upgrade to the next best thing.

>
> I've been pricing DVR's also - some come with tivo as part of the package.  
> The lower priced ($149) has a Tivo Series II Dual TunerDigital Recorder w/80 
> hr cap HD.  This will give 80 hours of recording time - whch looks like 
> enough to me -

Series 2 Dual tuner is the way to go if you don't need HD and you have
cable.  Don't quite understand your price, as I recently got another Series
2 directly from Tivo for $99.  (also, if you have more than 1 Tivo, you can
watch show recorded on one Tivo on the other one...)

>
> However, obviousdly there will be some programs I;ll want to save - since it 
> comes with ethernet & USB ports I assume I can download programs into my 
> computer network?

The Tivo files are essentially Mpeg and my DVD burner in my PC has
no difficulty burning any Tivo recording.  You'll need the free Tivo
Desktop software to download to your PC.  From there you can watch
the shows on your computer, or burn to DVD, or ?????

Altho the Series 2 will live with a dialup/phone connection, it really
needs an ethernet connection to both your computers and your DSL/cable
internet service.

Oh, and PS:  Just as a bit of warning - it seems that many/most/all
Tivo boxes ship with obsolete software.  For the 1st day or 2 it will be
crippled and won't have all the fancy functions that you've heard about.
But new software will quickly arrive via that DSL/cable internet connection
that I just said that you shouldn't do without.  Then you will be up to speed.
It's all automatic.  You don't need to do anything - altho you can force
a "phone home" connection and probably get the software upgrade
a bit earlier if you are impatient.

Hans.
>
> Once in the puter I'm sure I can put it on a DVD.
>
> Any suggestions?        Thanks!
>
> Take Care,
> Larry T
> http://youroil.net
> Carb & Jet Settings:
> http://members.rennlist.org/oil/  - Oil Testing
> http://members.rennlist.org/webercarbs/