Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Dec 2005
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OP
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I've decided to finally leave the age of VCR and move into HD recording. I currently have HD satellite and could probably get a Tivo box from them, but are there better options, such as just buying a DVR with a hard drive? I'm not real sure whats out there, or which is the better way to go. Any input would be appreciated.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,185
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,185 |
HD Tivo from Directv is tough. They lost the relationship w/ Tivo and they currently don't their Directv HD DVR out yet. The HD Tivo is MPEG2 and Directv is already rolling out their MPEG4, albeit slowly. I have an HD Tivo upgraded to 550 GB of space. It's slow but it works and it's Tivo based.
If I were to start today, go w/ Comcast (or your local cable co) and use their HD DVR on a monthly contract. DirecTV requires a 2 year commitment, which sucks. In about 6 mos, Tivo will release their Series 3 Tivo which takes 2 HD cable cards has 2 built in HD OTA tuners, supports all new s/w upgrades, and supports an external SATA Harddrive. I've heard estimates that this will be sub $500, maybe less. I will drop Directv in a heartbeat for this.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,339
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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The research so far has told me that you are better off the your sat company's HD box.
I decided to keep the VCR a while longer until newer tech. fills the gaps.
Last edited by bugbitten; 02/22/06 12:27 AM.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
Well, the CableCARD v2.0 stuff may be out in 6 months, or it may not. Unfortunately, that's what's holding TiVo back; sure, they could do an HDTiVo for OTA HD content, but it wouldn't work with satellite or cable. You're going to be in the same boat with anything but the cable/sat providers own HD DVR solutions.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Unfortunately cable is not an option, I have to use the satellite for both TV and high speed internet.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,185
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2003
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Ah, but you don't have to wait for Cablecard 2.0.
Series 3
But if you can't go cable, then you're stuck w/ Satellite.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Well, right you are. Fortunately, I have no interest in recording PPV. Neat!
On the other hand, I have basic cable and an analog TV. Oh well.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 25
hobbyist
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hobbyist
Joined: Feb 2006
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at this point, I would just wait until the new hd dvr comes out on directv. you will be able to get locals thru the dish and unlike the hd directivo, I am betting it won't cost money. I have read directv is going to lease their equipment just like dish network. why buy a hd directivo that costs a fair amount and won't get updates?
personally I am going to hate direct's new dvr because I am used to tivo but what are you going to do.
I could go to cable later down the line but it is more expensive, mainly because I have two dvr's and they charge a monthly fee for each.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
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OP
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I didn't know Directv had a hd dvr in the works, I already get the locals as well as East coast channels so I don't have a need to record one channel and watch another at the same time. I just want the ability to record programs in Hd when I'm away. Kinda of like having a VCR with good quality.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: Tivo vs DVR
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Joined: Jan 2005
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Well folks, we have had two different DVRs from our cable company; one was non-hd(before we had HD )and one that is HD.
For what it is worth; they weren't worth much!
They both did a respectable job in recording and playing back both audio and video in a daily use temporary recording context, but the long term reliability was/is a very sore issue around our house.
One had a disc drive failure, and the other has real inconsistent playback issues.
Perhaps it's a case of being "rental" units, but I wouldn't feel comfortable recording anything that I may want to keep around for an extended period of time.
Rich.
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