Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Tivo

I've had a 30hr Tivo since they came out and seriously can't believe that everyone that watches any amount of TV doesn't have one. The last few years I've only watched exactly what I've wanted to watch, when I've wanted to watch it....oh, and the only reason I know commercials still exist is because of the pain of sitting through them at other people's houses.

Spiff,
I think you have to sign up for a year contract (this may have changed since I looked into it back in Calif.) Also, you have to have a phone jack near the TV. I hear nothing but rave reviews from everyone I know that has it. Personally, I don't need anything that will encourage more TV watching... already a big enough problem for me. But, for you -- what the heck, life is short -- go for it. How can you beat On-Demand Gilligan's Island??

My TiVo is 35 hours as well. So far, I've had no need to upgrade it.

If you think getting a TiVo means you'll watch less TV, you're mistaken.

Bilbo, the nearest phone jack to my TV is about 40 feet away in another room. That's why they make long cables.

Peter, I need to understand the phone/Tivo interface requirements better.

I'm interested (and thankful for this thread). We currently have analog cable and are happy with the offerings and need added value to spend more "per month". I think Tivo is that added value, but would come as a result of upgrade to either digital cable or DirecTV.

Do you need *continuous* phone access? Or just periodic to get updates? A 40-foot run of phone line across the living room is going to flunk the WAF, big time.

No...you do not need continuous phone access. Standalone TiVo's use the phone line for TV schedule information and software updates. This call is made once a day, or even longer.

Also, Standalone TiVos can use an ethernet connection on a home network to access the internet and do the same thing.

DirecTiVos need the phoneline as well, but it is more for DirecTV billing purposes. These units get TV schedule and software updates from the sattelite.

Also...there are now wireless phone jacks you can use instead of long phone cable runs.

I actually find that I do watch less TV because of it. I do not channel surf any more.

I've never had it, but I really don't see the need. There isn't that much I watch, and if there is a show I want to see when I won't be around, that's what the VCR is for.

I wonder how long Tivo and some of these similar companies are going to be around. It seems like the cable company is starting to include a similar service in many areas as a part of the package you get with digital cable. If it's already included, then who needs Tivo.

Some of those cable companies are using TiVo technology. Besides, from what I know, TiVo works a lot better than the non-TiVo ones.

Enjoy your commercials.

Wow...I didn't think I'd get this much response!

I have a concern with the phone hookup. I only have a phone line for my DSL service. I don't use it as a phone at all. Because of that, I have measured service. I pay for all my calls. How often is the Tivo going to be dialing out?

There is a profound difference between a PVR and TiVo that causes the sort of fanaticism you see in this thread and any other talking about the technology. It's functionality is simply far above what the others offer.

Anyone interested in buying a TiVo right now, though, may want to read this:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=67909965&m=59600423118