Basic DVR Question

[Evan]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?

I would suppose that fee allows a connection to some service that
downloads all the programming info.

Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
for what channels & times I want?

Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?

TIA....

Evan
Indy

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <sho8h1dkvu5c7gl2fu2j3372422t8f9cia@4ax.com>,
Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:

> Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?


Yes, it provides you with your Program guide from which it may
automatically select your programming for you. No more hours pouring
over the TV listings. Most people figure out quickly it's a genuine
bargain for the hours per month they save.

My Teacher wife gets "Magic School Bus" automatically recorded,
regardless of time or channel. Likewise, I get Futurama, regardless of
time or channel.

Its $12.95/month or $300 Lifetime for a Stand-alone TiVo, great for Cable

It's $5.99/month for a DirecTv with TiVo, regardless of how many units
you have, and FREE if you subscribe to the most expensive programming
package: Total Choice Platinum
>
> I would suppose that fee allows a connection to some service that
> downloads all the programming info.
>
> Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
> for what channels & times I want?

You certainly can, just buy a Panasonic unit or some such without TiVo.

>
> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?

They certainly are out there, but anyone who has used TiVo any amount of
time quickly decides they will never give it up.

>
> TIA....
>
> Evan
> Indy

Local DISH installers refer to their DVR as "Just like TiVo", it
certainly is not except for a few ways that are enough for them to be
sued by TiVo for patent infringement.

 

[Evan]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

Thanks for your response.

I just called DirecTv...they wanted to rewire my house and require a
receiver box on every TV (I have 5 TVs with cable wired to 11
locations in my house).

I looked all over the Net for a unit that is a standalone DVR that
won't have the programming...the only ones I found required the
programming with a monthly fee (and hence rewiring the whole house
with boxes on every TV now, Ugh).

I'm thinking a simple DVR to replace one of my VCRs would do
nicely...and maybe it'll spawn me to make the jump later to the
programming models with the fee.

But hey, I'm very used to TV Guides and generally find the shows I'm
interested in are on at the same time of day on the same day of the
week. I'm very used to programming my VCRs.

Any idea where to get a non-Tivo DVR?

TIA...

Evan

=======================================

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 14:45:42 GMT, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>In article <sho8h1dkvu5c7gl2fu2j3372422t8f9cia@4ax.com>,
> Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>
>> Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?
>
>
>Yes, it provides you with your Program guide from which it may
>automatically select your programming for you. No more hours pouring
>over the TV listings. Most people figure out quickly it's a genuine
>bargain for the hours per month they save.
>
>My Teacher wife gets "Magic School Bus" automatically recorded,
>regardless of time or channel. Likewise, I get Futurama, regardless of
>time or channel.
>
>Its $12.95/month or $300 Lifetime for a Stand-alone TiVo, great for Cable
>
>It's $5.99/month for a DirecTv with TiVo, regardless of how many units
>you have, and FREE if you subscribe to the most expensive programming
>package: Total Choice Platinum
>>
>> I would suppose that fee allows a connection to some service that
>> downloads all the programming info.
>>
>> Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
>> for what channels & times I want?
>
>You certainly can, just buy a Panasonic unit or some such without TiVo.
>
>>
>> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?
>
>They certainly are out there, but anyone who has used TiVo any amount of
>time quickly decides they will never give it up.
>
>>
>> TIA....
>>
>> Evan
>> Indy
>
>Local DISH installers refer to their DVR as "Just like TiVo", it
>certainly is not except for a few ways that are enough for them to be
>sued by TiVo for patent infringement.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

Evan wrote:
> Thanks for your response.
>
> I just called DirecTv...they wanted to rewire my house and require a
> receiver box on every TV (I have 5 TVs with cable wired to 11
> locations in my house).
>
> I looked all over the Net for a unit that is a standalone DVR that
> won't have the programming...the only ones I found required the
> programming with a monthly fee (and hence rewiring the whole house
> with boxes on every TV now, Ugh).
>
> I'm thinking a simple DVR to replace one of my VCRs would do
> nicely...and maybe it'll spawn me to make the jump later to the
> programming models with the fee.
>
> But hey, I'm very used to TV Guides and generally find the shows I'm
> interested in are on at the same time of day on the same day of the
> week. I'm very used to programming my VCRs.
>
> Any idea where to get a non-Tivo DVR?

Since you are not interested in the primary DVR functions, why not just
get a DVD recorder to replace the vcrs. They all have some "free" guide
that downloads via the cable connection. You might find "free" is much
too expensive though.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <hn19h15u78lirimeqh75e5geut20erqoii@4ax.com>,
Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:

> Thanks for your response.
>
> I just called DirecTv...they wanted to rewire my house and require a
> receiver box on every TV (I have 5 TVs with cable wired to 11
> locations in my house).
>
> I looked all over the Net for a unit that is a standalone DVR that
> won't have the programming...the only ones I found required the
> programming with a monthly fee (and hence rewiring the whole house
> with boxes on every TV now, Ugh).
>
> I'm thinking a simple DVR to replace one of my VCRs would do
> nicely...and maybe it'll spawn me to make the jump later to the
> programming models with the fee.
>
> But hey, I'm very used to TV Guides and generally find the shows I'm
> interested in are on at the same time of day on the same day of the
> week. I'm very used to programming my VCRs.
>
> Any idea where to get a non-Tivo DVR?

buy.com
amazon.com
jandr.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On 2005-08-30, Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
> Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?

No, and not all TiVos require a monthly fee either.

Just with TiVo, you have these various options to avoid a monthly fee.

You can get a lifetime sub which wouldn't require a monthly fee. You
could find a used TiVo with a lifetime sub which wouldn't require a
monthly fee. You could get a non Humax DVD TiVo which would come with
TiVo Basic and not require a sub. You could try to find a SA1 that
originally shipped with OS 1.3 which would not require a sub of any
sort.

> I would suppose that fee allows a connection to some service that
> downloads all the programming info.

That's one of the many things the fee does, yes.

> Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
> for what channels & times I want?

You can but oh my gosh is TiVo so much better than this. You cannot
understand what you would be missing by not using TiVo's features.

> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?

People always say they are around but I cannot fathom why one would get
one when one could just get a TiVo.

--
This is my .sig

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 13:45:19 +0000, Evan wrote:

> Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?
>
No.

> I would suppose that fee allows a connection to some service that
> downloads all the programming info.
>
Yes.

> Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
> for what channels & times I want?
>
Most, you can, even some Tivos without a monthly fee.

> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?
>
I think this was already asked, but yes, there are many. In fact, most
don't require a monthly fee. Series 1 Tivos don't, Tivos with Basic
Service don't. Those made by RCA, Panasonic, and other companies don't.
Walmrt has some that don't, etc.

--
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Need good help? Provide all system info with question.
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[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 16:27:31 +0000, Evan wrote:

> I'm thinking a simple DVR to replace one of my VCRs would do
> nicely...and maybe it'll spawn me to make the jump later to the
> programming models with the fee.
>
> But hey, I'm very used to TV Guides and generally find the shows I'm
> interested in are on at the same time of day on the same day of the
> week. I'm very used to programming my VCRs.
>
> Any idea where to get a non-Tivo DVR?
>
You are being grossly mislead by Tivo Zealots. Your best solution depends
on the type of TV service you have. But, there are many standalone
PVR/DVR's that don't require a monthly fee. Walmart has several of there
own brand. Even Tivo's with Tivo basic don't require a monthly fee.
Panasonic, RCA, and others also make them. I'm with you. There's no way in
hell I'd pay $12.95 a month for guide service when I can program it
myself. I would however consider the the small monthly fee for a Direct
Tivo. Not so much for the guide service, but more for the fact that you
can record 2 shows at once with it and they are dirt cheap, even offered
free sometimes in specials. I also think the fee covers all units in the
house, so if you get one for every TV, the fee is still just $5 a month or
something like that, where is with a standalone tivo, it's $12.95 per
month for every unit you have. There may be a discount for multiple units,
but it's still going to be very expensive. If you've got cable, check with
the cable Co. to see what they offer. If like me, you only have over the
air, then any unit will serve your needs, even a Tivo that has basic
service. BTW, I do own a Tivo, but it's a series 1, and those didn't
require a subscription for recording by time and channel. It works quite
well. Much better than a VCR as there aren't any limits on recording
settings like 8 or 16 or whatever the VCR's had. At least I haven't
reached them if there is.

--
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Need good help? Provide all system info with question.
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[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:27:28 +0000, Mike Hunt wrote:

> On 2005-08-30, Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>
>> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?
>
> People always say they are around but I cannot fathom why one would get
> one when one could just get a TiVo.

Well, here's some reasons for you based strickly on the RCA DRS7000N I
picked up for $100 to go along with my Tivo.

1. Don't need a phone connection to get guide service (which is free) or
set the clock. Having to make a call to set the clock on the Tivo is a
real pita, especially if you don't have a land line. I can set the RCA
either manually, or set it for automatic OTA.

2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.

3. Has built in DVD player. Movies/picture cd's,etc.

4. Built in memory card slot. Although this didn't concern me.

5. If I use the guide service to record a show by name, it automatically
records 1 minute prior and 1 minute past the setting. I've never missed
the start or ending of a show that has ran over a little if there wasn't a
recording conflict.

6. During playback, I can pause the show and jump to any hour, minute, and
even second of the recording and restart playback there.

7. If I accidently change channels (as I've done many times with Tivo),
you don't lose the buffer like you do with Tivo. The 45 minute buffer will
follow all channel changes and you play them all back.

I'm sure there's more, but that's the most important ones I can think of
right now.

--
KT133 MB, CPU @2400MHz (24x100): SIS755 MB CPU @2330MHz (10x233)
Need good help? Provide all system info with question.
My server http/wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php
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[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 18:57:05 +0000, Wes Newell wrote:

> On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:27:28 +0000, Mike Hunt wrote:
>
>> On 2005-08-30, Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?
>>
>> People always say they are around but I cannot fathom why one would get
>> one when one could just get a TiVo.
>
> Well, here's some reasons for you based strickly on the RCA DRS7000N I
> picked up for $100 to go along with my Tivo.
>
If you are considering one of these, be aware that the HD can't be
upgraded past the original 40Gig. The newer model DCR7005 will alow you to
just pop in a new larger drive and get the larger space, so if 30Hours
isn't enough record time, don't get the 7000N.

--
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Need good help? Provide all system info with question.
My server http/wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php
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[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On 2005-08-30, Wes Newell <w.newell@TAKEOUTverizon.net> wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:27:28 +0000, Mike Hunt wrote:
>
>> On 2005-08-30, Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?
>>
>> People always say they are around but I cannot fathom why one would get
>> one when one could just get a TiVo.
>
> Well, here's some reasons for you based strickly on the RCA DRS7000N I
> picked up for $100 to go along with my Tivo.
>
> 1. Don't need a phone connection to get guide service (which is free) or
> set the clock. Having to make a call to set the clock on the Tivo is a
> real pita, especially if you don't have a land line. I can set the RCA
> either manually, or set it for automatic OTA.

Neither of my TiVos need or even use a phone connection.

> 2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.

I can do every minute with my TiVo.

> 3. Has built in DVD player. Movies/picture cd's,etc.

There are TiVos with built in DVD players and you can even stream pictures
and music to the SA2 TiVos along with copying movies (MPEGII) to the TiVo
from your PC.

> 4. Built in memory card slot. Although this didn't concern me.

It's also a don't care for me but TiVo doesn't have this (although you can
get a similar affect by plugging the memory stick into a PC and displaying
the memory stick content on the TiVo).

> 5. If I use the guide service to record a show by name, it automatically
> records 1 minute prior and 1 minute past the setting. I've never missed
> the start or ending of a show that has ran over a little if there wasn't a
> recording conflict.

You can do that with TiVo. You can set it up to always do it (which would
mean you would have a lot more conflicts) or you can even set it up to
opportunistically do extra padding (where it would record extra only if it
doesn't cause a conflict).

> 6. During playback, I can pause the show and jump to any hour, minute, and
> even second of the recording and restart playback there.

Can't do that with TiVo but I don't know how you would use it much ever.

> 7. If I accidently change channels (as I've done many times with Tivo),
> you don't lose the buffer like you do with Tivo. The 45 minute buffer will
> follow all channel changes and you play them all back.

First rule of owning a TiVo is to NEVER watch live TV. What's the point?
You should have hundreds of shows in the Now Playing list - just watch
something you are interested in. Forget about live TV, it's just a
lifestyle mistake.

> I'm sure there's more, but that's the most important ones I can think of
> right now.

I still cannot fathom why anyone who watches TV and wants a VCR/DVR
wouldn't get a TiVo - they just rock.

--
This is my .sig

 

[Evan]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

Wow...

Thanks for all your responses.

There is definitely going to be a learning curve here and as Mike
pointed out, I just might end up after all is "done," with the
full-feature Tivo.

Of course, going through the lesser/cheaper steps on the way isn't
necessarily too hard...and maybe a good learning experience for my
kids (and me).

Sounds like there are plenty of options and models to choose from with
all sorts of features.

Wish me luck and much thanks for all your suggestions.

Evan
Indy

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 13:45:19 GMT, Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:

> Do all Tivo-type machines require a monthly fee?

Perhaps the best example of one that doesn't is TiVo. You can pay a
lifetime subscription up front instead.
--
"It is more uplifting to find the beauty, wonder, spirituality, and
reverence in what we can see, than to imagine they only exist in what we
can't see." - hawthorn@sover.net http/www.sover.net/~hawthorn/

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

Evan wrote:
> Wow...
>
> Thanks for all your responses.
>
> There is definitely going to be a learning curve here and as Mike
> pointed out, I just might end up after all is "done," with the
> full-feature Tivo.
>
> Of course, going through the lesser/cheaper steps on the way isn't
> necessarily too hard...and maybe a good learning experience for my
> kids (and me).
>
> Sounds like there are plenty of options and models to choose from with
> all sorts of features.
>
> Wish me luck and much thanks for all your suggestions.
>
> Evan
> Indy

Well, Evan, if you're open minded about it (which you seem to be), then
perhaps a Tivo w/ DVD and Tivo Basic is the way to go. That way you can
give the Full Tivo subscription a shot at some point, but still have
Tivo Basic to fall back on.

If you go that route, don't worry too much about the brand, they're all
pretty similar. Just make sure it's got Tivo Basic, and decide whether
you want a DVD recorder (do they even make DVD Player integrated models
w/ Tivo Basic anymore? I suspect not).

And don't let some posters throw FUD at you. The Tivo subscription
covers more than just the program data, it also unlocks a lot of premium
features that are not available in Tivo Basic, including networking to
your PC, moving shows *between* multiple Tivos, remote scheduling, and
much more. Plus their newer software releases have been adding some
pretty significant new features at no additional cost (the latest one
added the ability to *upload* movies from your PC to the Tivo, including
home movies). The cost is $12.95/mo for one, which isn't trivial, but
additional units are half that, if you decide you want them. The
Directv integrated unit is a great deal at $5.99/mo, but doesn't have
many of the advanced software features, even though it has dual tuners
and digital sound.

Randy S.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <6h7ah1h8jqrv8hdpd8bfkiepq2niv2dr2v@4ax.com>,
Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:

> Wow...
>
> Thanks for all your responses.
>
> There is definitely going to be a learning curve here and as Mike
> pointed out, I just might end up after all is "done," with the
> full-feature Tivo.
>
> Of course, going through the lesser/cheaper steps on the way isn't
> necessarily too hard...and maybe a good learning experience for my
> kids (and me).
>
> Sounds like there are plenty of options and models to choose from with
> all sorts of features.
>
> Wish me luck and much thanks for all your suggestions.
>
> Evan
> Indy

Anyone who has a favorite Actor, Director or program/movie subject,
anyone who regularly watches any series, anyone who gets interrupted by
phone calls from parent/kids; etc, all will quickly decide TiVo is a
different paradigm and well worth any extra cost.

Trying to save on a monthly fee will only cost you more in the long run,
as you'll end up paying twice for your hardware. Once for the poor
imitation of TiVo, and once for the real thing.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <sho8h1dkvu5c7gl2fu2j3372422t8f9cia@4ax.com>,
Evan <evan@indy.rr.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>Why can't I use a DVR just like a VCR and do the programming myself
>for what channels & times I want?

You can.

>Anyone know if a DVR is available that deosn't require a monthly fee?

Yes, lots. I have a Toshiba RD-XS32, the current model is the RD-XS34.

I have one to augment my Tivos, because I can edit recordings on the Toshiba
and you can't on any of the Tivos. (I'm also getting addicted to the
2X with sound on my Toshiba.)

But the Tivo interface is still WAY better and WAY worth it (especially as a
single purchase of lifetime subscription on standalone units). For the
non-recurring shows I intend to record on the Toshiba (such as musical
specials), I still end up looking up the info in the guide on one of my Tivos
and then programming it in.

Basically, if you only want ONE DVR, getting a Tivo is definitely the choice.
If you want multiple ones, then sometimes others can be useful as additional
units.
--
mattack@gmail.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <pan.2005.08.30.18.59.54.267471@TAKEOUTverizon.net>,
Wes Newell <w.newell@verizon.net> wrote:
>2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.

You've been able to record in less than 5 minute increments as long as
you've been able to do manual recordings on a Tivo.

It used to be that you couldn't *end late* by 1, 2, 3, 4 minutes (and still
is for those of us with series 1s). But on TivoCommunity a few months ago
someone confirmed that one of the recent-ish (last year or so) upgrades to
S2s allowed you to end late by 1-4 minutes, not just 1, 2, 5 ...
--
mattack@gmail.com

 

[sinner]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

* mattack@gmail.com wrote in alt.video.ptv.tivo:
> In article <pan.2005.08.30.18.59.54.267471@TAKEOUTverizon.net>,
> Wes Newell <w.newell@verizon.net> wrote:
>>2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.

> You've been able to record in less than 5 minute increments as long as
> you've been able to do manual recordings on a Tivo.

Not on mine you cant. The time slots increment by 5 minute intervals in
the manual recording screen.

--
David
* Knghtktty is not going to ask how zucchini got into the discussion ...

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

SINNER wrote:

> * mattack@gmail.com wrote in alt.video.ptv.tivo:
>
>>In article <pan.2005.08.30.18.59.54.267471@TAKEOUTverizon.net>,
>>Wes Newell <w.newell@verizon.net> wrote:
>>
>>>2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.
>
>
>>You've been able to record in less than 5 minute increments as long as
>>you've been able to do manual recordings on a Tivo.
>
>
> Not on mine you cant. The time slots increment by 5 minute intervals in
> the manual recording screen.
>

It clunky on a S1, but can be done. If you want to start at, say, 7:01
you set it for 7:05 then tell it to start recording 4 mins early.

--Charlene


--
Jock: A strapping young fellow who instinctively knows that his knack
for teamwork and disdain for academics will someday catapult him into
the corporate boardroom. -- Bayan, Rick; The Cynic's Dictionary, 2002


email perronnelle at earthlink . net

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Thu, 01 Sep 2005 19:08:13 -0700, mattack wrote:

> In article <pan.2005.08.30.18.59.54.267471@TAKEOUTverizon.net>,
> Wes Newell <w.newell@verizon.net> wrote:
>>2. Can manually record to the minute, not every 5 Like my Tivo.
>
> You've been able to record in less than 5 minute increments as long as
> you've been able to do manual recordings on a Tivo.
>
But you can't set the intial recording in increments of 1 minute, only 5.

> It used to be that you couldn't *end late* by 1, 2, 3, 4 minutes (and
> still is for those of us with series 1s).

I've got a series 1 without a sub. Extending the recording doesn't work
properly. I don't know about starting 1 minute early, but that would still
be a seperate setting you would have to set in addition to the original
recording.

--
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Need good help? Provide all system info with question.
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