Unfortunately, I think you'll discover that there *still* isn't anything worthwhile on....

Lol...I use the Tivo all the time. Can't imagine how I watched tv without it before.

I see the next book now: "101 Projects for Your Couch Potato Gut."

I have Dish Network also and the shows on the history channel are incredible. You can learn an awful lot from them. Don't forget you probably also have the Speed Channel so now you can record all the great Porsche shows also.

resale value...

Like you'd ever sell it?!

I love mine....we need another.

Just a simple question: I have DirecTV and have not gotten the Tivo or new DVD with built-in 'Basic Tivo' because the channel schedule that comes from DirecTV is wildly inaccurate.

Does full Tivo service include an accurate channel schedule?

its fairly accurate...not perfect, but pretty close.

The 2nd hard drive upgrade is dead simple. I bought the $99 DirecTV/Tivo combo box, then put a second 160gig HD in. Lots of space now...

Tech,

The Directivo is awesome in that you can record two programs while you are watching a previously recorded program.

When have you had problems with the programming? Sports programming and live events will throw everything off when it goes over, but you can add time to recorded programs. I would think that all Tivo units get the same programming directly from Tivo, otherwise it would be too hard to deal with Season Passes.

Todd, where did you get your upgrade kit from?

it seems to come in batches. it'll be good for months AFAIK, and then for the past 3 days, it has identified at least five programs that weren't on (including NBC). No sports, or programs scheduled after sports -- just regular programming... Similarly, the DirecTV guide will describe program contents too often as 'series' or 'drama' when in other weeks it would be 'Alumatub 5' or 'Geneva Auto Show.'

http://www.weaknees.com/upgrades.php

these guys rock...quick service and excellent instructions with the kit. Perfect fit, no problems. About 5 minutes to do the upgrade.

We've got Dishnetworks DVR. Now there's always something on. I think the best part is pausing and rewinding live TV... plus skipping commercials.

We don't watch TV when our daughter is around... but "The Box" is archiving stuff for us to watch after she's in bed.

FWIW, I recently read that there is going to be an onslaught of very inexpensive TIVO type recorders and DVD recorders...some in combo packages. Supposedly to hit our shores just before Christmas.

this is turning into a Tivo thread, if it wasn't one already. I have some questions about it. Is there a monthly fee as well, or once you buy the machine you tell it what to do and that's it? Is it compatible with any cable service?

What models are out there? Different brands, strengths/weaknesses? Some programs are not regularly/weekly-scheduled. Does that mean you scan the tv guide in advance and enter those shows?

-an inquiring technopeasant

edit: just browsed the link from above... w/ so many brands, how do you know which one to choose? Are some more compatible w/ certain service or is it just about the features/looks?

1. discovery
2. court TV's night programming
3. A&E
4. history channel

entertain your brain. i rarely watch network TV anymore. crime shows rule.

Don't forget that you can build one yourself too.. check out FreeVo or MythTVon google.com

My wife still can't figure out how to watch a VCR tape or get our stereo to play music. The thought of different input sources completely throws her. No way is she going to go for TiVo.

Funny issue with mother in law. She thinks the T.V. has to be "on" to tape something with her VCR. So her tv is on all day to tape the soaps :( I've spent several hours showing her the procedure but got sick of doing that every other week.

David...Tivo is waaay simpler than VCR or stereo hookup. No inputs to change.

The History Channel is only accurate if You don't know your history.

Enjoy it now because in another 1-2 years you'll be watching nothing but Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Winnie the Pooh, Shrek and Shrek2, ETCx10 DVDs over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

And then you'll probably watch it over and over and over and over and over and over and over again some more.

Ask me how I know.

We've actually stopped watching grown-up movies - can't find the time. We rent/dish buy 1 movie a month maybe - someday we'll play catch-up.

I rank Tivo WAY up there in terms of modern inventions. Where we live, broadcast reception is nil and was never an option. After years of dealing with Adelphia (monopolisitic crooks with a crappy product), we got DirecTV and subsequently DirecTivo a couple years ago. (Same syndrome, we were home a lot more with the baby and just generally getting a little "old" and career-focused to go out and party on weeknights). Tivo ROCKS!

Just be prepared as before too long you will find your hard drive filled up with Clifford, Sesame Street, Rolie Polie Olie and all kinds of other fabulous programming! Ours really captures an eclectic mix of stuff as it's learned from 4 people with radically different TV-taste.