Draheid | Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 09:13 am     Tivo Series-2 machines include USB ports that allow you to add a networking adapter which can be connected to a broadband (high speed interenet) connection to download the programming information directly from the internet. This eliminates the need for a phone line connection. Also, older Tivo units can be upgraded to add a network card for the same purpose. We unfortunately live in an area where there is no local access number so I upgraded my Tivo shortly after I bought it (I also added a 2nd hard drive for additional storage at the same time) and have been using my cablemodem network to retrieve the programming. Hope this helps. |
Wendo | Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 09:18 pm     Draheid, that's how I now have my Tivo connect, via ethernet over my broadband connection. Updating takes no time at all. I'll also be adding another hard drive soon as well. More recording! LOL! For those interested in more info about Tivo as well as others to talk with, visit this Tivo forum: http://www.tivocommunity.com/ Lot's of info there!  |
Daydreamer | Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 05:42 am     I just bought a TIVO Series 2 with up to 40 hours of programming. The sales person told me it could not be upgraded. Can it? Or should I return it and get the 80 hour one? Thanks. |
Draheid | Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 06:09 am     Daydreamer: Check out 9thtee.com's Tivo Upgrades to see what your options are for upgrading. Just remember that whatever 'capacity' stated is based on lowest quality recording levels. For example: On my unit I have these options for default recording quality:
Best Quality | | 36 hrs, 0 min | High Quality | | 58 hrs,20 min | Medium Quality | | 77 hrs, 15 min | Basic Quality | | 130hrs, 35 min | I keep mine set on Medium Quality and have not come close to running out of recording space. I imagine if I were to go on an extended vacation, I might set it to basic quality for more recording time. Hope this helps. Note: Please be aware that upgrading before your warranty ends will void that warranty. Read the 9thtee site for more information. |
Daydreamer | Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 10:48 am     Thanks, Draheid. I will check that out. I was kind of surprised to find out that the capacity was based on the quality of the recording when I purchased my unit. When I record something on basic it's a horrible picture. I've kept it on medium and that seems fine so far. I was just thinking of upgrading since I think I only get about 23 hours or something like that on medium quality. Thanks again. |
Seamonkey | Friday, October 10, 2003 - 01:15 pm     I am on Time-Warner cable and have digital cable and my DVR is about $6 per month, no phone line.. the DVR box is also the cable box. I'm thinking of switching to DVR box upstairs as well. I don't think it has all the features of TIVO but I do love it. |
Cinder | Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 05:17 am     TheOwl- I noticed in the Yes Dear Thread you stated you got the whole episode (since it was longer than what TIVO recorded) on the West Coast feed. I have noticed that when I put in a show it gives me three time zones- but it doesn't actually record all three. Do you have EVERY channel? |
Fabnsab | Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 11:31 pm     I am pulling this thread out now that I want to buy hubby a Tivo for Christmas. I just went to their site and am already in love with it. Is the other 40 hours really worth another $100 or will I be ok with the $200 (40 hour) version? I think $200 might be what I can spend so I won't get this if you guys suggest waiting till I can afford the $300 one. Thanks! |
Sasman | Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 01:48 am     I have the 40 hour TIVO and it is plenty big for me. |
Cinder | Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 04:25 am     I also think 40 is plenty. When I first got it I made sure to erase stuff quickly- but now I leave it on there until I am sure I am through. If you want to save something you can always put it on video tape. |
Maris | Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 05:48 am     Seamonkey, I have DVR as well through Time Warner and it is great. I can now watch law and order 24 hours a day. lol. I think with the DVR we get thirty hours of recording space and can record two shows at a time. I pay $8 a month for it. |
Daydreamer | Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 06:33 am     I have the 40 hour and it's fine. The only thing you need to know is that recording time is based on the quality you use to record. You only get 40 hours if you record on basic quality. I keep mine on medium and I'm happy with the quality of that. I think that recording on medium quality will hold about 29 hours. I usually delete stuff as soon as I watch it so I've never had a problem. However, if it's something I want to download to my VCR, I record it on the highest quality because it seems to transfer better. |
Wendo | Friday, November 21, 2003 - 10:17 pm     Y7??X.º Another thing to be aware of. Once the hardware warranty runs out, you could always upgrade the storage in the Tivo. There are many third party companies and people who do this. Basically, you can upgrade the hard drive to a larger model, or add another one (I believe the Tivo Series 2 can hold two hard drives.) Just something to keep in mind. Oh, I have an 80 hour unit. Mainly because I don't catch up until weekends and I tend to keep shows awhile. I do think a 40 hour unit is fine though. |
Fabnsab | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 03:09 am     Thanks for the info, everyone. I think I will go for the 40 hour unit. It would be a nice gift for him and I can't see us needing more than that. Those are our famous last words everytime we get a computer though and we want more more more hard drive space! |
Fanny | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 04:14 am     I have 80 hours and it isn't nearly enough for me. But then again TIVO ruined my life so who am I to give advice about it. |
Sasman | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 04:17 am     Fanny! When I got my TIVO I was told your story as a big warning. They were afraid that I would totally disappear. So glad to see you posting! |
Fanny | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 04:29 am     Well Sasman I'm only here temporarily...I have recorded stuff I need to watch! I see that yellow circle with the exclamation point in it and I freak out. LOL But it is flattering to think that I'm the TVCH anti-TIVO poster child. Oh.. since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, I'll say I'm thankful TVLand quit running Charlie's Angels reruns. Gotta run! |
Luvmyjrt | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 05:59 am     I would like to get Tivo but do not have a land based phone line. Can anyone please suggest how I can do this? I have direct tv and they have indicated it is necessary. I do have a cable modem on my computer that is in the next room. I have read that a wireless ethernet may work. Could someone explain? Also, is it necessary if you have the ethernet (not wireless) to keep it connected to the computer at all times? Would greatly appreciate your comments/suggestions. Thanks! |
Draheid | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 06:34 am     Fabnsab: I would look at the cost of the 40 hour vs the 80 hour vs upgrading (after waiting a year for the warranty to expire) to see which route is most applicable to you. Upgrading yourself is very easy if you purchase the right kit for this. Also, don't forget about the 'service subscription' cost which is not included in the purchase price of any Tivo unit. Fanny: Mark the program 'Save until I delete' and you won't have to contend with the yellow circle with the exclamation again! Luvmyjrt: Most Tivo owners who have a network interface installed in their Tivo have it connecting with an ethernet cable or wireless connection to a router which is connected to their cablemodem/DSL and no longer have to worry about dialup. This is especially important for anyone where there is no local number for it to dial anyway. I should also mention that I've never been able to determine what, if any, type of schedule the Tivo uses for making it's 'call' each day. Sometimes it's mid afternoon, others middle ord-pe night. Hope this helps. |
Luvmyjrt | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 06:37 am     Thanks for your prompt response Dra. Could you please tell me what I would need to purchase to get this set up? Do I need a cable running across my living room to my PC in the kitchen? Do I install the network interface or does it come this way? Hate to admit it, but I am a TiVo idiot. Your help is greatly appreciated! Also, the tivo site indicated you have to have a dial up initially. Is this true? |
Draheid | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 06:46 am     Luvmyjrt: The Tivo Series 2, the current version being sold, has built-in USB ports. What I've read about a lot of folks doing is purchasing a wireless network adapter to USB device and then adding a wireless access point to the cablemodem. This allows the connection without wires of course making it much more convenient. Also, an added potential for you is that you would now have the ability to have other computers connect wirelessly as well if you want as well. Just reading your post again, I realized you have DirecTV. I'm not certain but I suspect the DirecTivo (Tivo for DirecTV) should also have similar connectivity as the Series 2. I am not positive of this though so you should certainly ask when you begin shopping for a system. Hope this helps. |
Luvmyjrt | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 07:30 am     It certainly does Dra! So on my shopping list I have the Series 2 DVR and the Linksys Instant Wireless USB Network Adapter. Do I need anything else? |
Draheid | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 07:38 am     Luvmyjrt: Yes, if you don't already have a WAP (wireless access point) connected to your cablemodem/DSL, you will need that also. Linksys makes a great combination WAP/Cable-DSL router which also has ports for your wired networked computer(s) at the same time and should be an easy match for the rest of your setup. |
Luvmyjrt | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 07:41 am     Dra: Are you sick of me yet? One last question, I promise.......My computer is in an area of the home that is downstairs. If I set up another computer upstairs in my sons room, will the wireless signal get there? Also, I assume cable and dsl are not one in the same? If we ever meet, I'll buy you dinner for your tutorial! |
Sasman | Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 07:45 am     hey lumyjrt (i love our jrt also and wish i had thought of a name like yours ). I got last year a Dirctv receiver with TIVO built in. It was about $200 thru Directv's website. This is a great way to go because it eliminates the need for another box to hook up, the TIVO is very integrated with the Directv, and it costs about $5/month to Dirctv for the service (TIVO charges $10/month I think). I love this setup which I only have on one TV and when I watch in the bedroom I realise how much I miss the TIVO. So now I want to get another one but haven't told dw yet. |