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[Miguel]

Ok, here's the tale of the tape

IN THIS CORNER, WEIGHING IN AT 8 LBS AND STANDING AT 3 INCHES TALL...
TiVo
40 hours
$199.99 (-$100 MiR)
$12.95/mo. (or $299.00 lifetime subscription)
Bunch of the extra features look cool (Music/Pictures, Season pass, Favorites, etc)

AND IN THIS CORNER! WEIGHING IN AT well, probably the same as the TiVo...
Time Warner DVR
30-50 hours
No Install charges, no setup fees, etc.
$13.99/mo.
Record 2 shows at once, or record 1 watch 1 at the same time.

Right now my reasons for both are listed. Which aren't many. I'm planning on doing some research on them later today, but for now I want to know your experiences with TiVo, what can be done with it, in terms of recording, modifying it, etc.

 

[Seth C]

Does your TW DVR not offer season pass type things (record each new episode of a series you like)? Also, are you already a digital cable suscriber? If so, going with the DVR may be a better idea.

I just signed up for Adelphia HD-DVR. They'll be out on Thusday. I can't wait. Digital programming and HD programming should look fantastic recorded, as the box simply copies the bitstream. It doesn't do any re-encoding so the video will look exactly the same as it did when it was originally broadcast. It will also capture DD5.1 audio on the HD channels.

Oh, and if it has two tuners it may actually let you record TWO shows while watching a previously recorded show. Mine will.

Edit: Tivo also needs a phone line. I don't have one (cell phone only). That may be a factor for you.

 

[SSGMUN10000]

For me the DVR has been pretty awesome. Since you already have digital cable I would recommend it. As far as TIVO is there a contract involved with it? If there is stay clear, or you can try DVR first and if not satisified try TIVO. If you have any specific questions about the DVR just ask.

 

[mrklaw]

Tivo's user experience rocks. Great UI, great options like season pass (works across seasons too).

Early ones are easily modded to be able to rip out recordings to PC (needs ethernet mod )

BUT

They mostly have external inputs, and re-encode video into MPEG2 in realtime. So that won't be quite as good quality as a DVR recording the incoming bitstream directly. You can get Tivos built into stuff,but I think its DirecTV only.

 

[Goreomedy]

I've got an HD-DVR through Cox. $9.95 a month, 50 hours of regular programming, or 25 hours of HD, at outstanding video quality. I can record two shows at once, and watch something from my list at the same time. There are enough options for recording so I don't miss the UI or overrated features of Tivo's service. I'm saving cash in the long run, and I can upgrade to new tech at anytime for no charge. For instance, a newer model HD-DVR with an HDMI output will be available soon.

I recommend going through your Cable provider first.

 

[jedimike]

I will try to provide a bit more info for you... I have a TiVo and I also have my Comcast DVR. I suppose if I had to kick one to the curb, my TiVo would get the boot. Simply because it doesn't do high def and lacks a dual tuner. Both units have the season pass options, both have an extensive search function, and both have good remotes.

edit: Just wanted to add that you don't need a telephone line for TiVo. You can hook it up into your wireless network. Even on initial set-up, you can configure it via a wired network.

Pros and cons of TiVo:

+User interface is heads and tails above competition
+Never misses a show
+Transfer shows on home network
+FFWD - actually backs up a bit when you blow by your stop point
+Can be configured for wireless network
-Price $12.95 a month (but there is a way to get it for $6.95 a month)
-Infrared blasters are needed when you have cable box
-space (although it is easy enough to add more)

Things I like about my Comcast DVR:

++High Def recording
++2 tuners
+Price $5 a month ($10 if you didn't already have a high-def box)
-It has missed a recording
-No way to archive shows

 

[SSGMUN10000]

For your info the std DVR has an 80 gig hard drive the HD DVR has a 160 gig drive.

 

[Jesiatha]

I can't speak to either of these DVRs, but I have a Windows Media Center and agree that dual tuners are great. If I were you, I would make the call based on that alone.

 

[Seth C]

Just wanted to add that you don't need a telephone line for TiVo. You can hook it up into your wireless network. Even on initial set-up, you can configure it via a wired network.

Really? When I was searching for a DVD recorder the reason I did not go with the Toshiba Tivo/DVD-R was because my impression was that I had to use a telephone line, at least during the initial setup.

 

[jedimike]

Really? When I was searching for a DVD recorder the reason I did not go with the Toshiba Tivo/DVD-R was because my impression was that I had to use a telephone line, at least during the initial setup.

You can plug in a wired USB ethernet adapter and then plug in your TiVo. When it asks for a dialing code put in #401. It's not officially supported by TiVo, but as long as you have an officially supported wired adapter it should work. If nothing else, I'm sure you know someone with a phone line that would let you set it up at their house and then take it home.

 

[Incognito]

I have the TW-DVR. It rox.

 

[Miguel]

Just got the Time Warner DVR Box, about to set it up right now. Thanks SSGMUN10000.

 

[SSGMUN10000]

No problem.

 

[AirBrian]

-Infrared blasters are needed when you have cable box

I have a Series 2 TiVo with Comcast cable, and I do not need IR blasters. There is also a serial port option from the TiVo to the cable box. Older cable boxes may not have the serial port, but most of the new ones do. I just called Comcast and told them I wanted a cable box with a serial port and I got a newer one free of charge.

You might want to check that out -- the serial port is much better.

 

[Miguel]

Hell YES.

I just checked NBATV's lineup for today.

2:30 = Rockets vs Magic Game 1 of the 1995 NBA FINALS. HELL YEEAAAHH!!!!

Edit: Haha, I had no clue we had Adult swim on demand. That rox. *looks to see what other stations are available*

 

[AirBrian]

PTI get!