Post by Skaggs on Apr 30, 2010 7:45:49 GMT -5
Best way to record TV shows
www.komando.com
4/30/2010
Q: I just received an e-mail ad for TiVo. What are the benefits of TiVo versus renting a cable DVR? Thanks!
-Dave from Henrico, VA, tunes in to WRVA 1140 AM
A: TiVo currently ships two DVR boxes. There are the Premiere ($299) and the Premiere XL ($499) models. In addition to the hardware cost, there is a monthly service fee. You’ll pay between $11 and $13, depending on the plan.
Both systems have the usual DVR features. These include timed recordings and live TV manipulation. The Premier can record 45 hours of high-definition television. The XL can record 150 hours.
TiVo boxes can record two shows at once. This is in addition to watching a previously-recorded third show. Some cables DVRs can do this, and some can't. For example, AT&T's U-Verse box can record four simultaneously. However, only two of the recordings will be in high definition. You will need to check what your cable DVR provides.
Where TiVo really shines is the software. Its controls are very intuitive. And it has a few tricks cable DVRs often don't have.
Season Pass is a good example. Simply select a show you want to follow. TiVo will record the show, not just a set time-slot. This is good for shows that change air times. It also handles special episodes that might be longer than usual. You never need look at a TV schedule again.
Recording schedules can also be set remotely. This can be from a laptop or mobile phone. That is a useful feature for people on the go.
TiVo also interfaces with online streaming content. Videos can be streamed from YouTube, Netflix, Blockbuster, and Amazon. Audio and images can be streamed via Rhapsody, Picasa, and other sites. You can also access content stored on your computer. This is done over your network. You will need the free TiVo Desktop for the PC program.
TiVo boxes work with all cable services and antennas. However, the TiVo hardware does not work with satellite.
Soon, you’ll be able to get the TiVo software. Comcast and RNC already offer optional TiVo software on their cable DVRs. Cox and DirectTV will both offer TiVo software shortly. You’ll have to pay TiVo's monthly service fee.
You’ll get certain features like Season Pass. However, online content streaming is usually disabled. You will only have access to the cable provider's on-demand services. If you want to access content from your computer, you can buy an inexpensive set-top box. Click here to learn about your options.
That brings us to standard cable DVRs. These are available from cable providers for a monthly fee, usually $10 or $15.
The capabilities of these DVRs vary by provider. Most can record two shows simultaneously and store a few dozen hours of video. But, cable DVRs usually have pretty basic software. It doesn't include things like intelligent recording. And there's no online content streaming, aside from a provider's on-demand service.
So, is a TiVo worth the $300 or $500 extra? I would say probably not for most people. The main advantage to purchasing a TiVo is that you own it.
You can keep your TiVo even if you change providers. This means you don't have to worry about losing recorded shows. You can also expand TiVo's capabilities, like adding an external hard drive. Some people might find this attractive.
However, the hardware really isn't much better than a cable DVR. Just make sure the cable DVR supports HD. Most do these days. Some of TiVo’s software features are pretty handy. But you can now get the TiVo software on many cable DVRs.
There is also a fourth option. You can use a computer instead. Building your own DVR computer isn’t terribly difficult. The cost for this can be less than a TiVo. You won’t need to pay a monthly description. Learn how to turn an old computer into a DVR.
Most DVRs can record HD content. But, you might not be getting the best high-definition picture possible. Learn how to optimize your home theater:
You probably have a surround sound system. Learn how to set it up the right way.
www.komando.com
4/30/2010
Q: I just received an e-mail ad for TiVo. What are the benefits of TiVo versus renting a cable DVR? Thanks!
-Dave from Henrico, VA, tunes in to WRVA 1140 AM
A: TiVo currently ships two DVR boxes. There are the Premiere ($299) and the Premiere XL ($499) models. In addition to the hardware cost, there is a monthly service fee. You’ll pay between $11 and $13, depending on the plan.
Both systems have the usual DVR features. These include timed recordings and live TV manipulation. The Premier can record 45 hours of high-definition television. The XL can record 150 hours.
TiVo boxes can record two shows at once. This is in addition to watching a previously-recorded third show. Some cables DVRs can do this, and some can't. For example, AT&T's U-Verse box can record four simultaneously. However, only two of the recordings will be in high definition. You will need to check what your cable DVR provides.
Where TiVo really shines is the software. Its controls are very intuitive. And it has a few tricks cable DVRs often don't have.
Season Pass is a good example. Simply select a show you want to follow. TiVo will record the show, not just a set time-slot. This is good for shows that change air times. It also handles special episodes that might be longer than usual. You never need look at a TV schedule again.
Recording schedules can also be set remotely. This can be from a laptop or mobile phone. That is a useful feature for people on the go.
TiVo also interfaces with online streaming content. Videos can be streamed from YouTube, Netflix, Blockbuster, and Amazon. Audio and images can be streamed via Rhapsody, Picasa, and other sites. You can also access content stored on your computer. This is done over your network. You will need the free TiVo Desktop for the PC program.
TiVo boxes work with all cable services and antennas. However, the TiVo hardware does not work with satellite.
Soon, you’ll be able to get the TiVo software. Comcast and RNC already offer optional TiVo software on their cable DVRs. Cox and DirectTV will both offer TiVo software shortly. You’ll have to pay TiVo's monthly service fee.
You’ll get certain features like Season Pass. However, online content streaming is usually disabled. You will only have access to the cable provider's on-demand services. If you want to access content from your computer, you can buy an inexpensive set-top box. Click here to learn about your options.
That brings us to standard cable DVRs. These are available from cable providers for a monthly fee, usually $10 or $15.
The capabilities of these DVRs vary by provider. Most can record two shows simultaneously and store a few dozen hours of video. But, cable DVRs usually have pretty basic software. It doesn't include things like intelligent recording. And there's no online content streaming, aside from a provider's on-demand service.
So, is a TiVo worth the $300 or $500 extra? I would say probably not for most people. The main advantage to purchasing a TiVo is that you own it.
You can keep your TiVo even if you change providers. This means you don't have to worry about losing recorded shows. You can also expand TiVo's capabilities, like adding an external hard drive. Some people might find this attractive.
However, the hardware really isn't much better than a cable DVR. Just make sure the cable DVR supports HD. Most do these days. Some of TiVo’s software features are pretty handy. But you can now get the TiVo software on many cable DVRs.
There is also a fourth option. You can use a computer instead. Building your own DVR computer isn’t terribly difficult. The cost for this can be less than a TiVo. You won’t need to pay a monthly description. Learn how to turn an old computer into a DVR.
Most DVRs can record HD content. But, you might not be getting the best high-definition picture possible. Learn how to optimize your home theater:
You probably have a surround sound system. Learn how to set it up the right way.
- Are you sitting the right distance from your HDTV? Find out where to sit for the best picture quality.
- An uncalibrated HDTV will look terrible—and use more electricity.
- Find out how to calibrate your HDTV for the best picture quality.