Greatest invention in the last 5 years.
Written: Nov 18 '02
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Pros: Optical port for Dolby Digital Audio. No problem with changing channels
Cons: Unit will not work unless you have DirecTV. Will not work with Digital Cable Box.
The Bottom Line: Yes, absolutely, unless you are planning a move back to cable service.
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| dj5000's Full Review: Sony SAT-T60 DIRECTV Receiver with TiVo |
I'm not going to sit here and sing the praises of TiVo ad infinitum (although I could.) If you're reading this review, you already know that TiVo is the best thing to happen to TV viewing since the advent of the remote control. The question is which model does the best for me. This Sony SAT-T60 had the one feature that I was initially interested in--an optical port for a true Dolby Digital audio signal. Thus, it fully utilizes the high audio potential of digital satellite television.
In addition, its TiVo features were quite impressive also. One particular feature that separates it from other TiVo machines is the absence of quality variations. Other TiVo machines have to option to record certain programs in either high or low quality, the reason being that there is more recording "space" at lower quality. However, since the DirecTV receiver and TiVo hard drive are in the same unit, there is no separation of digital signal and every recording looks as beautifully sharp as it was broadcast. Furthermore, some of my friends who have a separate TiVo unit with their cable boxes experience occasions where TiVo errs when changing the channel on the cable box and ends up recording the wrong channel. Since this Sony SAT-T60 is both services in one, that problem never happens.
But the fact that both TiVo and DirecTV are in the same piece of machinery also means that one does not work without the other. This unit will not work with a cable box as an independent TiVo machine. I recently moved into a historically-protected neighborhood that would not allow DirecTV to install a dish. Thus, my Sony SAT-T60 will have to collect dust for a while until I move back into the suburbs.
I was lucky enough to purchase this product when the lifetime TiVo membership fee was $199. Although the lifetime fee has risen to $249, I still recommend it (unless you might move to a satellite-unfriendly area soon.)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 399 in 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
dj5000
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