Tivo- Better than a VCR
Written: Dec 10 '00 (Updated Dec 25 '01)
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Pros: Life changing in terms of TV.
Cons: Is a little expensive.
The Bottom Line: If you can't program your VCR, then this is for you. Easy to learn, it learns your tastes, and it frees you from scheduled TV viewing.
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| ihike's Full Review: Philips TiVo PTV 300 Digital Recorder |
Philips Tivo HD31202
What does it do? It totally changes the way you watch TV. Never miss your favorite program, no searching for blank videotapes to record on. Stop letting a station manager at the networks decide when you see what. Take control of your TV and your life. How does Tivo do all of these things. Well that can be rather complicated to explain .
In essence Tivo is a video server or other words a computer which stores video. A Tivo unit contains a hard drive, which is constantly running and archiving the channel you are currently watching to disk. This active archiving enables you to pause live TV, rewind, fast-forward, perform instant replays, view slow motion, and save what you are watching instantly to disk. Have you ever wanted to pause TV to answer the phone or door? Now you can.
A Video butler
Tivo is connected to an online programming guide which provides several weeks of TV programming. This allows you to plan ahead and schedule Tivo to record shows you are interested in. You can rate the shows you watch by pressing either the thumbs down or the thumbs up button on your remote. By rating the shows you watch and telling Tivo to record something for you, you are in essence training Tivo to become your own personal
Video butler. Tivo will learn what you like to watch and then record shows it thinks you might enjoy.
The Philips Tivo HD31202 Specifications:
Based on a Power PC processor, Philips TiVo receivers offer high quality digital (MPEG-2) video and audio recording and are compatible with terrestrial, cable and satellite TV sources. Tivo combines all video sources into one convenient programming guide (A Great feature!).
HDR312 receiver-p to 30 hours recording
Audio/Video Inputs (NTSC video standard)
1 X stereo audio
1 X composite video
1 X RF coaxial video
1 X S-Video (Y/C)
Audio/Video Outputs (NTSC video standard)
2 X stereo audio
2 X composite video
1 X RF coaxial with channel 3¡V4 switch for video modulation
1 X S-Video (Y/C)
Remote control programmable for TV/AV
IR output to control cable boxes and satellite
Serial control output to control DirecTV receivers
33.6 Kbps (RJ-11 jack) modem
Tivo Programming Subscription:
TiVo gives you a choice of service payment options: no monthly fees or pay as you go. You decide. If you opt for no monthly fees, you can receive the TiVo Service (for the lifetime of the unit) with a single payment of $199. If you'd prefer to keep your up front costs to a minimum,you can make a payment of just $9.95 per month.
Price
You can usually find a Tivo unit for about $299.00. Tivo offers rebates of $100.00 frequently on the cost of the service.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299.00
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ihike
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Location: Seattle, Wa.
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