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With Home Media Option (extra one-time fee, not available for DirecTiVos)

You should have said "With Home Media Option, now completely free on Standalone Series 2 Tivos.

Hmm, I might just activate my third series1 standalone now.

I paid for my HMO, but I can easily think of the $99 charge now being for the privilege of transfering my lifetime subscriptions from my other two Series1 TiVos to two Series2 TiVos. (And it made sense because the Series2 units require subscriptions whereas the old Philips units I have are subscription optional. Better to be able to cancel on the Philipses and save money if needed.)

And hey! according to their FAQ on this, my monthly units are getting discounted rates already! If I register the old 20hr (never subscribed), I'll still be paying less than before the rate change!

I wonder if I could convince them to let me have 8 units at $6.95/mo. with the two with lifetime on the same account without divorcing the lifetime units to different accounts. Otherwise, wouldn't I lose HMO video sharing benefits with the Series2 units on divorced accounts, even if at the same address?

Tivo pushed a 2-minute 'preview of'/'making of' 'Chronicles of Riddick' out to my Tivo unit this last Sunday as per their normal marketing arrangements.

It claims (IIRC) that the movie starts where the quite good action sci-fi adventure 'Pitch Black' left off. The character played by Vin Diesel was apparently too intriquing to let go, and a numbered sequel (a la` Pitch Black II) was probably too ordinary.

I admit the universe presented in Pitch Black is interesting. They got a good bit of science right in that they used a planetary eclipse for the mating time, which is unusual enough to be a natural idea. I would have liked to see some vegetation to support this biological system, but on the whole it seemed pretty good.

The spacecraft, the concept of a prison ship, this is pretty normal stuff, but I like the concept of either electromechanichal or biologically enhanced eyesight as a mini-superpower, given present technology trends this seems reasonable given the rest of their technology structures.

If anyone has a further comment on the hard-sci-fi tech aspect of these movies, please post, I am interested if they conform to the almost-reasonable traditions of Niven and Asimov.

-- Kevin J. Rice
Justanyone.com

There's a big problem with software-services, and that is that the consumer doesn't feel like they're getting the same "value" (whatever that is) that they get when they have something they can hold in their hands. With hardware, you can usually repurpose it, but with software, you feel like you're held hostage and we know that companies sometimes stop support (DOS, QuickBASIC, J#) if not disappear altogether. Even though alternate guide services exist, I like TiVo's, but feel secure by TiVo's policies toward [friendly] hackers.

Witness TiVo, by far the best piece of consumer electronic to come along in a long while. To get the full value, you need to buy a TiVo box -and- get a lifetime subscription. Now, pretend you're standing in BestBuy in the TiVo section and you're looking at price tags.

Alternate Universe #1: Buy a TiVo box for $50 and purchase the lifetime service for $450. How do you feel? (Personally, I wonder why the box is so cheap and how long they'll stay in business.)

Alternate Universe #2: Buy a TiVo box for $450 and purchase a lifetime service for $50. How do you feel? (Now, I feel like getting several boxes.) ...what changed? The fact that I'm walking out of the store holding something I *perceive* to put value in. I can see the TiVo box. I can't see the service.

Incidently, this is why a $250 box with $250 service causes so many consumers to sit there and ponder about making the plunge. (You should. -ed.)

The point being that free hardware is perceived as cheap hardware, even if it isn't. We also know, free hardware gets repurposed. (Witness the Cue:CAT barcode readers.)

No, if I'm going to have to pay for software, I want it to be like Apple's model for OS X -- everytime an update comes out, I *want* to shell out cash to get the new, _stable_, features that breath new life into my system.

I do NOT want to have to deal with the hassle of license codes.

As for me, sell me the hardware -- give me the software.

I've got an integrated DVD-R/TiVo unit with a 300 GB harddrive (an easily performed hack, or you can get PTV Upgrade to do it). Works very well, uses the TiVo desktop software to gateway pictures from my Mac's iPhoto database and mp3s from my Mac's iTunes database. The network interface is attached through a USB port on the back of the DVD-R/TiVo unit, and a number of wired and wireless adapters are supported.

My one gripe is that the TiVo doesn't support AAC files yet. TiVo keeps promising that they are working on it, but do not provide a delivery date estimate. This has been the case for over a year.

Other than that gripe, it works great. My only real gripe is that if you transfer a show over the network to this TiVo from another TiVo using the Home Media Option, the TiVo won't burn it to a DVD-R... their notion of DRM.

Oh yeah... and of course, being a TiVo it runs Linux, so all sorts of hacks are available for it.

I've got an integrated DVD-R/TiVo unit with a 300 GB harddrive (an easily performed hack, or you can get PTV Upgrade to do it). Works very well, uses the TiVo desktop software to gateway pictures from my Mac's iPhoto database and mp3s from my Mac's iTunes database. The network interface is attached through a USB port on the back of the DVD-R/TiVo unit, and a number of wired and wireless adapters are supported.

My one gripe is that the TiVo doesn't support AAC files yet. TiVo keeps promising that they are working on it, but do not provide a delivery date estimate. This has been the case for over a year.

Other than that gripe, it works great. My only real gripe is that if you transfer a show over the network to this TiVo from another TiVo using the Home Media Option, the TiVo won't burn it to a DVD-R... their notion of DRM.

Oh yeah... and of course, being a TiVo it runs Linux, so all sorts of hacks are available for it.

I've got an integrated DVD-R/TiVo unit with a 300 GB harddrive (an easily performed hack, or you can get PTV Upgrade to do it). Works very well, uses the TiVo desktop software to gateway pictures from my Mac's iPhoto database and mp3s from my Mac's iTunes database. The network interface is attached through a USB port on the back of the DVD-R/TiVo unit, and a number of wired and wireless adapters are supported.

My one gripe is that the TiVo doesn't support AAC files yet. TiVo keeps promising that they are working on it, but do not provide a delivery date estimate. This has been the case for over a year.

Other than that gripe, it works great. My only real gripe is that if you transfer a show over the network to this TiVo from another TiVo using the Home Media Option, the TiVo won't burn it to a DVD-R... their notion of DRM.

Oh yeah... and of course, being a TiVo it runs Linux, so all sorts of hacks are available for it.

You have to wonder if Sony is using licensed TiVo technology for this box.

You must be talking about that GPL license, eh?

> TiVo's only non-USA market is the UK.

For small values of market - the service is supported, but they aren't on sale any more.

and It can go in my filing cabinet right between my lifetime to Tivo and lifetime to Kali. Then again, they were both reasonably priced, $999 is a bit steep for a name.

There is a workaround to this problem. It won't let you record two shows, but you can watch one while you record another. Basically, you set up a second connection to the TV from your cable box or antenna that by-passes the TiVo unit altogether. It also won't work on channels that need to be de-scrambled by your cable box like HBO or Showtime, but at least you can watch one and record another.

That is, I was including the Home media option, which is $100 more. It allows you to play MP3s, remote schedule recordings (record stuff from the office, if you find a show you want to see mid-day), and other cool stuff.

I was including the ... which is another $100. It allows you to play MP3 music, videos, and a few other things.

My brother has a TiVo. I readily admit that the search software on the TiVo is much better, but it doesn't have two tuners (the SA from my cable company does). We were stuck watching some stupid show his wife had set to record. From looking at their web site, it seems that TiVo doesn't offer any models with two tuners.

Lifetime fee is $300, not $400.

TiVO has a new product called TiVoToGo. It should be a Media Center killer, since it will give you the added flexibility you need without having to have yet another crashing Windows box in your house. Here's the press release: "from TiVO. I think this new product will give users what they really want, which is more flexibility for managing their content, and having a 'library' capability that doesn't fall short at the size of the TiVO box. Rich

Stand-alone TiVo:

• $149 recorder, then $12.95/month, or $299 lifetime subscription
• Home Media Option, which lets you share video and music to other rooms

• $39 recorder if new customer, $89.95 recorder if current customer(sometimes much less if you order over the phone), then $4.99/month(per household, not per receiver)
• Dual tuners, so you can record two shows at once
• Higher picture quality than the standalone, since it stores the video in the format which DirecTV broadcasts, rather than re-encoding a cable signal to MPEG2

ummm... ok

Tivo2 is supposed to add support for XM Radio in the 2nd half of 2004. Digital quality radio recording sounds like a great combination.

TiVo of course! Ethernet, e-mail checker, etc, etc... ;)

Just an FYI...

The stock TiVo Series2 still has the Clear button in the bottom left corner (Warning, 65k PR image)

The Pioneer DVD/TiVo has the relocated button. Why they put the button there, I have no idea. (Warning, 380k PR image)

Just an FYI...

The stock TiVo Series2 still has the Clear button in the bottom left corner (Warning, 65k PR image)

The Pioneer DVD/TiVo has the relocated button. Why they put the button there, I have no idea. (Warning, 380k PR image)

I'm in the same boat of moving to a new place. Currently, everything, including TV and TiVO, is served by my main computer, and while that works well for a single guy, it doesn't work so well for a married one.

Since I have a receiver, will buy a new TV, but don't have a CD player, I figured it was cheaper to buy Tivo's Home Media Option, which uses my computer to stream mp3's and images through my Tivo and by extension, stereo. While I'm sure Tivo's media server is fine, I installed the JavaHMO which not only lets me serve up mp3's from my linux box, but also movie listings, weather reports, and even stream mp3's off shoutcast. Since I rip all my CD's to file anyways (usually ogg, but Tivo doesn't support Ogg :/), now I can access my entire music collection plus internet radio stations through the simple Tivo interface. Add a wireless 802.11b USB adapter, and you have a nice wireless media server through your Tivo.

TiVo's online FAQ explaining how to get them to stop collecting anonymous information from your TiVo.

TiVo's complete privacy policy

Yes, if you own TiVo and you don't like the idea of them collecting information about you, even anonymously, give them a call and let them know and they'll stop. No big deal. Of course, /. being a geek haven, I'm sure more than one person has hooked TiVo up to their home LAN and they monitor the network traffic to TiVo, so you can both see what they're already sending and what they send after you make the call.

I personally don't have a problem with this because of the manner in which they collect the information and what they're likely to do with that information. I guess if you're super-paranoid, you could reason that Scott Richter might buy out TiVo and start using all of the non-anon'd data (if they even keep it, which is probably spelled out in their privacy policy, which I'm too lazy to read). But, just for comparison...

Did you know that every time you use your credit card, the credit card company tracks your shopping habits? This wouldn't be so bad, but then they boast about the degree to which they're collecting information about you by sending out an itemized list of the things you bought every month, right to your door! The nerve!

If only these companies would take the hint from TiVo and let us simply place a call, and they'd stop registering that sort of data. That would be great, wouldn't it?

sev

TiVo's online FAQ explaining how to get them to stop collecting anonymous information from your TiVo.

TiVo's complete privacy policy

Yes, if you own TiVo and you don't like the idea of them collecting information about you, even anonymously, give them a call and let them know and they'll stop. No big deal. Of course, /. being a geek haven, I'm sure more than one person has hooked TiVo up to their home LAN and they monitor the network traffic to TiVo, so you can both see what they're already sending and what they send after you make the call.

I personally don't have a problem with this because of the manner in which they collect the information and what they're likely to do with that information. I guess if you're super-paranoid, you could reason that Scott Richter might buy out TiVo and start using all of the non-anon'd data (if they even keep it, which is probably spelled out in their privacy policy, which I'm too lazy to read). But, just for comparison...

Did you know that every time you use your credit card, the credit card company tracks your shopping habits? This wouldn't be so bad, but then they boast about the degree to which they're collecting information about you by sending out an itemized list of the things you bought every month, right to your door! The nerve!

If only these companies would take the hint from TiVo and let us simply place a call, and they'd stop registering that sort of data. That would be great, wouldn't it?

sev

6) Because TIVO isn't avalable for sale in my country.

Here's a link to the stats

Only an idiot would believe that Tivo doesn't use ANI information to tie data to individual users

I connect to the TiVo service through my broadband connection. I guess even non-idiots can now believe your statement.

Is show some more detail about what commercials were most watched also...

A standalone Tivo will work anywhere - cable, sattelite, antenna, whatever else somebody can come up with.

Almost. It won't work with C-band satellite.

Pisses me off, frankly.

One reason: DirecTV is a coast-to-coast standard. No matter where you are, you'll get the same programming (aside from local channels, which will be unique to your area). Including NASA TV.

Another reason: I hate the cable company. Every cable company I have ever dealth with is a huge pain in the ass. I think it's because they usually have a monopoly on a specific area, and don't give two shakes about customer service. Other people may have different experiences, but I've had major problems with both TimeWarner and Adelphia.

No matter which service you choose, however, a TiVo/PVR is a MUST. I never thought I could love a piece of equipment as much as I love my TiVo.

Although the DirecTiVo boxes are cheaper (subsidized by DirecTV), I recommend getting a stand-alone Series 2 TiVo, since it has features that the satellite boxes don't have, such as the Home Media Option and the ability to be hooked up to your home network. If I had it all to do over again, I'd bite the extra-cost bullet for this one.

Yeah, i was wondering if MythTV and those others use any of the Tivo source.

BTW - You can get a TiVo for US $149.

it relies on the app. GarageBand is not scriptable, for example, but iPhoto and iTunes have fairly decent scriptable functionality.

You need to introduce your friends to TiVo. It lets you do thing when you want to, yet still see your favorite shows. Sounds to me like TiVo would be a complete lifestyle changer for your friends, probably for the better.

Hell, go buy a used one on eBay, with lifetime service included.

It's not all Tivo's fault. The DirecTivo isn't usable in Canada because DirecTv isn't legal in Canada.

Huh? What does DirectTV have to do with it?

From the Tivo website:
Works with everything: cable, digital cable, satellite, antenna, and combinations

We have cable providers(Rogers, Shaw, Cogeco, Videotron, etc...), satellite providers (Express-Vu, Starchoice) and antenna feeds. Tivo could easilly release a "Canadian version" that works with our own cable/satellite/UHF/VHF providers/feeds. Hell, it does so in the UK already ;)

The stated reason is that the Canadian government doesn't want Canadians to become to "Americanized" by watching American TV

Again, why does this matter, as a Canadian-released Tivo would work with our existing providers. And hell, I have digital cable, and most channels are either American (TechTV, TLC, A&E etc..) or carry 30-95% American shows (especially in primetime). So again, what does that have to do with anything?

Us and UK only.

I am getting pretty tired of hearing about how great it is, since they won't sell them here.

TiVo's plans are not as ambitious because they don't include making content available throughout the home.

check out the home media option they started offering last year. it allows you to stream content from one tivo to another [along with music and photos from your pc]. if that's not offering content throughout the home then i don't know what is...

it could make Tivo a target for buyout by large copyright holders.

This has already begun. CBS (part of Viacom), Showtime (part of Viacom), Disney, NBC (part of Universal), America Online (part of Time Warner), DirecTV (1/3 owned by Fox), and Sony own parts of TiVo Inc. MPAA is Paramount (part of Viacom), MGM, Sony, Disney, Warner (part of Time Warner), Fox (part of News), and Universal. This leaves MGM as the only MPAA studio without a finger in TiVo.

Here is some kind of devkit, tho it appears to be for the Home Media Option end of things.

IANAProgrammer... But Tivo (series 1) runs linux on a PowerPC processor. I know enough about unix and linux to know that each flavor has a few "tweaks" that may not carry from flavor to flavor. So once you figure out those tweaks on Tivo's linux, then you should be able to develop using standard linux development tools. If you hit the Tivo Community Forum or the Deal Database forums you can find hundreds, if not thousands, of applications written to run on the Tivo.

And, under certian conditions, you can still use your Tivo without a subscription. It becomes exactly a digital VCR. It doesn't have any guide data or anything that makes it as useful as it is when subscribed.

Most Tivo loyalists don't like to talk about it, but there are ways to load 3rd party guide data onto your unsubb'ed Tivo.

So, if one is that hardcore, they can buy the Tivo, add a NIC, and get their own guide data loaded. All while never paying a monthly fee.

HMO is NOT an option for any DirecTV based Tivo. It says so right in Tivo's FAQ.

Clearly you haven't heard of HMODirecTiVo, an open-source project designed to duplicate the Home Media Option's functionality for 100% less money.

The 921 DOES run on Linux you idiot. In fact the baby brother PVR, the 721 also runs on Linux. Dish network serves the Linux PVR GNU codebase off an internet attached DVR 721. It's even got the lame X Window screen savers and 6 or so GNU games.

Then I assume you can download the source code, like TiVo lets you do. Oh, wait. Companies other than TiVo consider the GPL unconstitutional and deny your right to download.

The DVR-921 has "Dishwire" aka, Firewire, which, when enabled, and connected to a JVC DVHS recorder will allow you to archive your time shifted progams.

I might as well plug it into an 8-track tape recorder. Who uses VHS any more? Can you plug the DVR-921 into a real computer where I can use real software like CinePaint and avidemux to re-encode it into the codec of my choice?

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Seth Finklestein
Troll Impostor

My only complaint has to be the amount of commercials that Scf-Fi put in.

Hi! We here at Tivo would like to welcome you to 2003. We're glad to see you rejoin society and would like to take this moment to introduce you to some of the technology advances you've been missing...

Tivo monthly cost: $12.95/mo.

MythTV monthly cost: $0/mo.

Let's say you scrounge up some parts and build a whole MythTV system for $400. We'll use the 40hr Tivo at $200 after rebate. So, twice as much for the MythTV rig.

You'll break even in price after 15 months. Starting in the 16th month, you'll be saving money as compared to the Tivo. And that savings will continue to grow over time, for as long as you use the PVR.

So if you plan on using your PVR for at least a year, it's CHEAPER to build the MythTV box.

Tivo monthly cost: $12.95/mo.

MythTV monthly cost: $0/mo.

Let's say you scrounge up some parts and build a whole MythTV system for $400. We'll use the 40hr Tivo at $200 after rebate. So, twice as much for the MythTV rig.

You'll break even in price after 15 months. Starting in the 16th month, you'll be saving money as compared to the Tivo. And that savings will continue to grow over time, for as long as you use the PVR.

So if you plan on using your PVR for at least a year, it's CHEAPER to build the MythTV box.

Tivo monthly cost: $12.95/mo.

MythTV monthly cost: $0/mo.

Let's say you scrounge up some parts and build a whole MythTV system for $400. We'll use the 40hr Tivo at $200 after rebate. So, twice as much for the MythTV rig.

You'll break even in price after 15 months. Starting in the 16th month, you'll be saving money as compared to the Tivo. And that savings will continue to grow over time, for as long as you use the PVR.

So if you plan on using your PVR for at least a year, it's CHEAPER to build the MythTV box.

Good point I hadn't thought of that. From TiVo.com

The product lifetime subscription accompanies the product in case of ownership transfer.

Can I buy a TiVo DVR in Canada?

No. TiVo DVRs are not currently available in Canada. At this time, TiVo DVRs are only available in the United States and in the United Kingdom.

Pioneer's new DVD Recorder with TiVo allows you to use the PVR functions of the TiVo without paying a monthly fee. Of course, you don't get the Season Passes, Wishlists, or Home Media Option, etc, but you do get digital recording, no tapes, 3 days of guide data, and a DVD-Recorder (a new level of service called "TiVo Basic"). All this for about the price of a mid-range PC (900 dollars or so).

You can upgrade to the actual service if you so desire.

I've been looking for something TiVoish in Canada and was going to pick up an actual TiVo until I read the following on the TiVo website:

TiVo service is required and is available for $12.95 per month or $299 for Product Lifetime.

Is that wrong or misleading, you're saying I CAN use the device, with the exception of scheduling or tv guide features...?