TiVo: An Introduction for the Few Who Dont Know Yet

TiVo will change your life... for the better. Plain and simple: record shows by telling TiVo to record them (not when, what channel, how long, etc.), record all new episodes of X, record all movies w/ so-and-so in them, etc.

High Points:

Most people know the basics of the concept. Here's the low-down on the things I'm asked most...

1. You can record one thing and watch something else already recorded.

2. You can get a dual tuner TiVo, but you'll need two SEPARATE feeds to the TiVo (i.e., two lines from your satellite dish). Then you can record 2 things at once or watch one/record another. These are more expensive, but you can get a DirecTiVo w/ dual tuner cheaper and then the monthly TiVo fee is about half normal.

3. Pause live TV - if you don't realize the value of this, I can't explain it. :)

TiVo has many different versions which all some slight variations. If you want to go beyond 'average guy' level, check out this forum.

Comparison to ReplayTV:

TiVo seems to have a better interface from what I've seen and what others have said. It's easier to use. However, ReplayTV is more easily hackable - you can access it from the web and the PC easier to convert/archive shows, etc. I have a DVD recorder for this which is another post for another time.

Both can be made to do mostly the same things, but you get the idea.

My Suggestion

I recommend the DirecTiVo Hughes HDVR2 (dual tuner) w/ the Triple LNB dish (this is the oval dish w/ 4 lines from it and it's HDTV ready). It's got the satellite converter box built in so it's only one box to deal w/, the TiVo monthly fee is less and it's dual tuner.

This model isn't as hackable as some TiVo's, but it can do some and if you want to go beyond the basics than you probably haven't read this far.

Sites:

http://www.dvrinfospot.com

http://www.TiVo.com

http://www.TiVoCommunity.com

http://www.WeaKnees.com

...and, of course, The Armchair Geek (see below).

Bear Cahill is a software engineer in the Dallas, TX area and runs a few websites: The Armchair Geek (thearmchairgeek.com), Webpage Hosting Info (webpagehostinginfo.com), Go To College Online (gotocollegeonline.com) and The Video Exchange Community (videoexchange.org)

Publish freely if this resource box is included and links maintained as links.

---

What Is A Crystal? And How To Test It

Crystal are use to keep the frequency of the clock from drifting. If the signal from this clock stops, or is weak, or the pulses begin to... Read More

Getting The Proper Laptop Screen Size

Are you sick of viewing everything on that small screen that your current notebook comes with? Do you want your next laptop to have screen size that... Read More

Buying Cheap Refurbished Laptops

When comparing refurbished laptop models, ask about these specifications:Central Processing Unit: The CPU or processor is the heart of the computer. The more software you want in... Read More

10 Things to Ponder Before Moving Your Office Network

Moving the office network? How hard could it be? Anybody who's ever moved the office network knows the risks and challenges associated with this colossal task. This... Read More

Upgrading, Adding or Removing a Video Card, Sound Card, or Other AGP/PCI Card

For Video cards - Most PC video cards these days are AGP. But you COULD be working with PCI, or PCI express. If you're not sure which... Read More

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want to keep your machine in the best possible condition.Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard,... Read More

Printers

Do you feel overwhelmed when buying a computer or a new printer?You are not alone. With so many products to choose from I know exactly how you... Read More

Buying a Refurbished Dell Laptop

Dell offers a full line of refurbished laptops on their website, dell.com. Look for "Outlet Refurbished Laptops." There you will find a full range of popular models... Read More

Review of Popular Wireless Headphones

Just about everyone would I agree, I think, that wires on headphones are just about the most annoying wires associated with any electronic device. When you listen... Read More

Lock Workstation Fast

When you work in an office, it's important to lock your workstation every time you step away from your computer. A pain, but a security measure. You... Read More

Printer Ink Cartridges - The History

You are working at your computer and trying to print out important documents and all at once you find you are out of ink. Years ago that... Read More

War of the Disks: A Close-in Analysis of the Hard Disk Drive vs. the Solid State Disk

Much has been written about solid state disks (SSDs) becoming the next big thing1 in the IT industry(1). But as to whether or not we have enough... Read More

Computer Components for Idiots

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it's... Read More

Used Laptop Computer: Your Quick Purchase Inspection Guide ? Part 1

Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you sift through the mass of available used laptop computers to narrow your search down to the right... Read More

Protecting Your Computer From Power Surges, Data Loss, Viruses, And Spyware

Protecting Against A Power Surge:Your computer is an expensive investment; you should protect it from a power surge. If a sudden rush of electricity hits, a surge... Read More

What is Over-clocking a Processor?

Q : What is over clocking?Overclocking is when you make your system processor run faster that its normal speed. This has many advantages and dis-advantages.Advantages : This... Read More

Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode ? Why a UPS is Essential

It's most peoples worst computing nightmare. You wake up in the morning, flip on the computer, and it doesn't boot. Sometimes the problem rears its ugly head... Read More

Testing a Transformer- How To Accurately Test A Transformer

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as... Read More

ABCs Of DVD Drive Abbreviations

The number of different formats available in DVD drives can be confusing to anyone in the market for one. The list is much longer, but to address... Read More

RFID for Beginners

RFID technology is used frequently today and has been around since the 1920s, but not many people know about, or understand it. RFID stands for Radio Frequency... Read More

What Can You Do With A Mac Mini?

If you have not seen the newest addition to the Macintosh line, it is worth taking a look. It is a very small computer that is only... Read More

What is ESR Meter?

All capacitors have a certain amount of resistance to the passage of AC current. ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) is the sum of all internal resistances of a... Read More

Cheap Ink Cartridge

A cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way that people can afford to keep all of their printers ready for use. Internet email addresses are constantly... Read More

Generation Laptop

In May 2005 U.S hardware history was made.This was the first time that laptops sold more than desktop computers in a single month. Indeed, Current Analysis, an... Read More

Facing DVD Software Dilemma? Its Brainlessly Simple

1. Pocket DVD Wizard http://www.deprice.com/pocketdvdwizard.htmThe Pocket DVD Wizard allows you to make backup copies of your personal DVDs, Mpeg, Avi and DivX® video and then play them... Read More

Nvidia Geforce 7800 GTX Review

Nvidia has done it again, with it's newest video card, the geforce 7800 GTX. If money is no object and you demand the best, this is the... Read More