DVD recorder, or Tivo?

[Zech Marquis]

I'm planning on retiring my VCR--sick and tired of the old videotape routine, so I'll take a look at the DVd recorders and Tivo machines. Right now I give the edge to a DVD recorder--no monthly fee to pay, plus it's easy to program (at least I can!) and dvd discs can hold a boatload of shows and movies too. That way I can save up for my iBook or Powerbook after Christma sor so, then save up for an HDTV. So what would you guys suggest?

[blackcat77]

1. A DVD recorder won't record shows for you

But it's not practical to keep stuff on a Tivo forever.

I've had Tivo for a couple years now and can't imagine doing without it, but it's not really a long-term storage solution.

[liberalnurse]

3. I have a TimeWarner digital cable box.

Can I add TiVo? Are they compatable? I'm challenged in this area so I do without....but I'd like to get with the program now that it's been mentioned.

[blackcat77]

5. Yes, but it can be a little complicated

Some of them work by just hooking up some wires at the back of each unit, but I had to install some stupid IR thing which you had to put duct tape over so it would work with the lights on. It DOES work, but it sure seems like a bogus solution to the problem.

[liberalnurse]

6. Maybe I'll just stay with my tv/vcr combo.

I have an extra tv/vcr combo in my bedroom which is my 2nd cable line. Less boxes and quite simple.

I view our technology as disjointed at the moment. Compatability issues remain. ....Oh well....


Thanks for the feedback.... O8)

[T Roosevelt]

8. Since you already have Time Warner

I would suggest using it to record whatever (just like Tivo) and then add a DVD recorder to archive off what you want to keep. That way you don't have to pay for the Tivo service, and have a more useful DVD recorder.

[sendero]

2. But ....

.... there is no monthly fee for Tivo if you don't want their program guide. And Tivo without a program guide is still easy to program as long as you don't mind punching in start/stop times and channels.

I have a Tivo and I love it. I like being able to say "record every episode of Nip/Tuck" and just let it do the work. It's well worth the $13 a month to me.

That said, the Tivo machine is rough on hard drives and you can plan on replacing it every 2-3 years.

[blackcat77]

4. Which is why it's better to get the cheaper models... nt

[sendero]

9. Actually....

... my mention of "replacing every 2-3 years" was poorly worded. I meant the hard drive, not the whole unit. It is pretty easy to replace the hard drive in a Tivo if you have basic tech skills. When mine started getting flaky, I bought a 120 gig drive for $100 and put it in. I now have 60 hours of recording space :)

What I'm presently doing, in addition to the few regular shows I watch, is using Tivo to record movies (usually from commercial-free Turner Classic Movies) and then spooling them to VCR tape to view at some later time.

Easy way to save off a bunch of your favorite movies.

And - I can *ringingly* endorse Tivo, you never have to watch a damn commercial again - fast forwarding thru them is much easier than with a VCR.

[RobertSeattle]

7. Tivo Tivo Tivo

You can take my Tivo from me when you pry it from my cold dead hands...