TIVO

anyone have tivo??? and if you do do you like it? we were concidering getting it but before we do i want to make sure its good..

thanks!

You need to pay for two things - the recording device and the subscription to the Tivo service. The recording device can cost anywhere from I think around $200 - $400 depending on the hard drive. The subscription cost is either $12.95 per month or $249 for the lifetime of the RECORDER (not your lifetime ). If the recorder malfunctions, etc, the subscription remains in effect, but if you get another box like we did, it was another $249 for the subscription for that machine. It's o.k. if you move (we did). I think DH ordered our machines directly from Tivo, but you can purchase them at the Wiz, or places like that. You can check www.tivo.com for more info.

I was thinking of getting this myself but $13/month. Wow - that seems really expensive. I thought it was $5/month for whatever reason.

Does anyone know if it works with DirectTV?

Sonicstef, just wanted to pipe in that Direct TV has their own version of Tivo, I think $10 a month extra. My sis has this -- and LOVES it !!!!

I'll call ask my sister. For some reason she's not answering my email
I'll post it when I get home. I know FOR SURE it is a Direct TV feature. She lives in Westbury. My sis in Brooklyn also has this w/her Direct TV

Just found out, it is Direct TV's 'ULTIMATE TV'
The service costs $9.99 a month added on to your Direct TV bill. You must subscribe to Direct TV in order to use it.

You must also buy a receiver. My Westbury sis got the receiver practically for free w/her set-up (through some deal at Best-Buy)
My Brooklyn sister didnt wait for a sweet deal and paid $99 for her receiver.
Westbury sis says she's seen it many times on sale at Best Buy for $50, or with mail-in rebates of some sort.

Hope this helps

PS. She told me to make sure I tell you that she thinks this is the BEST invention in the WORLD, and even if she had to pay $25 a month, she would. And that she's throwing her VCR away !!!!!

I am posting for my fiance -- she wanted me to clear up a few things about Tivo and I really like when people buy them so here is the scoop:

1) Tivo can be used with pretty much any cable provider or satellite provider. If you have DirecTV, it is better to get the DirecTV only unit. This unit can only be used with DirecTV while a regular Tivo can be used with any cable or satellite provider.

2) The DirecTV only unit is a better unit because it is the only Tivo that can record 2 things at the same time. This is because it has two tuners. This Tivo would replace your DirecTV box so you could move box to a new room or get rid of it.

3) Pricing -- after buying the unit, you can pay $249 for lifetime service or $12.95 a month. DirecTV only units are now only $4.95 per month. This started last month. Also, if you have multiple units with DirecTV, you pay only $4.95 per month of the $249 for lifetime (can count for many units as long as they are connected to the same DirecTV account). Other Tivo units -- you must pay the $12.95 or $249 PER unit.

4) UltimateTV is NOT Tivo. It is a similar device developed by Microsoft that is similar and only works with DirecTV. Only buy one of these if they are super cheap ($50) because they arent made anymore and dont have as many features as Tivo.

5) How many hours can you store? DirecTV units can hold about 35 hours at great quality. The other units can hold up to 60 hours but that quality is not great, it is more like 30-40 hours at good quality.

Let me know if there are more questions.

-Shawn

Wow Shawn, that was so informative !!!!
May I ask you 2 questions?

1. What is a good price (the best discount I will find) on the TIVO unit?
2. Do I need one for every television in the house? Your opinion on this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Liz

1) If you are looking for a DirecTV unit -- I would go to Circuit City and pre-order the new Series2 DirecTV Tivo -- i believe they are selling it for $199.

If using it with cable or a different dish provider -- basically the price is pretty much fixed across vendors. Right now -- you can get the 60 hour unit for $349 - $50 mail in rebate. So basically $299 but you have to wait 6-8 weeks for the $50 check if you send in the proper info to qualify for the rebate.

2) You definitely dont need one for every television in the house. Basically, get one for the primary TV. I think you will find you dont like the other TV as much but you will be ok with just one tivo.

[a note: if you are considering getting directv and are new to the service, you can sometimes find good deals online that will include as many as 2 or 3 tivos at $100 each]

Also, the reason why Tivo is cheaper for DirecTV is because when you buy one, you are committing to getting DirecTV which makes DirecTV very happy.

hope this helps.

-Shawn