Anybody have a TiVo

[itlnstln]

When I moved downtown, I had to give up my Dish service and I switched to Time Warner (U-Verse was stupid-expensive for their offering).  Dish has the best hardware that I have ever used, and I was sorely disappointed when I tried TW's Mystro/Navigator interface.  On top of that, their Scientific Atlanta/Cisco hardware is complete crap.  All that said, I started looking into TiVo.  The hardware seems to be top-notch and the interface is legendary and aside from the initial hardware fee*, the monthly service would be subsidized by the cuts in TW service I would be making to switch.  So, has anyone personally used TiVo before or is using it currently and was it worth the money to make the upgrade?  I'm not a "power" TV-watcher, but I would love to have my GF be able to watch her reality shows on another TV while I watch something I consider more enjoyable, and I hate exchanging TW's hardware every other week and having to reschedule all of our recordings while having to hear my GF ***** and moan about audio skips and whatever else.


*I really don't mind paying for quality hardware that I can service at home if need be (DVR HDD formats, etc.).  With the software "upgrade," TW's boxes are not user-serviceable like they used to be and have to be exchanged, typically for another less-than-functioning box.

[SmallFry]

My dad has some 2nd gen TiVos. We really like them, but I assume you are going for new hardware so any knowledge that I have is obsolete. It is indeed top notch though.

[itlnstln]

That's good to hear.  Obviously, I would be going for TiVo Premiere hardware (a regular box for the bedroom and an XL or Elite for the living room), but I'm sure the UX is similar to the older hardware.  

UX is everything; look at iOS.  I wish more hardware/software manufacturers would figure this out.

[itlnstln]

I took my ancient A8N SLI Deluxe, packed it with 5TB, kicked it into my downstairs wiring closet, and use that as a HTPC.

I got tired of messing with HTPCs.  That, and I need to address the skill level of those using it.  My GF isn't the calm, thoughtful and patient type when things go wrong.  I also don't have time to tinker with ****.  Several, purpose-built devices FTW.

[csm725]

I had TiVo in Cali when Comcast was my cable/ISP. Interface was solid, well thought out, and easy to use.

[itlnstln]

OK, I think TiVo is on my to-buy list now.  I'm tired of ****ty cable boxes and having to hear the GF complain.  I would rather use my own stuff anyway.

I really miss Dish.  Best service, best equipment, hands down.

[bionicroach]

+1 for my TiVo experience.  I've got an older TiVo HD (3rd gen?) but I've been very happy with it so far.  I'm sure the new TiVos are fantastic.

The Comcast installer acted like it was some kind of mysterious alien technology when he came out to install a cable card in it (obviously most people just go with whatever hardware Comcast is renting out) but luckily I had already read the manual, so I walked him through it.  

In addition to all the standard TiVo / DVR features, one handy thing I've actually ended up using a lot is the Amazon Instant Video integration.  Works great to download episodes of recent TV shows on demand that you've missed, don't have premium channel in your lineup, etc.

My complete luddite wife had no problems using it, either.

[itlnstln]

In addition to all the standard TiVo / DVR features, one handy thing I've actually ended up using a lot is the Amazon Instant Video integration.  Works great to download episodes of recent TV shows on demand that you've missed, don't have premium channel in your lineup, etc.

My complete luddite wife had no problems using it, either.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.  I told her about it yesterday, and she was down, so I'm going to bite the bullet today.  I went to exchange yet another malfunctioning box, and there were about 10 people there to do the exact same thing. I can't wait to break that cycle.

**** Time Warner.

[iMav]

I've had TiVos since gen 1.  My TV-addicted family would be lost without our several TiVos around the house.

[itlnstln]

I pulled the trigger on an Elite and standard Premier.  I'm joining the TiVo family.

[SmallFry]

iMav: Have you upgraded the hard drives etc on your TiVo's?

[itlnstln]

I got the TiVos a couple of days ago and the CableCARDs and Tuning Adapters last night.  All I have to say is "epic."  I should have done this a long time ago.  TiVo + GoogleTV is pretty nice, too, if not a little redundant in some ways.

I will say, though, that having CableCARDs installed is a pretty painful experience, and I really felt bad for the tech that spent about four hours (5-9 p.m.; ouch) working on it.  A good chunk of that time he spent on hold with on the support line (a-holes) waiting for someone to activate the cards and tuning adapters; he was a first-class tech.  I did have to run through the TiVo setup again as they didn't recognize the channels available via the tuning adapters right away (Google "SDV" for details); something keep in mind if anyone else decides to go the CableCARD route.

[itlnstln]

The only cable company I ever liked was Dish; they would bend over backwards to make you happy, and they have the best equipment and innovate to no end.  I have Time Warner, and they are the total opposite end of the spectrum.  They can't find enough ways to **** you over; I could go on a Strom Thurmond, 24-hour, filibuster diatribe on TWC.

It's a shame that MS is dropping Media Center support.  They were the only ones supporting CableCARD, BRD, etc.  Google and Apple don't, especially on the CableCARD side.  At least Google works in tandem with your cable solution and has great integration with Dish.

I miss Dish.

[itlnstln]

And too bad about that Rick Perry thing, I hear Texans are embarrassed:

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/11/17/130638/is-rick-perrys-rough-ride-embarrassing.html

Herman Cain though makes Georgia look good.

That story is dead-on.  I was telling my mom the same thing a few weeks ago.  Rick Perry represents Texas on a broad scale, and he looked/looks like an absolute moron.  More narrowly, it makes the citizens look like ****ing fools for voting for his ass for so long.  I'm ashamed to be a Texan right now.  At the very least, I'm glad I didn't vote for him.