TiVo Community Forums Archives - i want one[ but what to get ]

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i want one[ but what to get ]
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Posted by: jtp

we live in the philadelphia area and subsribe to comcast for our cable tv service [ not sure if this is needed info ] yesterday i discovered this forum and from what little i read i learned that april may bring a new model [4 ?].
can anyone give guidence on when it will be out and the cost and functions it will provide ?

Posted by: Crrink

The new model you're thinking of is actually a new software release that will be downloaded to all series 2 machines - those are the little black ones currently available in stores right now.

Which one to get depends on a few things:

Do you have, or would you consider, DirecTV? If so, there is a special version of TiVo that is integrated within a DirecTV receiver. It has 2 tuners, so you can record 2 shows simultaneously, even while watching a previously recorded show! It's a lot cheaper - the box usually runs about $200 and the monthly service is only $5 per month, but it's waived if you subscribe to a high enough programming level (Total Choice, I believe it's called.) Oh, one thing, make sure you can get your local stations on DirecTV in your area, otherwise you won't be able to TiVo them.

If DirecTV isn't an option, then your only choice is a standalone series 2. These will work with an antenna, cable, or satellite. The standalones (SA's) come in 3 varieties these days - TiVo branded 40 hour, TiVo branded 80 hour, and Sony branded 80 hour. The differences between these are few, and if you're interested they can be found in other threads if you use the 'search' button near the top of the page.

Basically, if cost is important, and you're comfortable with computers, you can buy a 40 hour unit for less money, buy a big hard drive and add it, giving you a TiVo with lots and lots of room for the least cost.
If you're not comfortable with computers, you can pay someone to do the work for you (again, you can find out more with the search button).

If you don't like the idea of messing with the unit at all, then one of the 80 hour models is probably the best choice.

Oh, and to find out more about Version 4.0 of the software, do a search for 'HMO' which stand for Home Media Option.
One final thing, if you find that you'd be really interested in the HMO stuff, be advised that it's currently no known if the DirecTV TiVo's will receive the upgrade.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: Forgot to add that the standalone TiVo's only have 1 tuner, and that the fee for them is either $12.95 per month, or you can buy service for the lifetime of the unit at $300.

Posted by: jtp

thankyou crrink.much helpfull info.