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Recommend a TiVo for me!!!
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Posted by: genearch

Long time TiVo user, I have a spare room and I think I'll add a TiVo with DVD recorder. I'm a DirecTv subscriber so it needs to have serial control.

Can anyone tell me which is best, the Pioneer or Toshiba? (and why?)
Which has serial control over a DirecTV box? (DTV Box #)

Thanks!

Posted by: JimSpence

Since you are a DirecTV subscriber, I suggest that you get the DirecTV DVR, with its dual tuners, and a standalone DVD recorder. No need for serial control with the combo box.

Posted by: Rcrew

I almost started a thread on this very topic this morning. I've been trying to make this decision myself. Today I'm extra curious because I'm having to finally dump about 35 movies off one of my DTiVos, to VHS...

Your configuration isn't clear, are you using DTiVos, or plain receivers with SA TiVos?

Posted by: genearch

quote:
Originally posted by JimSpence
Since you are a DirecTV subscriber, I suggest that you get the DirecTV DVR, with its dual tuners, and a standalone DVD recorder. No need for serial control with the combo box.

(Sig updated)

I already have:

2 HR10-250 (High Definition DirecTivo's)
2 Standard DirecTivo

I was looking to outfit a spare room with a TiVo, I figure I could use that one to:

1. Archive shows to DVD.
2. Music (Taking advantage of free HMO)
3. Remote schedule via web if I'm traveling (since it ain't happening with DirecTV)

I already have Music and Photos at the HD locations via the Roku HD1000, and soon will have music at one other location as soon as Roku ships the SoundBridge.

Posted by: Rcrew

:eek:

Sorry my bad, although I have sigs on, I rarely read them...

And I didn't know HMO worked on any DTiVo boxes?

Back to your question, since you're all DTiVos, doesn't that limit your choices to a stand alone DVD recorder? How would you get one of the current DVD Recorder/TiVo combo boxes to work? They require an external tuner they can manipulate, correct? :confused:

So you're looking at something like a Pioneer DVR 510H at $800, or the Panasonic DMR-E85HS at $700, for one that has a hard drive.

I don't have any other model numbers for units that don't include an HD, but they are cheaper.

I only checked out Best Buy online today. After Vegas if I pop for this, I'm going to have to use a BB no interest plan. :D :D

Posted by: ZeoTiVo

There are new TiVo dvd recorders coming out the next few months and they are of course unknown performers at this time.

I would keep looking and researching (I want to buy one as well) but would not rush out to buy just yet

Posted by: genearch

quote:
Originally posted by Rcrew
:eek:

Sorry my bad, although I have sigs on, I rarely read them...

And I didn't know HMO worked on any DTiVo boxes?

it doesn't

quote:

Back to your question, since you're all DTiVos, doesn't that limit your choices to a stand alone DVD recorder? How would you get one of the current DVD Recorder/TiVo combo boxes to work? They require an external tuner they can manipulate, correct? :confused:

I'm really setting up this room as an "island". No interaction with my DTiVo's, just a room with a sat connection and an ethernet connection to allow it to see my Mac for music.

I think it may be best to wait for a new crop of TiVo/DVD recorders that are rumored.

Posted by: Rcrew

quote:
Originally posted by genearch
I think it may be best to wait for a new crop of TiVo/DVD recorders that are rumored.

That's pretty much the conclusion I've come to... back to my 60 hours of copying to VHS...

... where's that dang BATCH SAVE?

Posted by: JimSpence

To the OP. Do you really want to get a standalone TiVo with its higher subscription fee? Yeah, it is going down, I think. And only one tuner? And then you'd need a regular DirecTV receiver with its $5 mirroring fee.

Posted by: bidger

Easy Jim, he(genearch) made it clear that this is to be a separate, island TiVo for DVD burning and HMO, so yeah, he wants a SA. Genearch, I don't THINK the Toshiba model IS a DVD recorder, only player. So, it seems that would limit your choice to the Pioneer. I remember seeing a ~$400 price tag on the Toshiba during the Holidays so that peaked my interest when I was shopping for a DVD recorder, but sadly I found out player only. I would have to think that the Pio would have a serial control option. Do you have an old D* receiver to hook up?

Posted by: CrispyCritter

quote:
Originally posted by bidger
Genearch, I don't THINK the Toshiba model IS a DVD recorder, only player. So, it seems that would limit your choice to the Pioneer.

I believe Toshiba and Humax have announced future TiVo DVD recorders, but I don't think either is shipping yet. They're expected in early fall as I remember.

Posted by: bidger

quote:
Originally posted by CrispyCritter
I believe Toshiba and Humax have announced future TiVo DVD recorders, but I don't think either is shipping yet. They're expected in early fall as I remember.

Okay, how soon do you want it genearch? :D

Posted by: Rcrew

I thought the Toshiba's were due in August.

Bigger hard drive than the 810, and $100 less.

Posted by: genearch

quote:
Originally posted by bidger
Easy Jim, he(genearch) made it clear that this is to be a separate, island TiVo for DVD burning and HMO, so yeah, he wants a SA. Genearch, I don't THINK the Toshiba model IS a DVD recorder, only player. So, it seems that would limit your choice to the Pioneer. I remember seeing a ~$400 price tag on the Toshiba during the Holidays so that peaked my interest when I was shopping for a DVD recorder, but sadly I found out player only. I would have to think that the Pio would have a serial control option. Do you have an old D* receiver to hook up?

After a bit of poking around, looks like the Pioneer is the ticket. Seems there may be a new model coming, I'll wait a bit. Yes, I have a spare box.. not sure the model #, but IIRC, it's the right one for serial control.

Posted by: JimSpence

What do plan to do when you want to archive a show from one of your other DVRs to the DVD recorder? Will they be close enough to run cables?

Posted by: genearch

quote:
Originally posted by JimSpence
What do plan to do when you want to archive a show from one of your other DVRs to the DVD recorder? Will they be close enough to run cables?

Nope, not close at all. No archiving to DVD from the other machines I suppose.. :rolleyes:

I'm another that is real disappointed that there (apparently) will be no HMO for the DirecTiVo's. I'm not sure what the future holds, but rest assured I'll keep a close eye on the competition.

Posted by: Rcrew

quote:
Originally posted by genearch
I'm another that is real disappointed that there (apparently) will be no HMO for the DirecTiVo's. I'm not sure what the future holds, but rest assured I'll keep a close eye on the competition.

There's certainly going to be some interesting times in the next year. While it would still likely be more expensive, moving from DirecTiVo to dual SA units did just get a tiny bit cheaper, monthly, and free HMO.

We know that it's not technology getting in the way of DirecTiVo HMO, it's DirecTV's lack of desire to support it. I think we can derive that it's part of their general business costing model.

So, if they get economic pressure that looms larger than the costs of putting it out there, we'll get it. Face it, it's always going to come back to the bucks.

I'm not dropping my subscription to DirecTV at this time. But I'm not going to accept a long term commitment either.

Posted by: ZeoTiVo

quote:
Originally posted by CrispyCritter
I believe Toshiba and Humax have announced future TiVo DVD recorders, but I don't think either is shipping yet. They're expected in early fall as I remember.

HUMAX web site ahs JULY on it