TiVo Community Forums Archives - Voom & Dtv HD Tivo

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Voom & Dtv HD Tivo
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Posted by: borgslayer

I subscribe to DTV currently with Hd package. Have antenna in attic, using and loving HD TIVO.

Is it possible to use Voom in addittion to what I have? I know it won't work with the Tivo. but could I use Voom on a different Tv input? I have two componet inputs already in use on the TV, is there a componet switching device?

Posted by: Crash_Corrigan

If your TV doesn't have any other HD input such as DVI or HDMI, you'll need a component switcher to add a 3rd component connection, if your TVs two component inputs are already in use.

Posted by: randym431

I just got voom this week and its a nice addition to D*. I wouldnt drop D* (unless voom adds locals), but its nice to have so many hd channels. Even without a dvr, voom is addictive. Its nice to change channels and so many are in hd. Its like it should be. Hopefully voom will have a hd recorder sometime soon. I think it'd be great if D* bought/merged with voom. What a combo.

Posted by: Jeff Kent

I agree... too bad they don't have a recording device. Personallly, I can't watch 'normal TV' after so many years of being a PVR user. Anyway, my question is this: I read a review in a magazine on 'Voom' and the reviewer said that 'it takes a full 7 seconds to change channels' on that receiver!! If that's true it seems like it would be a 'nightmare' to channel surf. I remember way back in the 'old days' when DirecTV just came out. They had 1-bit receivers and it seemed soooo slow to change the channels. They were about 4 seconds to change channels as I recall. I can't imagine '7 SECONDS!!!' What's your experience like? Thanks for any info you can give.

Jeff

Posted by: Jeff Kent

Sorry, typo - I meant 16-bit receivers...

Posted by: bkdtv

Jeff Kent,

The 7-second channel changing was resolved a long time ago -- back in late March, I believe. VOOM HD receivers now change HDTV channels as fast or faster than DirecTV HD receivers -- between 1.5 and 2.0 seconds.

The VOOM STB software does have some issues, but most of these should be addressed with the software slated for delivery on or about July 1. Confirmed changes in the new software include:

Channel maps for both primary and secondary markets, with off-air scanning to list any additional channels not mapped. More info right here.
Ability to hide certain channels from the guide, without relying on the favorites list.
Moves to currently selected channel whenever displaying guide.

This will address the primary complaint with the current VOOM STB software. With the current software, it sticks you back at 100 whenever you bring up the guide -- annoying as hell.
Eliminates loss of audio that can occur in certain situations (typically, fast channel surfing).
Eliminates stuttering that some people notice on off-air and satellite channels.
Eliminates program planner incompatibility with PlayboyHD.
Various other minor aesthetic and usability improvements.

Unconfirmed, but I hear the buttons at the top of the remote (red, green, yellow) may now bring up the guide for those channels (all exclusives, all channels showing HD, all favorites) on a single button press. There are probably other changes, we just don't know what they are yet. We probably still have another week to wait.

Posted by: randym431

No delay in channel changing, that I have noticed. Probably faster than D* (not really an issue or concern). Their remote is pretty simple, not as simple as tivo's, but not over whelming either. I guess the screen layout, when in menu or guides, reminds me more of ultimate tv's look. I do like the tivo guide look better. These across the screen bar guides are too messy to scroll across to see whats upcoming. Tivo certainly has that down pat with their guide.
So far, I don’t really miss not having a dvr with voom. With 10 movie channels (and that doesn’t include hboHD, starzHD, maxHD or shoHD), theres always something in movies to watch. I like the old movie Spirit of St Louis, with Jimmy Stewart. It was on this morning and looked outstanding in HD. I've seen this movie many times, but this time it was eye candy 100%. I got voom because of their promo going on, and I had thought I'd probably just keep it a few months, but no more. I can see its a must for anyone with a HD tv. Even the cartoon channel Animania is just so addicting to watch because of the HD quality, and I'm not really a cartoon watching fan either. So far I think D* and voom are a nice combo, but I predict voom will give D* and dish a run for their money. Voom's gearing towards so much HD programming will pay off in the long run. I don’t think D* or dish are even able to change direction that fast to head off vooms competition, that will come. And if voom gets a dvr and locals, look out!

Posted by: Ken7

Yes, Voom channel changes are indeed quicker than any D* receiver I've ever used. Additionally the guide is lightning fast, especially when compared to the HD Tivo. Once they get their HD PVR with whole house HD networking, they will be THE killer HD app.