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Thought about buying Tivo, I'll pass now...
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Posted by: mward

Hi,
Long time Dish Network subscriber with a built-in PVR. I'm moving into a townhouse and I don't think they allow satellite dishes. No problem I thought, I'll just get digital cable and Tivo, I'll lose some channels but it'll be about the same.

I've spent all morning and part of the afternoon on this site reading the FAQ's and searching for posts to gather information and all I can say is that the stand alone Tivo units are a ridiculous joke compared to the satellite built-in PVR's. I'm mean, it isn't even close.

From what I've read I'm led to believe the following:

The IR blaster causes channel changes to take 2-5 seconds. Why would anyone want to wait that long? And it doesn't tune to the right channel sometimes so I'll need to build an enclosure out of cardboard or something? Whatever.

No digital audio outputs, only R/L? who the heck would buy Tivo other than an AV freak? Why pay $400 plus monthly fees when you're getting camp ground quality sound?

The Channel 4 and 6 issue ... no, you're all joking about this one right? But wait, it's better now, sorta? ROFL

Lifetime Subscription Plan? I guess there's a sucker born every minute.

Loud Harddrives that fail. Oh, well then that mammoth warranty sure will come in handy assuming it either fails quickly or I upgrade every year. Oh yeah, by the way, if it spins constantly, it's bad. Trust me. But atleast if it doesn't fail, it'll sound like there's a mouse in my TV because of the constant spinning and scratching.

Incorrect channel guides, sweet! Doesn't like some CD channels, yawn. Only records 1 channel at a time, well I'm used to this, but thought maybe for $400 they'd throw in an extra tuner. But wait, I can buy a splitter and route everything 100 different ways so I can record basic channels on my VCR and watch a few channels on my TV while Tivo records something else. Ho-hum.

And the very best part of all this is that I can't even go to a store to see for myself if all this is true because I have to buy it off the web and then only have 30 days to ship it back. No thanks.

When I bought my Dish Network PVR, I hooked it up and never even needed to read the instructions. No delays changing the channel, no incorrect guides, no extra subscription fees, it came with a UHF remote so I don't have to spend another $400 to have the same features in other rooms. Compared to satellite PVR's, Tivo stand-alone units seem like Jimmy-rigged N.Korean knock-offs. I just don't think the service provided is worth it compared to what I really want which is the ability to record to HD as well as pause/ff/rewind live TV.

No thanks, I'll pass. Now what am I going to do?
anyone have a URL for replay or do they suck too?

Sorry for the rant, but now I know why my Tivo stock tanked and noone else is buying these things. Hopefully someone at the company will read this.

Posted by: stevel

You don't know what you're missing.

I've had Dish and TiVo together for a year and a half now. No problems, no forts, no guide data problems. Works fine. The channel change time is something you can't get around, though even your Dishplayer takes a second or two to change channels (my Dish receivers certainly do.) There's about a half second delay for the signal buffering, and the time it takes to send the "change channel" signal. If you're a channel-surfer, it will be somewhat more painful than your current receiver is, but not a lot so. With scheduled recordings, it doesn't matter.

My lifetime subscription starts paying for itself in April.

Replay won't make you any happier.

Posted by: DaveLessnau

Why are you posting this in the Help Center?

Posted by: Mars Rocket

Try it for a month, then return it. At least then you'll have some credibility when you complain about it. Problems posted in a web forum don't translate into a product that "sucks".

My perspective: I've got a ton of A/V, computer, and misc. electronic gear. All of it has problems of one sort or another. TiVo is by *far* the best investment I've ever made in that realm. Nothing else evens comes close.

Just try it for a month.

Posted by: Breacagan

quote:
Originally posted by mward
The IR blaster causes channel changes to take 2-5 seconds.

This is not TiVo's fault. There's no other way to change channels on a cable box, except maybe robotic fingers on the panel. Live with it or live without it.

quote:

No digital audio outputs, only R/L? who the heck would buy Tivo other than an AV freak? Why pay $400 plus monthly fees when you're getting camp ground quality sound?

It's an omission. TiVo would do well to make a high-end box, but expect the price to be $1000+, especially with all the other features that people would want on such a beast.

quote:

Only records 1 channel at a time, well I'm used to this, but thought maybe for $400 they'd throw in an extra tuner.

TiVo would do well to make a high-end box, but expect the price to be $1000+, especially with the extra tuner and MPEG encoder.

quote:

I just don't think the service provided is worth it compared to what I really want which is the ability to record to HD as well as pause/ff/rewind live TV.

TiVo would do well to make a high-end box, but expect the price to be $1000+, especially with the extra tuner, extra MPEG encoder, HDTV support, and monster hard drive.

Posted by: mward

Dish Network makes a box with built in PVR, Digital audio, UHF remote, Satellite reception with various channels in Dolby Digital and upcoming HDTV features. Total price $345.

It's you guys who don't know what you're missing. You're riding around on mopeds paying twice the price of a porsche.

--------

Dear Dave,
I'm posting this in the help center because Tivo needs help.
Where's the complaint center?

Posted by: andyf

Oooo! We haven't had one of these in a long time. Let's go get him.

BTW, I have TiVo and the Dish PVR501. It's basically a question of whether you want a personal TV Recorder or a digital VCR.

TiVo way outperforms the 501. It also doesn't wipe out recordings, hangs aquiring satellite info, or require frequent reboots.

See www.dbsforums.com to do your excellent research on the PVR501.

Posted by: Mars Rocket

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Dish Network makes a box with built in PVR, Digital audio, UHF remote, Satellite reception with various channels in Dolby Digital and upcoming HDTV features. Total price $345.

It's you guys who don't know what you're missing. You're riding around on mopeds paying twice the price of a porsche.

To paraphrase a former president, "It's the software, stupid!"

You've never tried TiVo and you're telling *us* we don't know what we're missing?

Posted by: Flogduh

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Dish Network makes a box with built in PVR, Digital audio, UHF remote, Satellite reception with various channels in Dolby Digital and upcoming HDTV features. Total price $345.

It's you guys who don't know what you're missing. You're riding around on mopeds paying twice the price of a porsche.
-------

Dear Dave,
I'm posting this in the help center because Tivo needs help.
Where's the complaint center?

Now that you bring the satellite into the equation, you're missing something. Check out the DTivo and then compare to your beloved Dish PVR. I know first hand - Dish got dumped in my house cause it couldn't compete. Not on features, not on price...

I think we may have a bridge dweller in our midst...;)

Posted by: Twa_Fraggel

The federal govt passed a law a few years ago that says that homeowners of townhouses ARE allowed to put up sattalite dishes regaurdless of what the homeowners asssc or the rules say. It is your right to put up a dish... They cannot tell u not too. hope this solves ur problem. As for Tivo You wont know what ur missing.
Peace

Posted by: TivoDaddy

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Hi,
I've spent all morning and part of the afternoon on this site reading the FAQ's and searching for posts to gather information and all I can say is that the stand alone Tivo units are a ridiculous joke compared to the satellite built-in PVR's. I'm mean, it isn't even close.

Which site where you looking at? It seems you wasted your time and not even bothered to look at the DTivos. But wait, you come back and post that you're going to stick with Dish, but in your earlier post you mention that they don't allow dishes in your balcony?? :confused: :rolleyes: Whatever.....

Why don't you come back and post about the DTivo's and how they stack up against Dish's PVR after your done with more research?

Posted by: GhEttOrAiD

my channel changes never take nearly that long...i only noticed a few ms's at first, but then I just set the title bar to the one between minimal and full, just a bar at top across whole screen...no problem...I dont channel surf any more, so this doesnt matter, i jut use the guide and see whats on...or ill just watch stuff thats already recorded (80% of the time)

Posted by: Maniacal1

I received a free Dish PVR for referring friends. I also have a standalone TiVo running a 4700 receiver. (For that matter, I also have two DirecTV TiVos since DirecTV provides me sports programming that Dish does not, but Dish gives me the network affiliates I want that DirecTV will not.)

Dish's PVR can't come close to what TiVo can do. If your programs change time slots, TiVo will follow them; the 501 does not. The TiVos allow me to record only first-run episodes and ignore reruns; the 501 does not.

And when NBC starts "supersizing" programs next week, the 501 will cut them off after their usual half-hour time slots. TiVo will adjust to capture the entire episode.

The 501 doesn't even have a search feature.

The 501 is fine for the price I paid--nothing--but its software can't come close to what TiVo can do.

Posted by: robertj49

I have a DISH pvr in the bedroom and a TIVO in the den. There's no comparison. DIsh is like a brain-dead TIVO. Changing channel time? Who cares? You can "surf" the listings, which lets you surf not only what's on now but what will be on that channel the rest of the evening, and that surfing is instantaneous. But with TIVO, you often don't watch live TV anyway. TIVO it and fast forward through the commercials when you watch it later. If you tried TIVO for a while, you'd never go back...

Posted by: herrdude

I haven't used tivo yet but plan to

but I gotta tell you dishplayer is sooooo quirky
you literally jump for for joy when it actually works
(that's between all the reboots)

Anyone who has dishplayer has seen these:

1. No Information (on the TV screen)
2. No Information for every channel (in the TV listings)
3. Dishplayer is downloading the TV listings, this may take 5 minutes bla bla bla
4. Video, sound, black screen, video, sound, black screen, video...

Posted by: andyf

I hate it when trolls don't fight back.

Posted by: daperlman

I hear what your are saying. When I had Dish I used the 501 in a bedroom and a replay tv in the living room. The IR blasters do suck. I thought the trade-off was somewhat worth it for all of the functionality though. The 501 has terrible software. Aside from it not really doing anything, it is unstable. I gave up after 4 of them.

I bought my parents a Direct Tivo box and knew that I had been missing out. Direct TV as a service is a far supieror product to Dish, and that is a pity because I loved Dish's programming. I spent $99 on my Direct TiVos and sold my 501 for $250 and my RTV 3030 $330. I have not looked back!

TiVo has dual tuners so you don't have to watch what is recording. Direct TiVo (like the 501) use one type of compression, Mpeg II to produce a clear picture, has DD sound, suggests programs, searchs by any criteria, does search by title strings from 1-unlimited, uses showcases to categorize programming, give you the option of season passes...and knows when a show has moved times...PVR501 doesn't

Posted by: johnnync

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Dish Network makes a box with built in PVR, Digital audio, UHF remote, Satellite reception with various channels in Dolby Digital and upcoming HDTV features. Total price $345.

It's you guys who don't know what you're missing. You're riding around on mopeds paying twice the price of a porsche.

--------

Dear Dave,
I'm posting this in the help center because Tivo needs help.
Where's the complaint center?

Notice the word "Up Comming" vaporware. The basic dual tuner was supposed to have been release in September; it is now February and no where to be found. My assumption is the HDTV version is a long time away.

I was a Dishnetwork customer for the past 4 years and enjoyed it for the most part. I had two Dishplayers and a 6000HDTV.

When the must carry came into effect is when I bailed to DTivo. DTivo is much cheaper and offers soo much more then that Dish PVR or Player. Not only can I record two programs but I only need one dish! Well if I was on Dish would take a 3 or 4 dishes - 119, 110, 61.5 HDTV & Some Locals, 121? (Echostar C Band used for Philly Stations) then an SW61 at a whopping $149 to get 4 feeds from three satelites then 4 SW-21's so if I live in Philly to pickup the Locals on that weird 121 and buy the way your normal receiver won't work so you need another receiver to get locals in Philly. I hate to see what is needed when the next satellite goes up.

I almost through in the towel at that point but the final straw was when I called Dish to say I am thinking about switching to DTV because of Tivo they only offered a PVR501 for $199 if I signed a 1 Year Commitment for the TOP150. Why would I want a 501 when I had 2 Dishplayers? But if I was a new subscriber it would have been free! What gives??? So, after 4yrs I said Goodbye Charlie!

Now I only have one dish feeding 2Dtivos, 420re with Standalone Tivo and a DTC-100.

Just my 2 cents....

Posted by: Axiom

quote:
Originally posted by andyf
I hate it when trolls don't fight back.

Hopefully he realized he was embarrassing himself and thought better of it.

Posted by: tivolovit

quote:
Originally posted by DaveLessnau
Why are you posting this in the Help Center?

Dude, can't you tell, HE NEEDS HELP. And maybe some anger management classes.:rolleyes:

Posted by: StevenTae

For those that are having problems with the IR's changing channels slowly I just tried something that has been working great. As per a suggestion of a CSR at Tivo I tried using both IR's on the Cable/Satellite box one from the top and one from the bottom. No more hanging up, just smooth sailing.

This works great on the TV that I have my Stand Alone unit on since I am not running both cable and satellite. If you were running both then the two IR solution won't work.

For the recording of sattellite nothing beats the directivo as you all no. $79 for the Hughes. Perhaps the best bargain around.

Posted by: csiron

I get a pretty clear impression this guy wasn't seriously considering TiVo; he's just out to grind some ax, regardless of how ignorant he may sound in the process.

Basically, he's taking every possible issue there may be with a stand-alone TiVo and saying: Here's the problems I'll have.

But the real flaw in his "reasoning" is this: TiVos are selling and just about everyone who owns one loves it.

A lot of us are early adopters of high-tech gadgets. We've seen good and bad, and TiVo is great.

I don't think it's worth the time to rebut rantings about issues that have been addressed -- successfully -- all over this site.

Also, it's ridiculous to compare the stand-alone to a DirecTiVo-type box. The box he's bragging about is a piece of junk, compared with DirecTivo. Frankly, I consider it a piece of junk compared with the stand-alone, too.

Posted by: Charon2

Okay a few things here�
I have been a long time stand-alone user and I loved it. Why a stand-alone? When I got my TiVO I lived in an apartment, and the apartment wouldn�t allow dishes. Even if they did where would I attach it since my apartment was on the wrong side of the complex and was half below ground. No south view, no porch to put it on, no options. I have a house now, but I still can�t see getting satellite over cable. With cable I get high speed internet access via Road Runner. Satellite high speed Internet has a way to go, most seem to rely on DSL, which would add $50 a month to an already insane phone bill (and the only feature I have is caller ID and the only calls I make is the one TiVO makes), plus the ISP fees. Not to mention I have yet to see a single dish solution that would receive HDTV, receive high speed Internet, allow for multiple tuners in the house, and be the point to send high speed Internet back to the satellite removing the need for a phone line or DSL line. I know some allow you to receive on the satellite, but sends on a regular phone line. This doesn�t work; I need high speed both ways, right now cable is the only way to do that. If somebody can point me to a satellite service that does what I need, for a comparatable cost to cable, by all means let me know. Anyhow, point being, I was stuck with a stand-alone for some time now. I know have an option, but will stick with the stand alone, because I love it.
Don�t know about the IR blaster, as I don�t use a cable box. Cable boxes are slow changers anyhow compared to not having a cable box. A limitation of the cable box, not TiVO. At lest that is the way it is here. I have used cable boxes for pay per view events, but return it right after.
While it would be nice to have high-end outputs on TiVO, I myself can�t use them. When you make all of $8/hr, you may be an AV freak, but you can�t afford the finer things. I don�t have a progressive scan DVD, not that my TV would be able to take advantage of it if I did, the S-Video doesn�t work on the TV anymore, my tuner isn�t ready for Dolby Digital let alone DTS, and I have only 2 speakers with a sub, and my VCR only has 2 heads. Most of the people I personally know with TiVO wouldn�t be able to use the high-end outputs even if TiVO offered them. So there are plenty of people buying TiVO who are not AV freaks. I don�t know if TiVO�s target audience is AV freaks, or just people like me and my friends who are to busy to be home when our shows are on, and don�t want to deal with a VCR to record everything (or in my case forgets to set the VCR).
What channel 4 and 6 issue? I tune channels 4 and 6 perfectly.
Lifetime subscription plan� I probably would have done that if I could afford it. Over time I would guess it saves those who do it more then what I am paying per month. The only problem would be if TiVO went out before you used your time up. That isn�t likely as they seem to be well enough off.
My hard drive hasn�t failed yet, and it is quieter then my computer�s hard drive, and I have a fairly new computer. Less then half the age of the TiVO.
Channel guides being wrong isn�t TiVO�s fault. More like the fault of the service they get their information wrong. I haven�t seen any channels in the wrong spot personally, aside from one which is the fault of the local cable company turning that channel off before and after prime time, yet their own publications list it as a regular channel, not an information channel. Shows sometimes are not correct, but again, I have yet to see any service be 100% right all the time. I have 2 friends with DTV, both say their shows are sometimes in the wrong spot with what the guide says. Not having 2 tuners is a bit sad, you say you would spend an extra $400 for that, that is more then what I paid for my TiVO alone, you could buy 2 TiVOs if you are willing to spend that kind of money to get to tuners.
Why do you have to buy off the web? No Best Buy, Sears or Circuit City or like store, nearby? Not being sold near you is not a TiVO problem.
Replay is worse then TiVO. I looked at both for some time. The only other choice out there is UltimateTV, but that requires a satellite dish to work. No plans to offer one for digital or regular cable. It does have 2 tuners however, and will record HDTV. Aside from that though, it seems below TiVO. Be it for dish, digital cable, regular cable or bunny ears, TiVO is your best option out there by far.

Posted by: Axiom

quote:
Originally posted by Charon2
The only other choice out there is UltimateTV, but that requires a satellite dish to work. No plans to offer one for digital or regular cable. It does have 2 tuners however, and will record HDTV.

UTV does not record or output HDTV. And the DirecTivo has 2 tuners also.

Posted by: doom1701

I guess it's like comparing apples to bulldozers. Does a stand alone TiVo have it's shortcomings? Yeah. Like Byronshock said, they could make a unit with dual tuners, a more powerful IR blaster, digital outputs, etc., but are you willing to pay through the nose for it?

If you want a real comparison, jump over to the DirecTiVo board. I've got two of them now (I am a former Dish Network User). Absolutely wonderful. No IR blaster to worry about (not that I had many problems with mine on the SA--just taped it right to the receiver), dual tuners (how did I live without dual tuners?), digital outputs (not using them--I'm too poor to afford a good audio system), and DirecTV's service seems to be considerably better than Dish.

Added bonus? I still use my Dish Network dish. Installation was literally point the dish, and plug in the new reciever.

Posted by: NJChris

All of you are going to run out of food by feeding this troll everything you have. :D

Posted by: bonscott87

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Dish Network makes a box with built in PVR, Digital audio, UHF remote, Satellite reception with various channels in Dolby Digital and upcoming HDTV features. Total price $345.

It's you guys who don't know what you're missing. You're riding around on mopeds paying twice the price of a porsche.

I'll feed some more, I have leftovers from lunch.

Plain and simple. You are basically comparing CABLE to DISH. Of course DISH beats the pants off of CABLE. Your comparison is off base. I would agree that you would give up a lot going from Dish to cable.

You should be comparing to a DirecTivo.

It's a box with built in PVR, DUAL TUNERS, Digital audio, satellite reception and more. Total price? Under $100. In some cases nearly free.

Nice try, do some better research next time.

Posted by: brucestorey

quote:
Originally posted by mward
I'm moving into a townhouse and I don't think they allow satellite dishes.

Move into a real house if you're not happy with TiVo. That would solve ALL of your problems.

Posted by: Rhughes

quote:
Originally posted by Twa_Fraggel
The federal govt passed a law a few years ago that says that homeowners of townhouses ARE allowed to put up sattalite dishes regaurdless of what the homeowners asssc or the rules say. It is your right to put up a dish... They cannot tell u not too. hope this solves ur problem. As for Tivo You wont know what ur missing.
Peace

It's not quite that simple. The law to which you refer is the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This Act states that the owner of the property has to have exclusive control over the area where the dish is to be installed. In a condo or townhouse you could place one on a rear deck that is for your exclusive use. If that deck happens to be on the north side of the property you are going to have a problem. You can read about the Act here:

www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Factsheets/otafacts.html

Posted by: Convert

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Hi,
(snip - trolling) Sorry for the rant, but now I know why my Tivo stock tanked and noone else is buying these things. Hopefully someone at the company will read this.

Thanks for sharing.

Hmmmm, only two posts since Feb 5 [edited to add] and both posts in the same thread [/edit]. Guess he's already gone....

Posted by: Lew Stead

People can flame him and perhaps he is a troll. Certainly the answer is to NOT move into HOAs, the things are evil. But most of the items he brings up are items that left me dissatisfied with my stand alone tivo and are unique to the standalone product.

I don't think that's worthy of a "let's get him" and frankly, while I get a load of great info from this site, I find the attitude of tivo uber alles to be a bit wearing.

I'm very happy with DirecTV and two DirecTIVOs, but really honestly, having used DISHPlayers, SAs, and DirecTIVOS, the SA TIVO IMHO comes in dead last--due to many of the issues mentioned.

I would recommend a DirecTIVO as the best PVR out there--in fact I just converted a friend and my father in law might be going that route, but I would also recommend DISH and an integrated DISH PVR over a standalone with satellite or cable service.

Posted by: 511PF

quote:
Originally posted by mward
[B]Hi,
I've spent all morning and part of the afternoon on this site reading the FAQ's and searching for posts to gather information and all I can say is that the stand alone Tivo units are a ridiculous joke compared to the satellite built-in PVR's. I'm mean, it isn't even close.

From what I've read I'm led to believe the following:

These issues don't apply to everyone. There is no reason to assume that you will have all of these problems.

quote:

The IR blaster causes channel changes to take 2-5 seconds. Why would anyone want to wait that long? And it doesn't tune to the right channel sometimes so I'll need to build an enclosure out of cardboard or something? Whatever.

I have this problem. Channel changes take about 2 seconds for me. I get 95%-96% accuracy (which I admit that I'm not happy about). Keep reading. I use the channel guide to see what's on, rather than surf channels. This works a heck of a lot better than the ad-ridden, slow digital cable TV Guide.

quote:
No digital audio outputs, only R/L? who the heck would buy Tivo other than an AV freak? Why pay $400 plus monthly fees when you're getting camp ground quality sound?

The sound I get is fine. As a matter of fact, I'd say it's pretty good. My digital cable box doesn't output digital sound anyway, so is this a problem with TiVo or a problem with cable?

quote:

The Channel 4 and 6 issue ... no, you're all joking about this one right? But wait, it's better now, sorta? ROFL

I don't have this issue and never have.

quote:

Lifetime Subscription Plan? I guess there's a sucker born every minute.

Does the monthly plan make you feel better? That's what I'm using.

quote:

Loud Harddrives that fail. Oh, well then that mammoth warranty sure will come in handy assuming it either fails quickly or I upgrade every year. Oh yeah, by the way, if it spins constantly, it's bad. Trust me. But atleast if it doesn't fail, it'll sound like there's a mouse in my TV because of the constant spinning and scratching.

Well, my original TiVo drive was nearly silent. I bought a new Maxtor that was just as quiet. The fan is louder than the drive. So is my heater, refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, clothes dryer and microwave oven. If I put my ear up to the TiVo, I can hear the drive spinning. I did have a drive failure on my upgraded drive. Is that TiVo's fault or Maxtor's?

quote:

Incorrect channel guides, sweet! Doesn't like some CD channels, yawn.

I have seen the Tribune channel guide wrong less times than I've seen the digital cable channel guide wrong.

quote:
When I bought my Dish Network PVR, I hooked it up and never even needed to read the instructions.

Wow, you can install, configure, align the dish, run cables, and hook it up to your home theatre without reading the instructions? Impressive.

quote:
Compared to satellite PVR's, Tivo stand-alone units seem like Jimmy-rigged N.Korean knock-offs.

Now you just sound like a troll. I don't think your reasoning is solid and have explained why.

Posted by: unixadm

It's been a while since I saw THIS MUCH FUD in one Post!

I repeat FUD, FUD, FUD!

Please don't feed the trolls....

Posted by: smak

I wonder if he's been able to find the replaytv website..

I think it's at mcdonalds.com

-smak-

Posted by: tivojoego

quote:
Originally posted by Mars Rocket
Try it for a month, then return it. At least then you'll have some credibility when you complain about it. Problems posted in a web forum don't
translate into a product that "sucks".
My perspective: I've got a ton of A/V, computer, and misc. electronic gear. All of it has problems of one sort or another. TiVo is by *far* the best investment I've ever made in that realm. Nothing else evens comes close.

Just try it for a month.

D I T T O

I support small central american companies with my tech purchases and there is

NOTHING

that comes close to tIvo FOR being as regularly used [ie valued] by ALL members of my family.

Posted by: StephenB

Nobody commented on the loud hard drive. I've never heard a peep from mine. I've had it for over a year.

Also, my channel changes are almost instantaneous.

I used my Dad's Dish PVR when I visited for Thanksgiving - couldn't wait to get back to Tivo.

Posted by: Pan Chun

quote:
Originally posted by Lew Stead
Certainly the answer is to NOT move into HOAs, the things are evil.

I can attest to this fact, even though the people are REALLY nice.

How you doin'?

Posted by: jmoak

mward,

(just in case you stuck around to read these replies, before moving on to your next bridge...)

Clearly, Tivo is just not for you.

Sounds like that dishnet box will be perfect for you. Here's the replay site, just in case:
www.replaytv.com

Have you heard of moxi? You'll like that one, too. It's not a tivo either, so it'll be ok.

...and oh, btw, when you miss your favorite shows on whichever digital, brain-dead vcr you choose, don't worry. there's always reruns. ...most of the time...

Posted by: SpelunkerBob

quote:
Move into a real house if you're not happy with TiVo. That would solve ALL of your problems.

I had to do this for my Widescreen TV. It wouldn't fit in my smaller house. I'm now the proud owner of a $350,000 HDTV

Posted by: MiGster

I have two 7200 Dishplayers and they are horrible, it just erased 1 hour of the womens half pyke snowboarding all on its own!!! In fact, that's exactly why I'm here reading up on Tivo's. I am this [] close to going to a 2 Philips DSR6000's and directv. How are these compared to Sony, PQ wise, and overall reliability? Are you DSR6000 people happy you got the Philips over the Sony?? Or is it worth the extra $$ to get the Sony

I have NEVER been happy with Dish's locals here in the Tampa area. Highly compressed, lots of tiling, blocky artifacts.

How are the locals at Directv (honestly), I especially want to hear from you X Dish people?? Is DTV really any better PQ wise on the locals? I tried DTV about a year and 4 months ago and it was just as bad as Dish's PQ. Has it really improved??:confused:

Posted by: foo monkey

1/10. You put way too much effort into this troll.

Posted by: dial911

quote:
. . . what I really want which is the ability to record to HD as well as pause/ff/rewind live TV.

Wow! If you can find a box that actually can fast forward live tv, please hold down that button until you're viewing Wednesday at about 8pm and give me the winning CA lottery numbers for the upcoming $115M+ drawing. Then I'll buy you the Dish PVR you so badly want!!!!!

dial911

Posted by: johnnync

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MiGster [B]

[QUOTE] close to going to a 2 Philips DSR6000's and directv. How are these compared to Sony, PQ wise, and overall reliability? Are you DSR6000 people happy you got the Philips over the Sony?? Or is it worth the extra $$ to get the Sony[QUOTE]

From what I've read they are the same units different case and diferent remote. Save the money and go with the Phillips. Check out GetConnected.com they offer a free Dtivo for new subs.

[QUOTE]I have NEVER been happy with Dish's locals here in the Tampa area. Highly compressed, lots of tiling, blocky artifacts.How are the locals at Directv (honestly), I especially want to hear from you X Dish people?? Is DTV really any better PQ wise on the locals? I [QUOTE]

I cannot speak for the Tampa Market but here in Raleigh they are just a tad better. DishNet quality was alot better before must carry and I would assume it would revert back to normal when the new satellite is launched.

Very satisfied with my change to directv. I was a dish customer for 3-4 yrs but wanted tivo capability. One thing I noticed is that Dishnetwork seems to broadcast more in dolby digital than directv.

Posted by: Pan Chun

Note to JohnnyNC:

You need to close your quotes with this: [/QUOTE] :) (Also, don't forget to close the BOLD tag with one of these: [/B])

Posted by: bullitt

quote:
Originally posted by doom1701
Added bonus? I still use my Dish Network dish. Installation was literally point the dish, and plug in the new reciever. [/B]

I'm considering making the switch from Dish to Direct and want to know if I can use my existing installation, Dish 500 w dual LNB plus single Dish for new locals, I have an SW64 and 4 receivers.
I would like to get TIVO and 3 Receivers. Will I be able to do this by just hooking up and aiming at different birds?

Posted by: bobcarn

quote:
Originally posted by mward
Hi,
Long time Dish Network subscriber with a built-in PVR. I'm moving into a townhouse and I don't think they allow satellite dishes. No problem I thought, I'll just get digital cable and Tivo, I'll lose some channels but it'll be about the same.

I've spent all morning and part of the afternoon on this site reading the FAQ's and searching for posts to gather information and all I can say is that the stand alone Tivo units are a ridiculous joke compared to the satellite built-in PVR's. I'm mean, it isn't even close.

From what I've read I'm led to believe the following:

The IR blaster causes channel changes to take 2-5 seconds. Why would anyone want to wait that long? And it doesn't tune to the right channel sometimes so I'll need to build an enclosure out of cardboard or something? Whatever.

No digital audio outputs, only R/L? who the heck would buy Tivo other than an AV freak? Why pay $400 plus monthly fees when you're getting camp ground quality sound?

The Channel 4 and 6 issue ... no, you're all joking about this one right? But wait, it's better now, sorta? ROFL

Lifetime Subscription Plan? I guess there's a sucker born every minute.

Loud Harddrives that fail. Oh, well then that mammoth warranty sure will come in handy assuming it either fails quickly or I upgrade every year. Oh yeah, by the way, if it spins constantly, it's bad. Trust me. But atleast if it doesn't fail, it'll sound like there's a mouse in my TV because of the constant spinning and scratching.

Incorrect channel guides, sweet! Doesn't like some CD channels, yawn. Only records 1 channel at a time, well I'm used to this, but thought maybe for $400 they'd throw in an extra tuner. But wait, I can buy a splitter and route everything 100 different ways so I can record basic channels on my VCR and watch a few channels on my TV while Tivo records something else. Ho-hum.

And the very best part of all this is that I can't even go to a store to see for myself if all this is true because I have to buy it off the web and then only have 30 days to ship it back. No thanks.

When I bought my Dish Network PVR, I hooked it up and never even needed to read the instructions. No delays changing the channel, no incorrect guides, no extra subscription fees, it came with a UHF remote so I don't have to spend another $400 to have the same features in other rooms. Compared to satellite PVR's, Tivo stand-alone units seem like Jimmy-rigged N.Korean knock-offs. I just don't think the service provided is worth it compared to what I really want which is the ability to record to HD as well as pause/ff/rewind live TV.

No thanks, I'll pass. Now what am I going to do?
anyone have a URL for replay or do they suck too?

Sorry for the rant, but now I know why my Tivo stock tanked and noone else is buying these things. Hopefully someone at the company will read this.

Other than the delay in changing channels, I haven't had any problems that you mentioned, and I have the standalone unit. I don't mind the delay for channel changes because I told the TiVo to send the codes slowly to make sure the cable converter box understands them clearly. I haven't had any missed channels yet. Also, I don't really flip around channels much anymore. I never really used Channel Up/Down buttons much because I just don't like having to flip through dozens (or hundreds) of channels without a destination in mind. One thing I've found is that I really like the TiVo guide much better than the cable guide that Comcast supplies. The Comcast remote is difficult to use, the buttons for scrolling the channel listings are sandwiched between other buttons (my large fingers have a hard time pressing them without invoking other buttons), and the listing itself is cluttered and unintuitive. I just pop up the TiVo guide, find the show I want, and hit SELECT. It doesn't matter that it takes 3 seconds for the TV to get there, after all, I'm only vegging out anyway. In retrospect, I'm actually spending less time getting to the channel I want because the guide for the TiVo is that much easier to navigate through.

Posted by: Graymalkin

It's amazing how many people are utterly compelled to come here, a TiVo forum, and tell us how smart they are for not buying TiVo. :rolleyes:

Posted by: spiro

quote:
Originally posted by Graymalkin
It's amazing how many people are utterly compelled to come here, a TiVo forum, and tell us how smart they are for not buying TiVo. :rolleyes:

if I bought the recorder, and I am so ecstatically happy with what I have on my now playing menu, that I cannot find a compelling reason to subscribe to the tivo service?

Posted by: DrStrange

Why are people still replying to a hit-and-run troll who hasn't replied in over a week? Honestly at this point it's time to follow his example.

Posted by: Graymalkin

quote:
Originally posted by spiro
if I bought the recorder, and I am so ecstatically happy with what I have on my now playing menu, that I cannot find a compelling reason to subscribe to the tivo service?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand the question. Would you please rephrase it?

And I'm not responding to the troll so much as wondering about trolling in general. What motivates people to do this? It's like writing graffiti on the entrance to a police precinct in broad daylight.

Perhaps our best response to this is simply, don't respond. At all. Let the troll's post show zero responses. Ignore them, and maybe they'll go away.

Posted by: spiro

quote:
Originally posted by Graymalkin
It's amazing how many people are utterly compelled to come here, a TiVo forum, and tell us how smart they are for not buying TiVo. :rolleyes:

What I was asking, is that while you were amazed about people who come here in spite of the fact that they are not buying a tivo, are you also amazed at people like me, (who believe that of the two components that make up the tivo---the recorder and the service that programs the recorder-- the recorder is great, but the service for some individuals is unnecessary), are also interested in what people on this site have to say? I have learned a lot---visiting this site can give you far more information than many college courses. I have not ruled out subscribing to tivo. I wonder if any of you have ever used the service to capture a copy of "The Stepford Wives". (Now that is trolling)

Posted by: Graymalkin

Oh, no, I've got no complaints about people like you who bought TiVo, tried the service and didn't care for it, and want to express your views. That's exactly what this forum is for.

It's these silly trolls who come here apparently for no other reason that to tell TiVo users how stupid they are for having bought TiVo and how smart the troll is for not having bought TiVo -- and in the process show their complete ignorance of how TiVo works. :rolleyes:

Guess they just like to hear the sound of their two fingers typing.

Posted by: bmcgriff

quote:
Originally posted by mward
I just don't think the service provided is worth it compared to what I really want which is the ability to record to HD as well as pause/ff/rewind live TV.

What's interesting is I don't think there's any current technology that can fast forward live TV. :)

My biggest hurdle was the dual-tuner not being available in the standalone (dish was not an option at the time). I just can't wait till they add even more features to the software.