TiVo Hardware

Basically, TiVo is a standalone DVR (or PVR if you like) that allows you to record TV signals via satellite, cable or antenna. The TiVo box resembles the functions of a computer and it even runs a Linux operating system. Also called TiVo series 2, this device completes a wide set of functions:

Memorize TV programs

You want to record while you're not at home: even with TiVo basic service, you can teach this box which programs you want it to record for maximum three days in advance.

Storage capacity

Your TiVo comes with a built-in hard drive, that can record up to 140-hour of TV programs.

Pause live TV

For maximum 30 minutes: you don't need to miss one minute of your favorite TV show. Let TiVo record it while you're out of the room.

Replay

When you're back, pick the viewing from the moment you left; TiVo will continue to record the show up to the end.

Fast forward

If you don't want to see everything you've missed while away (e.g. commercials), skip forward.

Play in slow motion

TiVo allows you to replay a scene, even in slow motion; this feature is great for sports lovers.

Parental control over TV programs, using password-lockers.

TiVo boxes currently available are:

• TiVo Series2 with 40-hour recording capacity, price $150;
• TiVo Series2 with 80-hour recording capacity, price $250;
• TiVo Series2 with 140-hour recording capacity, price $350;

You can always choose to use the hardware from Philips, Samsung, RCA, Pioneer or Sony with the TiVo service. When somebody refers to a Samsung TiVo or a Philips TiVo, s/he obviously means a Samsung DVR that uses TiVo service etc.

TiVo Software

All standalone DVRs own the above features, more or less. They can record, pause live TV, replay in slow motion or fast forward. The difference comes with TiVo Service. The free TiVo service is known as TiVo basic. Full service, referred to as TiVo Plus, is available for one life-time cost or a monthly fee.

More About TiVo Plus

The TiVo service became so popular because it lets you have it all-in-one piece: TV, DVR, music player and on-time upgrades via your telephone line. See the features detailed next:

Home Media Features

With this feature, your TiVo 2 Series can be used like a digital music player, digital photo viewer, or a multi room viewer (if you have a TiVo box in the living room and another one in the bedroom you can create a home TiVo network).

Online Scheduling

You don't need to be home to tell your TiVo what to record. You just need an internet connection.

TiVo Wish List™

This feature allows you to record using keywords. TiVo service will record every program that corresponds to your definitions, from different channels, even if you didn't know about their existence.

Season Pass™

TiVo does not depend on you setting timers or inserting a video tape. Even if you don't specify the length of a program or the hour that it is broadcast, TiVo will know to record it. You just have to set up a list of favorites. The list is ordered, so the first entry will be read as the most important for you. If there are overlaps in your preferences, TiVo will record the first show to come on the list.

TiVo Wireless

Sometimes the network configuration in your home is far from satisfactory. The key could be going wireless. This is not entirely possible with TiVo service, but here's the most you can do:

• Connect your TiVo DVR to your phone through a wireless jack.
• Connect your Series2 DVR to your home network and get your daily service connections via internet; in this case, the phone line will be required only for the initial set-up of the DVR.
• Connect two TiVo DVRs using compatible wireless USB adaptors. You'll have your wireless peer-to-peer network in a few steps.

TiVo Alternatives

Being the most popular on the market due to the upward service, TiVo DVR became more than a brand. People refer to DVRs as “TiVo” whether they are TiVo or not. Replay TV is a nice alternative to TiVo, in one way: it records HDTV signals, and picture/sound quality is much better than the one you get with TiVo. In a Replay TV vs TiVo balance, none of the two is better, as TiVo Series 2 offers a more friendly user interface.

Another alternative is buying a DirectTv DVR with TiVo service. Their TiVo service is somewhere between basic and full, and costs only $4.99 per month. A DirectTV TiVo receiver is the best option for digital satellite TV entertainment.

Dish Network subscribers can opt for the DishDVR 510, and their advantage is no extra fee for the software, except the usual satellite program-package. The downside is that the Dish DVR is less featured than a TiVo box or a Replay TV DVR.