Okay, maybe the title is misleading.
I have been saving money up for a Tivo unit, after realizing how much I believe I would enjoy watching shows on my schedule, and not the networks. However, as is often the case, by the time I saved enough money (which I have), I've been made aware that new units are coming out in Dec/Jan, and it would probably be wise to wait until then to either (a) buy the new unit or (b) buy the old units at a (most likely) lower rate. So I've been (impatiently) biding my time.
Then I learned that Time Warner Cable has a DVR (digital video recording) option for their customers. $6.95/month (cheaper than the monthly service for Tivo), and it supports not one channel but two recording channels, including Digital channels (I believe they use the Scientific American 8000 box). I've been reading up on them, and I'll grant you that the recording system menu is more complicated, and it doesn't have some of the fancier features like the Tivo does (Season Pass, for instance), but since I haven't yet been spoiled by the Tivo itself, I figure "what will I know?" The software is getting better from what I've been reading, and the worst I figure is that I can toss it if it really sucks.
Makes me wonder how Tivo can survive if this becomes a common option in the future, particularly if the software gets better over time. Why buy a 3rd-party product that may stop working some day (if Tivo goes out of business), when I can get a similar service from my cable company, for a significantly lower monthly cost, and if it becomes antiquated, they will replace it for me at no cost?
Posted by Mark at September 22, 2003 11:18 AM | TrackBackFrom knowing people with the TW/DVR, I'd say "don't do it!"
TiVo has stated repeatedly there is a secret "boat-anchor" mode, which is so called so as to prevent a Tivo from becoming a boat anchor if TiVo goes under.
Posted by: Derek at September 22, 2003 03:00 PMOr.... I could do it for 3 or 4 months, until I get an actual Tivo unit, hence getting the best of both worlds?
Interesting in re: "boat-anchor" mode, glad to hear they have actually thought ahead a bit about that.
Posted by: Mark at September 22, 2003 05:10 PMMark,
Tivo choise is just like anything else in life you can buy the best or settle for something close.
My father told me a long time ago never be afraid to spoil yourself.
Good luck with your decision.
Pat
Posted by: Mark at December 20, 2004 03:50 PM