Mac Users lack Tivo togo support

[chiefted]

I am not sure it's an effort to compete with iTV, as much as it's an effort to be compatible with iTV.

1) Toast 8 is going to let you automatically transfer shows from your Tivo to your Mac, and automatically add them to your iTunes library.

2) iTV plays video content out of your iTunes library.

Poof. Instant compatibility between Tivo and iTV. Though, yeah, it costs you $100.



With Elgato's EyeTV software I wind up recording most of my stuff directly onto my Mac.

When I do use my Tivo unit (which is becoming less and less of late with the whole EyeTV thing) using Dave Benesch's I can download the show, and have it automatically placed in my iTunes library.

With both of those things and what ever iTV will finally be called, I have the instant compatibility between Tivo and iTV. Again with Dave Benesh's wonderful software it was free, or rather I won't have to shell out the 100 or what ever dollars for Toast. I did donate to Dave Benesch for the wonderful work he did on TDM.

For me the missing link is the iTV so that if I record it on my Mac I can watch it on a TV without burning a DVD of it. I could pretty much chuck my Tivo at that point.

Don't know if the Toast solution would work without the DVD burner but seriously try TDM (and of course now I don't have the link but its in this over 2000 reply thread somewhere). I think you will be pretty pleased with it.

[chessplayer]

Does anyone else find it ironic that playback uses the eyeTV interface?

[nightstrm]

No, in the press release it mentions that the software was built in cooperation with ElGato.

[cwoody222]

I wonder how much of the 2 year delay was just because TiVo, Inc. refused to accept defeat and bring in some people who actually knew what they were doing?

My guess - about a year and a half. They finally went to Roxio when they missed their mid-2006 deadline. Then Roxio got the job done in less than 6 months.

[johnkzin]

With Elgato's EyeTV software I wind up recording most of my stuff directly onto my Mac.

I've looked at EyeTV before. But I've had a few reservations about it.

1) No support for DirecTV (their only sat support doesn't work with DSS systems that need a special card)

2) Doesn't have an IR blaster type device to control an external tuner (so I could use it with a DirecTV set-top box)

3) Last time I asked them, EyeTV's software wont schedule across multiple tuners ... so you can't get the "record two planned shows that air at the same time" capability that you have with a dual tuner Tivo.

4) Do you know if it works with iTunes? Last I checked, it didn't, but the last time I looked at EyeTV, iTunes was no yet doing video. If EyeTV was able to feed its content to iTunes, that'd seem like a pretty good integration with iTV. That would only leave out "how do you watch live TV".


If EyeTV has tackled these issues, I'd _love_ to know.

[gonzotek]

I wonder how much of the 2 year delay was just because TiVo, Inc. refused to accept defeat and bring in some people who actually knew what they were doing?

My guess - about a year and a half. They finally went to Roxio when they missed their mid-2006 deadline. Then Roxio got the job done in less than 6 months.
According to zatz, it was last spring that they turned to Roxio for help:
After spinning their wheels with “content security issues” for awhile, they turned to partner Sonic for technical assistance last spring… and here we are!http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-01/mac-tivotogo-is-here-by-roxio/#more-1225

[timg]

I've looked at EyeTV before. But I've had a few reservations about it.

1) No support for DirecTV (their only sat support doesn't work with DSS systems that need a special card)

2) Doesn't have an IR blaster type device to control an external tuner (so I could use it with a DirecTV set-top box)

3) Last time I asked them, EyeTV's software wont schedule across multiple tuners ... so you can't get the "record two planned shows that air at the same time" capability that you have with a dual tuner Tivo.

4) Do you know if it works with iTunes? Last I checked, it didn't, but the last time I looked at EyeTV, iTunes was no yet doing video. If EyeTV was able to feed its content to iTunes, that'd seem like a pretty good integration with iTV. That would only leave out "how do you watch live TV".


If EyeTV has tackled these issues, I'd _love_ to know.

I have no experience with DirecTV, so can't comment on that.

For the IR blaster, I have heard that there are compatible devices available, but again, no experience.

For recording multiple shows at once, this does work. The only issue is, you need to have 2 or more of the same hardware (eyeTV itself works with el gato hardware and third party hardware)

It also has export to iPod. 1 click will transcode to iPod compatible and add to your iTunes library.

Watching live TV seems to only be possible on the computer. It's also a wonky when you are trying to watch a show that is currently being recorded on a compatible media player (I have an eyeHome also). On the computer, it's no problem.

[johnkzin]

For the IR blaster, I have heard that there are compatible devices available, but again, no experience.
It also has export to iPod. 1 click will transcode to iPod compatible and add to your iTunes library.


re: IR blaster: do you know the names of any of the ones that are compatible with EyeTV?

re: iTunes: 1 click is too many. That means I have to manually make it happen. It should be doable programatically (preferably: as soon as the recording is finished).

[timg]

re: IR blaster: do you know the names of any of the ones that are compatible with EyeTV?

re: iTunes: 1 click is too many. That means I have to manually make it happen. It should be doable programatically (preferably: as soon as the recording is finished).

IR Blaster: Check this page. http://www.vidcan.com/Software/iEyeCaptain.html

iTunes: Maybe you can set it to automatically export, I never looked into it.

[chessplayer]

No, in the press release it mentions that the software was built in cooperation with ElGato.
Obviously it was in cooperation with Elgato, I wasn't saying TiVo decided to steal the eyeTV software. I was saying it's funny that playback of TiVo shows is with the eyeTV interface, considering that the eyeTV hardware is the main alternative to TiVo for Mac users.

[Fofer]

I'm not ready to go TIVO-free, but I'll be calling today and cancelling 1 of my 2 boxes... I can tivo on the bigger box and transfer files to the 2nd over my home network.

Assuming both are Series 2 devices, good luck with that.

Why would "good luck" be needed? Does MRV not work between a pair of unhacked boxes if one of them doesn't have service (or doesn't dial in?)

Maybe I'm spoiled with hacked boxes, but MRV works fine for me. Been enjoying a better version of "TiVoToGo" on my Mac for a couple of years now, too.

I don't like companies that make me wait, and lie about their commitment.

[Turtleboy]

I don't think MRV works with an unsubbed box.

[SnakeEyes]

Last I heard nothing worked with an unsubbed box if it were series 2 or newer.

[sayonaraML]

I've always kept Toast up to date so upgrading to 8 was going to happen one way or the other and with an inclination already to get a new remote, the 'glow' remote package was reasonable enough so that I jumped on it. So for 90.00, I get TivoToGo on both my desktop and laptop, no need to worry about codecs as the viewer works nicely, decent speed on Tivo transfer and surprisingly quick burning. I hate to say it (well maybe not hate) but the solution works well enough for me that the only resentment I have is what took them (Tivo) so long.
:)

[bioshazard]

I have very little interest in burning shows to DVD (I've only wanted to once, and couldn't get it to work on my PC). So the $100 Toast thing is lame...but on the other hand, the software looks really nice, and it looks like it's actually a much better solution than what you get on Windows.

Yeah, it's probably better, (mostly because it's not on Windows), but the simple fact is that, after being strung along for years, and being PROMISED that TiVo To Go was coming, we get told, "Hey, guys, look at this big favor that we did for you! We finally got it working! Now give us a hundred bucks so you can do what Windows users have been able to do for free since forever ago!

Bastards. I'm cancelling one of my boxes tomorrow, and putting it up on eBay.

[sobenski]

Last I heard nothing worked with an unsubbed box if it were series 2 or newer.


Is this true? :confused: Considering how much the boxes cost, that would be pretty disappointing. I thought if you didn't subscribe they just limit you to only 3 days of program info, and cut off a few features, something like that?

[sobenski]

[QUOTE=Fofer]Eh. I'll wait until it works with Series 3. (It probably never will.)
QUOTE]

It would be pretty sweet to be able to burn S3 Tivo recordings to a blu-ray disc. But first things first, I am just dying to be able to watch my S3 from my Mac in the other room. I hope Tivo can enable TTG on the S3 soon.... and if it doesn't work on the Mac, I am going to scream....

[cwoody222]

Is this true? :confused: Considering how much the boxes cost, that would be pretty disappointing. I thought if you didn't subscribe they just limit you to only 3 days of program info, and cut off a few features, something like that?

Only older Series1 units and DVD units with "TiVo Basic" included. Series2 and beyond do nothing without subscriptions.

[TivoBrian]

Now give us a hundred bucks so you can do what Windows users have been able to do for free since forever ago!

Bastards. I'm cancelling one of my boxes tomorrow, and putting it up on eBay.

Wow, what a bunch of negative nellies some of you have been after this announcement! :eek: I, for one, am thrilled with the announcement and jumped right on the Toast bundle that includes the glowing Tivo remote. :up:

I'm primarily a Mac guy and have been since the "FatMac 512k", but have five PeeCees under my roof and one souped-up G4 Mac. (Most of the PeeCees were garage-sale bargains.) I bought Sonic's MyDVD ($50, as I recall!) AND a codec for MPG playback specifically so I could burn DVDs from a Series II Tivo. What a MISERABLE experience it was. MyDVD was sluggish even on a fast machine, and trying to do something as simple as edit out commercials made for hours and hours of frustration. Even just setting chapter points at the end of commercial breaks was frustrating.

Ultimately I sold my Series II and got a Lifetime 80-hour Humax unit so I could burn DVDs painlessly. I've hacked my S1 box with a 350 Gb hard drive and all the necessary utilities, so no problem transferring shows from it.

With this announcement, and ALL the other GREAT improvements to the Toast bundle of apps, this makes me feel like it's Christmas morning all over again! :D

And c'mon, one hundred dollars?? DealMac shows today that if you're upgrading, the total price is $37.99 after rebates. If you're buying new, the total price is $57.99 after rebate. What a deal!!

So I just don't get why all the whining? This deal works out to be CHEAPER than what you claim "Windows users have been able to do for free". (MyDVD + codec = $70.) And with the Toast suite of applications, the experience on a Mac is FAR happier and certainly more productive than anything I've done with Windows ("officially" or otherwise with 3rd party apps).

So...stop the whining. Place your Toast order while the Expo deals are still good, and let the sun shine in in the age of Mac+Tivo!

[FreedMegabyte]

Woo Whoo! What a fluke, I purchased Toast 8 just to upgrade from 5, 01/09/06, in the AM from MMall. Then I got the TiVo email announcing it was in cahoots with them, sweet! Yes "TivoBrian" Santa came twice! I can't wait to try it out today.

[Figaro]

Wow, what a bunch of negative nellies some of you have been after this announcement! :eek: I, for one, am thrilled with the announcement and jumped right on the Toast bundle that includes the glowing Tivo remote. :up:

I'm primarily a Mac guy and have been since the "FatMac 512k", but have five PeeCees under my roof and one souped-up G4 Mac. (Most of the PeeCees were garage-sale bargains.) I bought Sonic's MyDVD ($50, as I recall!) AND a codec for MPG playback specifically so I could burn DVDs from a Series II Tivo. What a MISERABLE experience it was. MyDVD was sluggish even on a fast machine, and trying to do something as simple as edit out commercials made for hours and hours of frustration. Even just setting chapter points at the end of commercial breaks was frustrating.

Ultimately I sold my Series II and got a Lifetime 80-hour Humax unit so I could burn DVDs painlessly. I've hacked my S1 box with a 350 Gb hard drive and all the necessary utilities, so no problem transferring shows from it.

With this announcement, and ALL the other GREAT improvements to the Toast bundle of apps, this makes me feel like it's Christmas morning all over again! :D

And c'mon, one hundred dollars?? DealMac shows today that if you're upgrading, the total price is $37.99 after rebates. If you're buying new, the total price is $57.99 after rebate. What a deal!!

So I just don't get why all the whining? This deal works out to be CHEAPER than what you claim "Windows users have been able to do for free". (MyDVD + codec = $70.) And with the Toast suite of applications, the experience on a Mac is FAR happier and certainly more productive than anything I've done with Windows ("officially" or otherwise with 3rd party apps).

So...stop the whining. Place your Toast order while the Expo deals are still good, and let the sun shine in in the age of Mac+Tivo!

Perhaps the whining is because TiVo promised to deliver this functionality themselves for free. Now without a word from TiVo we find out we have to buy it for a 100$. What if you don't want to burn stuff and just want the transfer capability? Why the hell should we have to buy the entire toast bundle? I don't need toast to burn anything, so why should I have to buy it? I have better things to spend my money on be it $50, $70, or $100.

I think you need to put the Kool Aid down and rethink this from that perspective.

[Dr_Zoidberg]

So...stop the whining. Place your Toast order while the Expo deals are still good, and let the sun shine in in the age of Mac+Tivo!

It may be shiny for you, but not for me.

The functionality I want out of TTG costs Windows Users $24.95, and I went that route. There is NO incentive to spend an additional $100 or so (discounts/rebates aside) just to have the functionality I need on a Mac, especially when there's freeware already available. I would have purchased the functionality if it were the same price as the Windows version. I don't care about burning the shows to DVD.

TiVo's series 3 is too expensive, and TTG doesn't even work on it on Windows or OS x. There's no incentive to upgrade r buy anything else. Since I have lifetime service (I knew better), I'm not spending another dime on anything TiVo related.

I say they're pricing themselves out of the market on too many fronts!

[Dennis Wilkinson]

One of the various geek blogs I looked at this morning (although I'm at a loss to find the link at the moment) mentioned that Roxio is open to the idea of shipping just the transfer and playback features as a separate product independent of Toast, if there was enough interest.

Perhaps you should express interest (http://www.roxio.com/enu/company/contact.html), assuming you are interested, of course.

[TheSlyBear]

DealMac shows today that if you're upgrading, the total price is $37.99 after rebates. If you're buying new, the total price is $57.99 after rebate. What a deal!

Please post the details on getting the $37.99 upgrade price. I was unable to finagle this.

[gonzotek]

Perhaps the whining is because TiVo promised to deliver this functionality themselves for free.What? When did they ever promise it would be free? Now without a word from TiVo we find out we have to buy it for a 100$.The third party windows mpeg2 codecs that were offered for sale with the first version of TTG, the TD Plus paid upgrade and the Sonic MyDVD burning software for windows didn't suggest to you that there was a remote possibility mac users might have to pay something for the feature set?What if you don't want to burn stuff and just want the transfer capability?You can transfer to and from a mac without paying a dime, using safari and/or TiVoDecodeManager to download and TiVo Desktop (with video sharing enabled) to upload. Why the hell should we have to buy the entire toast bundle? I don't need toast to burn anything, so why should I have to buy it? I have better things to spend my money on be it $50, $70, or $100. If you don't need it, just don't buy it. For someone who just wants everything to work, and in a Mac-like way, Toast is a good choice. But there are other (free) options, and TiVo (to the best of my knowledge) never promised a 'free' solution.

[Figaro]

What? When did they ever promise it would be free?The third party windows mpeg2 codecs that were offered for sale with the first version of TTG, the TD Plus paid upgrade and the Sonic MyDVD burning software for windows didn't suggest to you that there was a remote possibility mac users might have to pay something for the feature set?You can transfer to and from a mac without paying a dime, using safari and/or TiVoDecodeManager to download and TiVo Desktop (with video sharing enabled) to upload.If you don't need it, just don't buy it. For someone who just wants everything to work, and in a Mac-like way, Toast is a good choice. But there are other (free) options, and TiVo (to the best of my knowledge) never promised a 'free' solution.
I was always under the impression that TTG on the PC was free for the basic functionality. If I am wrong in this regard please excuse me.

TivoDecodeManager is cool for a hack but the sound gets borked up pretty good in it. I would prefer a solid solution from Tivo.

I don't care about burning so I don't care that PC people had to pay for burning stuff.

Basically what I wanted from TiVo was some Mac support since they seem to have none. I could accept that if they weren't always claiming to care about mac users.

[Puppy76]

Is this ANY version of Toast 8 that includes this, or just some "special" Tivoed version?

I was always under the impression that TTG on the PC was free for the basic functionality. If I am wrong in this regard please excuse me.

Yep, Tivo Desktop is free so you'd just officially have to buy the burning and iPod converting products.

TivoDecodeManager is cool for a hack but the sound gets borked up pretty good in it. I would prefer a solid solution from Tivo.

I've had that problem on PC with lots of conversion methods. Tivo audio is weird :)

Honestly Toast 8 seems great to me at least from the screenshots. It stinks you have to pay for the basic transfer functionality, but other than that it looks WAY better than the equivalent Windows methods (including Tivo Desktop). I wonder if it has junk running in the background? That's another thing I dislike about Tivo Desktop-it's always running stuff in the background on Windows. That might be another advantage of Toast.

Though I sure wish it didn't cost $100! (Looks like Amazon will probably have it for $ 70 when they have it, but still, that's really expensive...hope it's not one of those programs that breaks when Apple update the OS).

[ccoulson]

Please post the details on getting the $37.99 upgrade price. I was unable to finagle this.

Here: http://dealmac.com/deals/Roxio-Toast-8-Titanium-for-58-shipped-after-rebate-38-for-upgraders/149051.html

[gonzotek]

I was always under the impression that TTG on the PC was free for the basic functionality. If I am wrong in this regard please excuse me.

TivoDecodeManager is cool for a hack but the sound gets borked up pretty good in it. I would prefer a solid solution from Tivo.

I don't care about burning so I don't care that PC people had to pay for burning stuff.

Basically what I wanted from TiVo was some Mac support since they seem to have none. I could accept that if they weren't always claiming to care about mac users.To playback mpeg2 content on a mac or a pc requires having a functional mpeg2 codec. Many pcs already have an mpeg2 codec due to having a dvd drive and software. Legally, no one can offer an mpeg2 codec without paying licensing fees, per unit, to MPEG-LA, so even if your pc already had a codec, you've technically already paid for it in the price of the computer, dvd drive and/or software. If you didn't have one, TiVo originally offered links to several third-party codecs for sale that supposedly would work with .tivo files(although many people had various problems with these). With TiVo Desktop Plus, they included a built-in mpeg2 codec that would be guaranteed to work with .tivo files, but you had to pay to enable it. Buying TiVo Desktop Plus also enabled conversion to other formats not natively supported by Windows. Windows XP with Windows Media Player 10 or greater provides free (to developers and users) hooks to convert video to wmv, so this functionality was enabled without purchasing TD+. On a Mac, Apple is willing to sell you a mpeg2 quicktime component, but it has several crippling limitations (by Apple's own admission), and in any event is incapable of playing back a .tivo file (we're ignoring the .tivo file encryption for the purpose of the this part of the discussion...the apple mpeg2 quicktime component simply won't work on a decrypted tivo file, as well as other varieties of perfectly valid mpeg2 data). So, at the absolute minimum, for TiVo to legally offer any kind of mac playback means they would have to license and pay for an mpeg2 decoder for each user that is using the feature. Economically, TiVo simply can't absorb that cost, and must pass it on to the users. Or they could contract with a third party to develop the feature-set and allow them to charge for their product, and consequently pay the licensing fees as applicable, which is what they've done.

[Figaro]

To playback mpeg2 content on a mac or a pc requires having a functional mpeg2 codec. Many pcs already have an mpeg2 codec due to having a dvd drive and software. Legally, no one can offer an mpeg2 codec without paying licensing fees, per unit, to MPEG-LA, so even if your pc already had a codec, you've technically already paid for it in the price of the computer, dvd drive and/or software. If you didn't have one, TiVo originally offered links to several third-party codecs for sale that supposedly would work with .tivo files(although many people had various problems with these). With TiVo Desktop Plus, they included a built-in mpeg2 codec that would be guaranteed to work with .tivo files, but you had to pay to enable it. Buying TiVo Desktop Plus also enabled conversion to other formats not natively supported by Windows. Windows XP with Windows Media Player 10 or greater provides free (to developers and users) hooks to convert video to wmv, so this functionality was enabled without purchasing TD+. On a Mac, Apple is willing to sell you a mpeg2 quicktime component, but it has several crippling limitations (by Apple's own admission), and in any event is incapable of playing back a .tivo file (we're ignoring the .tivo file encryption for the purpose of the this part of the discussion...the apple mpeg2 quicktime component simply won't work on a decrypted tivo file, as well as other varieties of perfectly valid mpeg2 data). So, at the absolute minimum, for TiVo to legally offer any kind of mac playback means they would have to license and pay for an mpeg2 decoder for each user that is using the feature. Economically, TiVo simply can't absorb that cost, and must pass it on to the users. Or they could contract with a third party to develop the feature-set and allow them to charge for their product, and consequently pay the licensing fees as applicable, which is what they've done.

Sooooo why do I have to pay a hundred bucks for it?

[gonzotek]

Sooooo why do I have to pay a hundred bucks for it?Because that's what Roxio thinks the entire Toast suite is worth, and that is how they've elected to package the TiVo features. Dennis Wilkinson mentioned, a couple of posts back (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4759284&&#post4759284), that they might be considering breaking out the playback and transfer components and offering them seperately, he advises using their contact form to request that option.

[Figaro]

Because that's what Roxio thinks the entire Toast suite is worth, and that is how they've elected to package the TiVo features. Dennis Wilkinson mentioned, a couple of posts back (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4759284&&#post4759284), that they might be considering breaking out the playback and transfer components and offering them seperately, he advises using their contact form to request that option.
Sooooo if the hackers have been able to make this work on their own why does TiVo have to outsource to Roxio?

[Dennis Wilkinson]

Sooooo if the hackers have been able to make this work on their own why does TiVo have to outsource to Roxio?

What does one have to do with the other? The two (hackers and TiVo) have two different, incompatible goals.

[Figaro]

What does one have to do with the other? The two (hackers and TiVo) have two different, incompatible goals.
Because people are saying that TiVo had to get outside help to do this, that it would have been impossible for them to do it on the Mac. I think that is bs. They could have done this even if they had to sell it for $20 because of a codec. Instead they chose to pass it off to Roxio.

[Dennis Wilkinson]

Because people are saying that TiVo had to get outside help to do this, that it would have been impossible for them to do it on the Mac. I think that is bs. They could have done this even if they had to sell it for $20 because of a codec. Instead they chose to pass it off to Roxio.

Again, what does "the hackers being able to do it" have to do with TiVo going to Roxio for the Mac implementation? All the hackers did was provide decryption. No mean feat, to be sure, but that's hardly the tough part from TiVo's standpoint, since they already know how things were encrypted.

It's been gone over in the past (in this thread, even) why delivering something feature-comparable with the Windows version would be challenging, if not impossible, with QuickTime and the iApps. Note that that is quite different from saying it was "impossible on the Mac", which I don't believe a single informed person has claimed. It sounds as if TiVo tried, and failed, to go that route. It happens. TiVo wanted to deliver something that offered the same features as the Windows version (basically: transfer, playback, transcode, and DVD burning) it doesn't seem unreasonable that, if they're going to go to an outside company for help, that they'd go to Roxio, who could deliver both the DVD burning part of the equation as well as the playback portion (through Roxio's preexisting relationship with Elgato.)

Could TiVo have rolled all of this in-house? Probably, given (even more) time and a lot more money. Outsourcing to a competent third party is hardly an evil thing to do. They've done it on the Windows side as well, bundling several third party codecs in the TiVo Desktop Plus version (the one that actually includes the needed MPEG2 codecs and iPod transcoding codecs, and, surprise!, is not free.)

[Figaro]

Again, what does "the hackers being able to do it" have to do with TiVo going to Roxio for the Mac implementation? All the hackers did was provide decryption. No mean feat, to be sure, but that's hardly the tough part from TiVo's standpoint, since they already know how things were encrypted.

It's been gone over in the past (in this thread, even) why delivering something feature-comparable with the Windows version would be challenging, if not impossible, with QuickTime and the iApps. Note that that is quite different from saying it was "impossible on the Mac", which I don't believe a single informed person has claimed. It sounds as if TiVo tried, and failed, to go that route. It happens. TiVo wanted to deliver something that offered the same features as the Windows version (basically: transfer, playback, transcode, and DVD burning) it doesn't seem unreasonable that, if they're going to go to an outside company for help, that they'd go to Roxio, who could deliver both the DVD burning part of the equation as well as the playback portion (through Roxio's preexisting relationship with Elgato.)

Could TiVo have rolled all of this in-house? Probably, given (even more) time and a lot more money. Outsourcing to a competent third party is hardly an evil thing to do. They've done it on the Windows side as well, bundling several third party codecs in the TiVo Desktop Plus version (the one that actually includes the needed MPEG2 codecs and iPod transcoding codecs, and, surprise!, is not free.)

So why not bundle a codec on the mac side instead of handing it off to someone who wants a hundred bucks for it?

[cwoody222]

TiVo couldn't (or wouldn't put the resources towards) pull it off themselves. They don't have the (Mac programming) talent in-house.

They should. They don't.

So they ended up running to Roxio for help.

And us - the consumer - suffer - because both Roxio and TiVo need to make $$$ off us now.

TiVo got in over their head and Roxio bailed them out. That's the story. If you believe otherwise, you're giving TiVo way too much credit.

[Figaro]

TiVo couldn't (or wouldn't put the resources towards) pull it off themselves. They don't have the (Mac programming) talent in-house.

They should. They don't.

So they ended up running to Roxio for help.

And us - the consumer - suffer - because both Roxio and TiVo need to make $$$ off us now.

TiVo got in over their head and Roxio bailed them out. That's the story. If you believe otherwise, you're giving TiVo way too much credit.

Oh I don't believe otherwise. I just wish that they would admit that they screwed the pooch on this instead of acting like nothing happened.

[cwoody222]

Well, it's not like "nothing" happened. Remember all that time when they were "working hard"?

hahahaha

(trying to look up Roxio's number in the yellow pages, most likely)

[homertime]

I just wanted to mention it was passed off to Roxio and Elgato.


EyeTV software actually plays the Tivo Files. The Roxio Program is what downloads it and converts it to DVD, iPod, or PSP format.

[Dennis Wilkinson]

Oh I don't believe otherwise. I just wish that they would admit that they screwed the pooch on this instead of acting like nothing happened.

You mean like telling bloggers like Dave Zatz (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-01/mac-tivotogo-is-here-by-roxio/) that they couldn't make it work themselves (or, at least not in anything resembling a timely manner)?


Product Directors Amir Gharaat (TiVo) and Adam Fingerman (Roxio) got me up to speed last week during a conference call.

As we know, Mac TiVoToGo is looooong overdue so my first question was: “What happened?” If you recall, we saw an alpha version at CES last year which looks nothing like what they’ve just devliered. As I suspected, the main sticking point was TiVo’s inability to keep the media locked down (as they do using Microsoft DirectShow on Windows). After spinning their wheels with “content security issues” for awhile, they turned to partner Sonic for technical assistance last spring… and here we are!

[Figaro]

You mean like telling bloggers like Dave Zatz (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-01/mac-tivotogo-is-here-by-roxio/) that they couldn't make it work themselves (or, at least not in anything resembling a timely manner)?
I don't consider bloggers a news source. Perhaps they could have mentioned something in the spam email that they sent me bragging about TTG for the Mac being available?

Why are you being such an apologist for TiVo?

[shelbel]

Why are you being such an apologist for TiVo?

I don't think he's being an apologist, I think he's reacting to some of the hostility that's cropping up on this thread. I know we've seen at least one interview w/ TiVo High-ups admitting that they should have been able to provide a solution sooner. Are they gonna tack on an apology with the announcement of the Roxio solution? Of course not. That's not the way any business would announce a new feature. Period.

Let's face it, TiVo's walking a tightrope here. They're trying to expand their features and services in order to compete w/the TiFaux products, but they've also got to reassure the content providers that their interests will be protected, and all the while try to make a profit for the investors. And if everyone acquires a DVR and timeshifts without commercials, then the industry will have to shift to a new structure (iTunes, anyone?) which will deliver programs directly to the user and TiVo's at risk of being a dinosaur. So while it was unfortunate that we all had to wait longer--and yes, I was one of the very angry ones at having to wait--it's understandable that that TiVo found it a good business decision to offer a significant feature to the majority of its consumers, and it's not that hard to imagine that the DRM etc. proved to be more difficult than they could handle.

So let's all be happy for a moment. At least for now, those of us who want no-frills TTG have the workarounds, and they cost, let's see... nothing, unless you choose to donate for the hard work put into them. And for those of us who want more features, features that PC users had to pay for as well, there's Toast for not that much $$$$, really, particularly if you have a need/use for any of the special deals they're offering this week. Enough people have passed through this thread calling Mac users whiners; let's not justify that by continuing to complain now that we've got what we want.

[Dennis Wilkinson]

Why are you being such an apologist for TiVo?

You asked why they would have gone to Roxio. I answered with one possible reason, based on the evidence at hand. I've also tried to fill in some of the blanks technically, since I spent a long time writing code in the video market and have done a lot of QuickTime and codec work.

You asked why they haven't admitted that they weren't able to do it themselves. I noted that they have (whether you accept bloggers as "reporting" or not is rather beside the point -- this type of admission isn't exactly something that companies trumpet from the ramparts.)

That's not being an apologist; that's contributing to the discussion. I'm simply not filled with righteous anger over the issue, that's all (and that's mostly because I don't find TTG a terribly compelling feature for my own use more than anything else.)

Full disclosure: I did go out an buy Toast 8 (at nowhere near the full retail) -- but that's because I use Toast fairly regularly.

[Figaro]

I don't think he's being an apologist, I think he's reacting to some of the hostility that's cropping up on this thread. I know we've seen at least one interview w/ TiVo High-ups admitting that they should have been able to provide a solution sooner. Are they gonna tack on an apology with the announcement of the Roxio solution? Of course not. That's not the way any business would announce a new feature. Period.

Let's face it, TiVo's walking a tightrope here. They're trying to expand their features and services in order to compete w/the TiFaux products, but they've also got to reassure the content providers that their interests will be protected, and all the while try to make a profit for the investors. And if everyone acquires a DVR and timeshifts without commercials, then the industry will have to shift to a new structure (iTunes, anyone?) which will deliver programs directly to the user and TiVo's at risk of being a dinosaur. So while it was unfortunate that we all had to wait longer--and yes, I was one of the very angry ones at having to wait--it's understandable that that TiVo found it a good business decision to offer a significant feature to the majority of its consumers, and it's not that hard to imagine that the DRM etc. proved to be more difficult than they could handle.

So let's all be happy for a moment. At least for now, those of us who want no-frills TTG have the workarounds, and they cost, let's see... nothing, unless you choose to donate for the hard work put into them. And for those of us who want more features, features that PC users had to pay for as well, there's Toast for not that much $$$$, really, particularly if you have a need/use for any of the special deals they're offering this week. Enough people have passed through this thread calling Mac users whiners; let's not justify that by continuing to complain now that we've got what we want.

Not a whining Mac user. Just a TiVo user who has had enough of their business practices. This was the final nail. I will never buy another TiVo product again.

[TivoBrian]

So let's all be happy for a moment. At least for now, those of us who want no-frills TTG have the workarounds, and they cost, let's see... nothing, unless you choose to donate for the hard work put into them. And for those of us who want more features, features that PC users had to pay for as well, there's Toast for not that much $$$$, really, particularly if you have a need/use for any of the special deals they're offering this week. Enough people have passed through this thread calling Mac users whiners; let's not justify that by continuing to complain now that we've got what we want.

:up: AMEN, brother! Well said!

My Toast 8 and glowing remote arrived at my door today, and that was with "standard" shipping after ordering on Tuesday morning immediately after the announcement! Whoo-hoo!!!!! A great weekend project to keep me indoors while Mother Nature pounds Kansas with the next winter blast.

[juanian]

Why did TiVo have to outsource to Roxio? TiVo went to the (best?) DVD writer for Macs - Toast. And Toast (which is now owned by Roxio) is also now owned by Sonic, which did the TiVo-sanctioned PC flavor of DVD writing (let's not talk about the possibly better DVD software from Nero).

But let's look at the bottom line: Why couldn't TiVo use QuickTime for decoding? I guess you need to look at the big A for that one. Certainly, TiVo would have liked to be compatible with QuickTime, which would have allowed programs to be edited and viewed uwing QuickTime and be compatible with the iLife suite to be able to edit/manipulate and burn DVDs. But, since Apple can't (?won't?) support the wider flavors of MPEG-2 used by TiVo (or other folks), TiVo was left with only VLC to allow .TiVo files to be viewable. (Now, when will VLC support the TiVo decoding so it can play .TiVo files 'directly' (well, after entering the MAK).) Maybe TiVo has been patiently waiting for Apple to 'open up'. Foolish little TiVo.

(Sorry I'm rambling in odd directions -- I'm a bit stir-crazy sitting in this hotel room for a few days waiting for the roads to open in the west half of Texas so I can get home.)

[MacNAround]

let's not justify that by continuing to complain now that we've got what we want.

I unfortunately ran into a problem AFTER buying Toast 8 to use TiVoToGo. It does not support DirecTV DVRs with TiVo. Nothing is mentioned on tivo's or roxio's website about this. You only are made aware of this after you buy the software and are running the installer.

Here is where I started a thread about it in the DirecTV HDTV TiVo Powered PVRs forum:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=336858

Maybe I will start a new thread in this forum so that others won't make the mistake I did. :(

[Puppy76]

I unfortunately ran into a problem AFTER buying Toast 8 to use TiVoToGo. It does not support DirecTV DVRs with TiVo. Nothing is mentioned on tivo's or roxio's website about this. You only are made aware of this after you buy the software and are running the installer.

Here is where I started a thread about it in the DirecTV HDTV TiVo Powered PVRs forum:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=336858

Maybe I will start a new thread in this forum so that others won't make the mistake I did. :(

DirectTVs haven't been updated in forever, and have never supported Tivo 2 Go (or tons of other features). DirectTV has been killing them off in favor of their homegrown inferior DVR.

[shelbel]

I unfortunately ran into a problem AFTER buying Toast 8 to use TiVoToGo. It does not support DirecTV DVRs with TiVo. Nothing is mentioned on tivo's or roxio's website about this. You only are made aware of this after you buy the software and are running the installer.

I'm sorry this happened to you, MacNAround. I think they ought to have a disclaimer in bold print somewhere near the "buy" button when there's a major incompatibility with something. If you wouldn't otherwise have bought/used Toast, it would be worth contacting the source you purchased it from to try for a refund. I know, opened software is opened software, but if they didn't tell you upfront it wouldn't be compatibile, then you have to open the box to find out you can't use it.

[gonzotek]

I unfortunately ran into a problem AFTER buying Toast 8 to use TiVoToGo. It does not support DirecTV DVRs with TiVo. Nothing is mentioned on tivo's or roxio's website about this. You only are made aware of this after you buy the software and are running the installer.

Here is where I started a thread about it in the DirecTV HDTV TiVo Powered PVRs forum:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=336858

Maybe I will start a new thread in this forum so that others won't make the mistake I did. :(
If you use the main Roxio site (http://www.roxio.com/) to navigate to their Toast page (http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/toast/titanium/overview.html), a System Requirements tab (http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/toast/titanium/requirements.html) does indicate that Directv dvrs with TiVo service will not work with it. But if you use the link TiVo provides from their TiVo Desktop page, you will not encounter that text. Neither will you find that requirement mentioned on Amazon or Buy.com ( well, buy.com does link to a pdf file (http://ak.buy.com/buy_assets/retail/pdfs/07Q1/roxiotoast8st.pdf) that mentions it, but the link to the file doesn't suggest that you will find system requirements buried in it).

TiVo should have this information marked clearly on their Mac TTG page, as well as inform Roxio that their page is missing the information as well( and the distributors' pages too!).

[Fofer]

I am just dying to be able to watch my S3 from my Mac in the other room.

Add a Slingbox? (http://us.slingmedia.com/page/products.html)

[MacNAround]

If you use the main Roxio site (http://www.roxio.com/) to navigate to their Toast page (http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/toast/titanium/overview.html), a System Requirements tab (http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/toast/titanium/requirements.html) does indicate that Directv dvrs with TiVo service will not work with it. But if you use the link TiVo provides from their TiVo Desktop page, you will not encounter that text. Neither will you find that requirement mentioned on Amazon or Buy.com ( well, buy.com does link to a pdf file (http://ak.buy.com/buy_assets/retail/pdfs/07Q1/roxiotoast8st.pdf) that mentions it, but the link to the file doesn't suggest that you will find system requirements buried in it).

TiVo should have this information marked clearly on their Mac TTG page, as well as inform Roxio that their page is missing the information as well( and the distributors' pages too!).

roxio is willing to work with me given this situation. I did go back after getting the message during installation and that message was not under system requirements when I looked...I specifically looked there. They must have updated the site (thanks for updating the site roxio)

In fact, Pat @ roxio said that he will get the Mac user target page (for TiVoToGo in Toast) updated with the same information about no go for DirecTiVos. You can see his response over here in this same forum (if you'd like) in this thread:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=337033

I don't like keeping this thread alive that you are reading now because there IS now TiVoToGo support for Macs.
Thanks roxio and TiVo for making software for the Mac to work with many TiVos.

[patatrox]

In fact, Pat @ roxio said that he will get the Mac user target page (for TiVoToGo in Toast) updated with the same information about no go for DirecTiVos.

That went live yesterday and is part of the requirements on that landing page.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

[sobenski]

Add a Slingbox? (http://us.slingmedia.com/page/products.html)

Yeah, I've been eyeing a Slingbox for a long time. But it seems like overkill to spend $300 on it for a feature that Tivo will hopefully be adding soon. Maybe if I start to travel more for work I would get it for Internet streaming features.

Also, even though the Slingbox Pro is supposedly HD Tivo compatible, the quality that it can transmit depends upon your home network and internet connection speed. (Tivo to Go wouldn't have this limitation assuming it lets you actually copy the files to your hard drive before playnig) I read somewhere that the Slingbox Prio couldn't even do HD video across a 100Mbps home network.... Anyone know if that's true, or where to get more detailed Slingbox data on network requirements? (I'm not even close to that; I can't run wiring acorss my apartment, and I can't use a powerline adapter since the living room and bed rooms are on different circuits... so, I'm stuck with wireless and would need to upgrade everything to 802.11n to get the speeds necessary for HD, and of course that's an added expense even if the n spec hardware were stable...)

[Budget_HT]

Yeah, I've been eyeing a Slingbox for a long time. But it seems like overkill to spend $300 on it for a feature that Tivo will hopefully be adding soon. Maybe if I start to travel more for work I would get it for Internet streaming features.

Also, even though the Slingbox Pro is supposedly HD Tivo compatible, the quality that it can transmit depends upon your home network and internet connection speed. (Tivo to Go wouldn't have this limitation assuming it lets you actually copy the files to your hard drive before playnig) I read somewhere that the Slingbox Prio couldn't even do HD video across a 100Mbps home network.... Anyone know if that's true, or where to get more detailed Slingbox data on network requirements? (I'm not even close to that; I can't run wiring acorss my apartment, and I can't use a powerline adapter since the living room and bed rooms are on different circuits... so, I'm stuck with wireless and would need to upgrade everything to 802.11n to get the speeds necessary for HD, and of course that's an added expense even if the n spec hardware were stable...)
According to this article ...
http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/15265/The-Slingbox-PRO-Review/
... and other reviews I have read, it looks like the maximum video resolution within a LAN is 640x480. Across the internet the resolution is limited to 320x240.

Compatible with HD (1080i and 720p) means that you can use those input resolutions with the dongle and the Slingbox Pro will downconvert them to 640x480--widescreen where appropriate.

So, an HD input signal, streamed over a LAN with sufficient bandwidth, will yield near-DVD quality on the PC or Mac viewer.

That is how I understand it. Anyone with real experience or more knowledge could correct me if needed. I am only repeating what I have read. I am, however, considering purchase of a Slingbox Pro.

[donsullivan]

According to this article ...
http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/15265/The-Slingbox-PRO-Review/
... and other reviews I have read, it looks like the maximum video resolution within a LAN is 640x480. Across the internet the resolution is limited to 320x240.

Compatible with HD (1080i and 720p) means that you can use those input resolutions with the dongle and the Slingbox Pro will downconvert them to 640x480--widescreen where appropriate.

So, an HD input signal, streamed over a LAN with sufficient bandwidth, will yield near-DVD quality on the PC or Mac viewer.

That is how I understand it. Anyone with real experience or more knowledge could correct me if needed. I am only repeating what I have read. I am, however, considering purchase of a Slingbox Pro.

The facts you've got are essentially correct. I do a whole lot of travel and have come to find the SlingBox indispensible. I've got an AV connected to a DTiVo which gives me the best of all worlds. I can record what I want, watch it when I want and where I want.

The latest hardware and software configurations actually do a really good job of optimizing on the fly to give you the best possible quality based on the performance of the network connection you have to the box. If I use it at home the video quality is the same as on the TV at about 4,000k bandwidth utilization. If I use it on the road it constrains to ~400k which is limited by the upstream bandwidth on my cable model.

I've done things like watched GMA at 5AM on the west coast or when I get back to the room, pick up a movie that I've recorded and watch it on the laptop. It is even usable with the wireless broadband card in my laptop so I can watch pretty much anywhere I want.

The Mac client is still in a Public Beta mode but it's absolutely stable enough for regular use without any major issues that I've seen.

[atsang]

i have a slingbox pro with hd dongle and a Tivo S3, and I'd say that the quality on my Mac Slingplayer is like watching a divx version of the original broadcast.

I'm getting a 5000kbps stream over an airport express wireless connection. So yes, HD streams quite well.

[PoohLuvsTIVO]

We have had TIVOs since they were introduced. We switched to cable DVR for a while because they had Hi-Def. As soon as TIVO came out with it we bout the HDTV TIVO and switched back. :rolleyes: We are on our sixth TIVO and have talked many many people into purchasing TIVO as well as giving them as gifts to our friends and family. :D

But..... For TIVO to ignore Macs is just plain stupid. :mad :confused: Lets see..... If we are talking about music who has the lions share of the music market? I-Pod! :eek: Now lets see... Who makes I-Pod? Mac! TIVOs lackof support for Macs is just plain stupid! They need to realize they are no longer the only game in town and cater to ALL TIVO users not just the ones who have not discovered that Macs are 100 times better and more stable than Microsoft products. :eek:

[Fofer]

Well, PoohLuvsTIVO, this thread title (and much of it's content) is now outdated. Mac users no longer "lack TiVo togo support" (at least with the standard definition Series 2 TiVos.) We got it this month, from Roxio and Toast 8.


The HD TiVos are an entirely new beast, and they lack TiVoToGo on both platforms, Mac and PC.

[djdickmutt]

When is TiVoToGo going to be supported for Series3 HD TiVos? I spent all this money on a new TiVo, and I have a Mac, and they finally release TiVoToGo for Macs, and NOW IT'S NOT AVAILABLE ON MY BRIGHT AND SHINY NEW TIVO?!?? Someone will pay for this.

[Puppy76]

When is TiVoToGo going to be supported for Series3 HD TiVos? I spent all this money on a new TiVo, and I have a Mac, and they finally release TiVoToGo for Macs, and NOW IT'S NOT AVAILABLE ON MY BRIGHT AND SHINY NEW TIVO?!?? Someone will pay for this.

That's why I didn't buy a Series 3. I would have when they let you transfer your lifetime from your S2 to the S3, but I would never buy a DVR that doesn't let you watch your recordings somewhere else.

It's probably related to the cablecard thing. Since I will never use cable, I'd prefer it if they released an S3 without cablecards but with Tivo2Go.

I'd actually buy that...if it had lifetime or cheap monthly service.

As it is now, I doubt I'll replace my Tivo if it dies.

[schalliol]

Easy there, killer.

[cwoody222]

When is TiVoToGo going to be supported for Series3 HD TiVos? I spent all this money on a new TiVo, and I have a Mac, and they finally release TiVoToGo for Macs, and NOW IT'S NOT AVAILABLE ON MY BRIGHT AND SHINY NEW TIVO?!?? Someone will pay for this.

Um yea, YOU will.

TiVo never stated that Series3 would support ToGo now or even in the future.

If you didn't know that - your fault.

[TydalForce]

TiVoToGo on the Series3 is being held up by the fine folks at Cable Labs. Since the Series 3 uses CableCARDs, anything that brings video into the S3, takes video off the S3 (TiVo To Go), or even stores externally (the eSATA port) requires certification by Cable Labs.

So TiVo got the S3 out on the market, into our hands, but with some features disabled pending Cable Labs approval. With luck, they'll be able to activate these spiffy features. If not, well... Cable Labs blows :b~

The point is, it's not TiVo's fault. They could either release a CableCARD compatible product when they did with some features disabled, or wait until Cable Labs approved EVERYTHING... which apparently would have delayed the release by a year!

[azflackman]

I have to say, as a big complainer about Tivotogo ignoring us, that I am a happy camper now. Everything works! As I Tivo a program it automatically transfers to my iMac and I can burn a DVD using Roxio Toast 8. Slick! And, I can show iPhotos or play iTunes through the home network on my TV. No hiccups either. Now all I want is to be able to do the same thing with my Series 3. Hey, maybe they are working on that too!

[3rdCoast]

Hi Y'all . . . Can anyone tell me if it possible to download free tools to enable transferring files from tivo series 2 to a Mac running 10.3.9 without requiring use of the Terminal? All the freeware I could locate on Version Tracker requires Tiger. Elsewhere I came across Galleon, but I don't "do" the Terminal. (Not knowledgeable enough to feel confident in there.)

Thanks in advance. Any suggestion appreciated. I was referred here from tivo website since this is apparently considered a "hack." I apologize if such talk is also off-limits here. Obviously I should have investigated these issues before getting tivo last year, but I naively assumed transferring files would be as easy as most everything else on the Mac.

Or is there no way to transfer recorded programs to my Mac without either violating the tivo rules or paying for additional software?

[Dennis Wilkinson]

I'm not aware of anything that meets all those criteria (free, no use of the command line, runs on 10.3.x). I think the real limiter is using 10.3.x, though -- even some of the not-free options require some flavor of 10.4.

[cwoody222]

You can get some Galleon launcher tools that work with 10.3 I believe and allow you to use Galleon without using Terminal.

Why lookie...

http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=264966

[leon999]

[QUOTE=TydalForce]TiVoToGo on the Series3 is being held up by the fine folks at Cable Labs.

So is the solution to start bugging them, not Tivo? Or would it be counter-productive?


Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
858 Coal Creek Circle
Louisville, CO 80027-9750

Phone: 303.661.9100
Fax: 303.661.9199

[CuriousMark]

Thanks in advance. Any suggestion appreciated. I was referred here from tivo website since this is apparently considered a "hack." I apologize if such talk is also off-limits here. Obviously I should have investigated these issues before getting tivo last year, but I naively assumed transferring files would be as easy as most everything else on the Mac.
My fault, hack was too strong a word. We aren't supposed to discuss non-tivo tools there, except to suggest or refer people to where they can get them, or at least find out where they can get them.

TiVo Decode manager, may fall into the hack category, I am not sure. It isn't the official solution at any rate.

Galleon should work, it has a gui configuration program that should work for you.

Good luck

[TydalForce]

You might want to upgrade to 10.4 (or hang on for 10.5) and get TiVo Decode Manager... works really well

[3rdCoast]

I think the real limiter is using 10.3.x, though -- even some of the not-free options require some flavor of 10.4.
I suspected this might be the case. Unfortunately I don't have the cash to upgrade my hardware to something Tiger-worthy.

You can get some Galleon launcher tools that work with 10.3 I believe and allow you to use Galleon without using Terminal.

Why lookie...

Thanks man!!! I will attempt this thing soon as I get a chance. :)

[kalantan]

I can get Safari to see my Series 3 HD over my wired LAN, but TivoDecodeManager. When I plug the IP address of the TiVo into Safari, I get the page saying I've successfully connected, etc. I plug the same IP address into TivoDecodeManager along with my MAK and no dice. Got a warning saying check IP and MAK. I'm running the latest of OS X and TivoDecodeManager saw my Series 2 just fine. Any advice that might trickle in for this dilemma is appreciated....

[Fofer]

I can get Safari to see my Series 3 HD over my wired LAN, but TivoDecodeManager. When I plug the IP address of the TiVo into Safari, I get the page saying I've successfully connected, etc. I plug the same IP address into TivoDecodeManager along with my MAK and no dice. Got a warning saying check IP and MAK. I'm running the latest of OS X and TivoDecodeManager saw my Series 2 just fine. Any advice that might trickle in for this dilemma is appreciated....

The Series 3 has no TiVoToGo (or Multi-Room Viewing) functionality at this point in time. These won't work until TiVo gets CableLab Certification and enables it on the Series 3 platform for us.

Until then (barring some kind of end-user hack or something) TiVoDecodeManager and the Toast TTG software and any other networking/extraction of this nature will not work.

[Dennis Wilkinson]

The Series 3 doesn't support TiVoToGo. You wouldn't even be able to connect to it with the official TiVo Desktop. The page you're seeing when you connect with Safari is still accessible, but if you try to browse recordings (using the https:// flavor of the address) you'll find you can't get to them.

The claim is that this is because the CableLabs folks haven't signed off on the feature yet. The same is true for MRV and TiVoToComeBack.

Edit: and that's what I get for queuing up threads to read...

[kalantan]

Well, thanks for the informed answers. I'm a bit new to networking TiVos and all and I appreciate it. The Series 3 is a heck of a machine, but I guess I'll put the Series 2 back into service along side it until a connectivity solution presents itself - or some such corporate-speak....

[xnevergiveinx]

tivo desktop doesn't do anything on my macbook, it installs and i cen see it under system prefs, but it doesn't allow me to start

i still can't play .tivo files on my macbook, unless i download them with tivodecode and then play under vlc

[derekcbart]

tivo desktop doesn't do anything on my macbook, it installs and i cen see it under system prefs, but it doesn't allow me to start

i still can't play .tivo files on my macbook, unless i download them with tivodecode and then play under vlc
You need to install Toast 8 in order to playback .tivo files without using TiVoDecode and VLC. I don't own a MacBook so I don't know why it won't start. The TiVo Desktop software hasn't been updated in a while. Is it a Universal application?

[Dennis Wilkinson]

tivo desktop doesn't do anything on my macbook, it installs and i cen see it under system prefs, but it doesn't allow me to start

i still can't play .tivo files on my macbook, unless i download them with tivodecode and then play under vlc

The "doesn't allow me to start" problem sounds like the same problem discussed in this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4195098&&), which also has some possible solutions. The latest TiVo Desktop for Mac (1.9.3) is a universal app and should behave fine on a MacBook.

As derekcbart mentions, you will need Toast (or continue using TiVoDecode Manager) to get video playback, but TiVo Desktop handles the rest.

[tonyf3]

Hey Dennis,
It's been a while.
So the Hard drive finally went in my Series 2 80hr after 4 years. Wanted to know what you thought of sites like this one that offer preformatted replacement drives. http://www.dvrupgrade.com

It seems like I can get a 2 Tuner 80 hr with on-board ethernet for $99.00 from Tivo. Or buy a preformated replacement drive for $99.00 and up and install myself. Your thoughts? Thanks.

[greg_burns]

You can get a TivoHD with a plan for $199

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=388706

Probably better would to be one for $250 at Amazon w/o service and then just transfer your S2 service to it via the website. That way you avoid a commitment and keep your current rate.

Replacing the drive yourself is normally very simple using InstantCake. But w/o a PC, that could be a problem.

[greg_burns]

There are also free S2s with service...

http://dynamic.tivo.com/0.11.LP_kz.asp?a=las

more deals....
http://www.tivo.com/promo/nea_specialoffers.html

[msmart]

There are also free S2s with service...

http://dynamic.tivo.com/0.11.LP_kz.asp?a=lasWOW!! That's almost too good to be true!! I regretted not getting a dual tuner TiVo when I bought my first Tivo single tuner a while back. This looks like a perfect way to "upgrade".

I imagine they're refirb units, no? Or are they just looking to off-load inventory as HD units take off?

Better hurry, the offer expires April 5.!!

ADDED: Forget upgrading, I may just get one as a second unit. Thanks for the link.

[Puppy76]

Wow! Those are all some neat deals (at least if you're sure you don't want HD anytime soon and will have analog cable).

What's that about transferring service from an S2? Can you do that again?

I'd consider it, except it sounds like Tivo2Go has problems on the S3 platform, plus I hate how teeny tiny the hard drive is, and hate having to use a (possibly flaky) external drive.

[greg_burns]

Wow! Those are all some neat deals (at least if you're sure you don't want HD anytime soon and will have analog cable).

TivoHD is good for those as well. Also it can pick up Digital OTA. :up:

What's that about transferring service from an S2? Can you do that again?

You can't transfer lifetime service, but you have always been able to move your subscription to a new (unsubbed box).

https://www3.tivo.com/tivo-mma/dvrchange.do

I'd consider it, except it sounds like Tivo2Go has problems on the S3 platform, plus I hate how teeny tiny the hard drive is, and hate having to use a (possibly flaky) external drive.

Not to dismiss the transfer issues others are having, but I've had no failures at all with my S3.

Replace the internal drive with a 1TB. Easy as pie with WinMFS (and a Windows PC).

[donsig]

Just noticed this at the Roxio software updates page this morning:

Toast 8 Titanium v8.0.4:
Resolves issue where EyeTV recordings were not visible in Media Browser
Resolves a number of TiVo related audio/video sync issues

Downloading it now.

Jeff

Oops I meant to post this in this thread. Sorry. http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=369019

[msmart]

ADDED: Forget upgrading, I may just get one as a second unit. Thanks for the link.RATS!! I can't use a DT with my digital cable's (Qwest ChoiceTV) residential gateway box. Since my single tuner S2 is 80GB, I'm not going to gain anything. Oh well.