100% newbie with some purchase help questions... yes I hit the FAQ!

[volvofan]

Greetings Tivo gurus-

Long story short:
I'm in Iraq. Bandwidth SUCKS so searching takes HOURS (although I did as much as I could). My wife is back in the states w/ our two kids... she visited a friend w/ Tivo and LOVED it... guess what santa's bringing her this year? I've got to hit the bullseye on this one and buy the right box for our needs to maximize available funds... get the features we need and not waste $$ on the ones we don't.

Long story longer:
1) I am an experienced forum poster (volvospeed & pdaphonehome, to name a couple) so I know what a pain in the butt it is when someone shows up on the board not knowing a darn thing about the topics and asks a bunch of questions that have already been discussed and answered a million times... please bear with me, I am a little too short on time and bandwidth to climb the steep learning curve all by myself.

2) I am no dummy when it comes to gadgets. I am a self-admitted computer geek although in recent years technology has just about caught up to and surpassed my needs (i.e. massive storage, DVD burning, photo/video editing, email, games and business applications are all comfortably within reach of most mid-range systems out there, so no more needing to upgrade or hack bleeding-edge products myself). Same story with portable media... my PDA phone is well tricked-out to suit my needs and I am comfortable with the technology that goes along with it. No slingbox yet... maybe if I get into an EVDO (verizon wireless broadband) coverage area otherwise no need.

3) As for home A/V, we are comfortably middle-of-the-road. Nice components, mostly Sony, all a few years old with an average surround-sound setup. No plasma screen or flat screen TV, no progressive-scan DVD player, and no plans to upgrade any of those components in future unless something breaks (i.e. no HD for a few years). About my only "tweak" is a nifty universal remote that makes playing DVDs or stereo or using our digital cable menus a snap (i.e. press and hold THIS button to watch a DVD... press and hold THAT button to turn all the components on or off, etc). Simple is key when it comes to my technologically-challenged wife.

4) I don't mind performing DIY hacks and upgrades, but only if it is a "set and forget" deal that doesn't require constant fiddling with, or expensive/extensive hardware or software used only for that purpose. If I get deployed again, I don't want the box to crap out while I'm gone because of one tiny line of code that needed to get inserted, because my wife won't be able to do that sort of stuff.

5) Please help me pick out the right box! Criteria listed below:
MUST HAVE: DVD recorder, at least 4 days of recording time
WOULD LIKE TO HAVE: Lifetime subscription, ability to schedule shows via internet, at least 7 days of recording time, wireless internet connection
NICE TO HAVE: Ability to record more than one show simultaneously, ability to record copy-protected shows (anybody know if old MacGyver or A-Team shows are copy-protected, for example?), ability to skip commercials/ads
DON'T NEED: Anything HD-related, A monstrous storage capacity


Thank you all in advance for any help or advice you might be able to provide, either in the form of narratives or links to FAQ or other threads (as long as they aren't a zillion responses long). Feel free to reply here or directly to:
jon_belmont AT yahoo.

Thanks very much!
-CPT Jonathan T. Belmont
"Timberwolf 6"

[gastrof]

Nobody is making TiVo DVD machines any more.

LIFETIME subscriptions are no longer available, except possibly on Humax TiVo/DVD machines...which are no longer being made. (You might be able to find one on eBay or in the backroom of some electronics store somewhere in North America.)

I don't know if any TiVo can initially record 7 days worth, if you're talking 168 hours. Most likely it'd be doable with a drive upgrade, but understand that'd most likely be at "basic" quality...the lowest of the four settings.

The internet connection thing doesn't come with the TiVo itself. You have to add additional equipment, and tie into either your computer or a highspeed internet connection.

Only the Series 3 (an HD unit you say you don't want) and the Dual Tuner Series 2 TiVo can record two things at once. The Series 2 DT works only with cable and satellite, ,not OverTheAir television. (And with satellite, it can only record one satellite channel at a time.)

Most TV programming, at least for OverTheAir channels, cannot be legally "copy-protected" (flagged digitally in various ways to make them either unrecordable, erased after a few days, or non-transferable, such as to a DVD). Pay per view and channels like HBO do "copy-protect" now. TiVo "plays nice" with these copy-protection methods, and even if there were ways to make the TiVo ignore such methods, we wouldn't be able to talk about it here.

Any TiVo can speed thru the commercials on recorded shows, just like an old VCR could.

To say any more, we'd really need to know what sort of TV you'll be recording, as in cable, OverTheAir, or satellite (or some combination of two or more...yeah...some people have two or more in the same house even on the same TV).

[Einselen]

Please help me pick out the right box! Criteria listed below:
MUST HAVE: DVD recorder, at least 4 days of recording time
WOULD LIKE TO HAVE: Lifetime subscription, ability to schedule shows via internet, at least 7 days of recording time, wireless internet connection
NICE TO HAVE: Ability to record more than one show simultaneously, ability to record copy-protected shows (anybody know if old MacGyver or A-Team shows are copy-protected, for example?), ability to skip commercials/ads
DON'T NEED: Anything HD-related, A monstrous storage capacity


First of all G-d bless you and thank you. Because of people like you I am able to post to this forum rather then studying for my final tomorrow.

Anyway on with your shopping list. It is quite a list and there is a lot you can do that will match with some things here or some things there.

MUST HAVE
Starting with the MUST HAVE. If you must have a built in DVD recorded then you can purchase a DVD Tivo combo from eBay or you can get a refurbish HUMAX Tivo from Tivo.com for $99.99 plus service at $12.95/month for at least 1 year (this is actually a really good deal as only 1 year of service is currently $19.95/month). I ask though why must you have a DVD recorder? With a Series 2 Tivo and Tivo-To-Go it is possible to transfer recordings to your computer, then strip out commercials with software (I use VideoRedo) and then burn to a DVD (assuming computer has DVD burner). With the DVD units you will record the entire show including commercials (just giving you options, I can understand not wanting to have to have intermediate steps).

Continuing with the MUST HAVE at least 4 days of recording time all depends on how much you record and how large the drive is. I personally would not worry about this as you can upgrade the hard drive and it is not too complicated of a task.

Like to have
Lifetime - If you get a non-previous activated (means never ever had service) HUMAX Tivo you can add lifetime. The other way to get lifetime is find a grandfathered Series 1 and transfer it to a unti that doesn't have service. Lastly I am not sure how rare these are but you might be able to also find a lifetime gift card. All of these would have to be eBay purchases.

Ability to schedule shows via internet - I believe as long as the S2 or DVD combo units with Full Tivo Service (not Tivo basic which some units have the option of) then you will be able to schedule shows via the internet using Tivo Central Online. http://www.tivo.com/tco/

7 days recording time - again depends on habit and drive can be upgraded

Wireless internet - no Tivo comes standard with wireless internet, you will have to buy a wireless adapter, I would recommend the Tivo adapter. Amazon has it for $45, depending on where your wife lives you may be able to pay no shipping or tax. http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-Wireless-Network-Adapter-AG0100/dp/B000ER5G6C/sr=8-1/qid=1165826851/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-2336696-0727210?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

NICE TO HAVE
Two shows - you will have to get a dual tuner model. I do not believe any of the DVD models are dual tuners. Also note that the S2 Dual Tuner can only record/show 1 digital show at a time but can do 1 digital and 1 analog or two analog.

Ability to record copy-protected - I have no clue if I am correct on this statement but I believe you are able to record copy protected programs but then you can't do anything else with it like transfer it with tivo to go, transfer it to another Tivo, burn it to DVD, etc.

Skip commercials - What DVR does not do this. No problems there.

RECOMMENDATION
If you want to keep things simple and quick (not sure how much of a pain it would be to surf eBay and handle that overseas) then if you must must must have DVD unit then the refurbed Humax from Tivo.com is the way to go. The problem with this unit is it only has a 40 GB hard drive in it and that will fill up quickly and it will be almost like you have to manage it a lot.

If you don't need built in DVD burner and can transfer to a computer and then burn (with or without commercials as I am assuming you would schedule shows you want to see and have wife burn DVDs and send them to you) then go with the Series 2 Dual Tuner (unless your cable line up is all digital then dual tuner is pointless besides added processor speed and RAM).

Lifetime is tough to come by, possible and a nice addition but tough to worry about so I am not sure if I would or not.

I am sure others will have their own remarks and opinion but that is mine at least. I transfer and burn a lot of shows myself and I have a S2 Single Tuner 80 HR and it works out fairly well for me. I got the single tuner over dual because I found such a better deal at a local store it was irresistible and couldn't be passed up.

Good luck.

[volvofan]

Gastrof & Einselen-
Thanks so much for both the best wishes and the helpful advice! Oh, and good luck on your final tomorrow, feel free to wait until AFTER it to reply again :)

1) TV I'll be recording: We use digital cable (Charter, currently) for both TV and high-speed internet... there is no digital phone service in our area and I doubt we'd have gotten it even if there was. We have a fairly basic package without a lot of movie channels (we use Netflix) so no worries so much about the copy protecting on channels like HBO or PPV.

2) Got it on the wireless connection... I have seen that plug-in dongle and am all about using that to tie into my wireless router if for no other reason than to have one less cord/cable coming out of the "snake den" behind my entertainment center. I have no problem purchasing the extra hardware to do this, but I guess I'd have to make sure that the Tivo unit I buy is compatible with it.

3) I understand what you're saying about tying into the computer in order to burn copies of shows and such. I'm leaning away from this option for simplicity's sake... I've only got a DVD burner on our desktop, which is upstairs (away from where the Tivo box would be located) and not on all the time. Using software on a computer is much less wife-friendly than pressing a few buttons on a remote to page through on-screen menus and inserting a blank disc. It would also be nice to finally get some of our old VCR movies onto DVD... sure I've got the capability to do it with the computer but I'm leaning towards the "Keep It Simple" principle... even if it means recording commercials too.

4) It sounds like Dual Tuner may be more trouble than it's worth, especially if it's not available with the DVR models. Lifetime service, on the other hand, would be very much worth it to me... I DESPISE subscriptions. I have no idea why. It's practically a phobia.

5) I'm pretty darn eBay savvy, buying and selling lots of car parts and electronics... even the wife uses it quite a bit. I have zero problem at all buying a refurbed and/or upgraded unit and/or a lifetime gift card.

Sounds like I'm narrowing this down to a Series 2 single tuner with DVR and possibly an upgraded HD, either equipped w/ lifetime service or purchase a gift card to add it. Also, purchase a wireless adapter. Are there any recommended upgraders/remanufacturers that can be found on eBay or should I go through the Tivo site to buy a HUMAX box?

EDIT: Models I found on eBay that were for sale with a lifetime PLUS subscription included, and (in some cases) hard drive upgrades either available or already done:

HUMAX DRT400 NIB (250-400 gb HD upgrades available $125-$200) = $650 shipped
HUMAX DRT800 NIB (HD upgrades similar to above) = $700 shipped
(any difference between the two besides HD capacity? processor speed perhaps?)

Pioneer DVR-810H-S upgraded to 160gb HD w/ 8.1 software, also includes wireless adapter = $700 shipped
Pioneer elite DVR-57H with 8.1 software & 120gb HD = $935 shipped
(any major differences between the two Pioneers that would pertain to me?)

Thanks again for all the help... I will continue to peruse the FAQs and start looking on eBay when able.

-Jon

[lessd]

Gastrof & Einselen-
Thanks so much for both the best wishes and the helpful advice! Oh, and good luck on your final tomorrow, feel free to wait until AFTER it to reply again :)

1) TV I'll be recording: We use digital cable (Charter, currently) for both TV and high-speed internet... there is no digital phone service in our area and I doubt we'd have gotten it even if there was. We have a fairly basic package without a lot of movie channels (we use Netflix) so no worries so much about the copy protecting on channels like HBO or PPV.

2) Got it on the wireless connection... I have seen that plug-in dongle and am all about using that to tie into my wireless router if for no other reason than to have one less cord/cable coming out of the "snake den" behind my entertainment center. I have no problem purchasing the extra hardware to do this, but I guess I'd have to make sure that the Tivo unit I buy is compatible with it.

3) I understand what you're saying about tying into the computer in order to burn copies of shows and such. I'm leaning away from this option for simplicity's sake... I've only got a DVD burner on our desktop, which is upstairs (away from where the Tivo box would be located) and not on all the time. Using software on a computer is much less wife-friendly than pressing a few buttons on a remote to page through on-screen menus and inserting a blank disc. It would also be nice to finally get some of our old VCR movies onto DVD... sure I've got the capability to do it with the computer but I'm leaning towards the "Keep It Simple" principle... even if it means recording commercials too.

4) It sounds like Dual Tuner may be more trouble than it's worth, especially if it's not available with the DVR models. Lifetime service, on the other hand, would be very much worth it to me... I DESPISE subscriptions. I have no idea why. It's practically a phobia.

5) I'm pretty darn eBay savvy, buying and selling lots of car parts and electronics... even the wife uses it quite a bit. I have zero problem at all buying a refurbed and/or upgraded unit and/or a lifetime gift card.

Sounds like I'm narrowing this down to a Series 2 single tuner with DVR and possibly an upgraded HD, either equipped w/ lifetime service or purchase a gift card to add it. Also, purchase a wireless adapter. Are there any recommended upgraders/remanufacturers that can be found on eBay or should I go through the Tivo site to buy a HUMAX box?

EDIT: Models I found on eBay that were for sale with a lifetime PLUS subscription included, and (in some cases) hard drive upgrades either available or already done:

HUMAX DRT400 NIB (250-400 gb HD upgrades available $125-$200) = $650 shipped
HUMAX DRT800 NIB (HD upgrades similar to above) = $700 shipped
(any difference between the two besides HD capacity? processor speed perhaps?)

Pioneer DVR-810H-S upgraded to 160gb HD w/ 8.1 software, also includes wireless adapter = $700 shipped
Pioneer elite DVR-57H with 8.1 software & 120gb HD = $935 shipped
(any major differences between the two Pioneers that would pertain to me?)

Thanks again for all the help... I will continue to peruse the FAQs and start looking on eBay when able.

-Jon

With a Humax that NIB you can get lifetime service directly with TiVo for $299 (Humax has no basic service so its no service--Monthly- or Lifetime Service; the plus does not apply in this case) (any never activated Humax 595 TiVo can have Lifetime with TiVo)

For less then $200 you can get a 500G hard drive and replace the drive yourself, that should give you about 600 hours of basic record time or 200 hours at high quality. I would think that High Quality is what you would most likely use. (would give you 2 hours on a DVD ) With this unit you can easily xfer VHS family tapes to DVD which is a nice future if you need it.

Also I would point out its safer (using E-Bay) to buy a Humax that you can put lifetime on yourself directly with TiVo.

Good luck

PS If you send me a drive I would be glad to upgrade it for you at no cost (Humax 595 only).

[gastrof]

...Sounds like I'm narrowing this down to a Series 2 single tuner with DVR and possibly an upgraded HD, either equipped w/ lifetime service or purchase a gift card to add it...

EDIT: Models I found on eBay that were for sale with a lifetime PLUS subscription included, and (in some cases) hard drive upgrades either available or already done...



Just to clear up a couple things, the TiVo is a DVR. ("Digital video recorder.")

If you meant "DVD recorder", currently there's no abbreviation I've heard of.

As for the models on eBay, sometimes normal TiVo subscriptions are called TiVo PLUS because some units were sold with "TiVo Basic", meaning they'd work without paying for the service, but their features would be very limited.

I'd say that in every other instance, the "plus" part isn't used. Ever.

Generally, a unit with LIFETIME status is said to have "Lifetime".

If you can find a LIFETIME unit with an already upgraded drive, so much the better! :)

[volvofan]

Just to clear up a couple things, the TiVo is a DVR. ("Digital video recorder.")

If you meant "DVD recorder", currently there's no abbreviation I've heard of.

As for the models on eBay, sometimes normal TiVo subscriptions are called TiVo PLUS because some units were sold with "TiVo Basic", meaning they'd work without paying for the service, but their features would be very limited.

I'd say that in every other instance, the "plus" part isn't used. Ever.

Generally, a unit with LIFETIME status is said to have "Lifetime".

If you can find a LIFETIME unit with an already upgraded drive, so much the better! :)

OOPS! I meant DVD Recorder... got it. Thanks for the correction.

I did notice the difference when perusing the eBay auctions (tipped off by a several hundred dollar price difference) between the ones that claimed "Free lifetime service!" and the ones that claimed "Free lifetime PLUS subscription!" There are a couple of auctions floating around out there that wave around the LIFETIME INCLUDED claim when they are talking about Tivo basic... caveat emptor.

I got tipped off that Toshiba also makes a couple of Tivo boxes with built-in DVD recorders, and received a bit of nice info that the Pioneer unit and some HUMAX units come with a firewire input to take camcorder video directly... a nice feature.

If the Humax boxes are still eligible for lifetime service due to an agreement with Tivo, then right now I'm leaning towards picking up an unmodified HUMAX DRT800 with no lifetime service included from eBay, then getting the lifetime service directly from Tivo (would it have to previously be unregistered under any other contract, or are all HUMAX boxes, used & new, registered or unregistered, eligible?). In order to spread the cost out (and get a little more comfortable with the unit) I will then upgrade the hard drive as necessary at a later time. Does that sound about right?

Thanks again for all the help, guys!
-Jon

[lessd]

OOPS! I meant DVD Recorder... got it. Thanks for the correction.

I did notice the difference when perusing the eBay auctions (tipped off by a several hundred dollar price difference) between the ones that claimed "Free lifetime service!" and the ones that claimed "Free lifetime PLUS subscription!" There are a couple of auctions floating around out there that wave around the LIFETIME INCLUDED claim when they are talking about Tivo basic... caveat emptor.

I got tipped off that Toshiba also makes a couple of Tivo boxes with built-in DVD recorders, and received a bit of nice info that the Pioneer unit and some HUMAX units come with a firewire input to take camcorder video directly... a nice feature.

If the Humax boxes are still eligible for lifetime service due to an agreement with Tivo, then right now I'm leaning towards picking up an unmodified HUMAX DRT800 with no lifetime service included from eBay, then getting the lifetime service directly from Tivo (would it have to previously be unregistered under any other contract, or are all HUMAX boxes, used & new, registered or unregistered, eligible?). In order to spread the cost out (and get a little more comfortable with the unit) I will then upgrade the hard drive as necessary at a later time. Does that sound about right?

Thanks again for all the help, guys!
-Jon

Some E-Bay sellers of Humax DVD TiVos will guarantee that you get you own lifetime before they ship or your money back, if they have a good rep you should not have any problems. The hard drive can be upgraded at any time.
PM me if you want the E-Bay leads