Toshiba or Humax?

[dmk1974]

I'm looking into getting my in-laws a DVD/TiVo. The main reasons are:

* They only have basic cable (i.e., ch 2-76 or whatever)
* They "get confused" when switching inputs on the TV between their DVD player and normal stations. If it's always on the integrated DVD/TiVo, this issue is eliminated.
* They miss the channel guide that the old digital cable box used to give them (they no longer have digital cable, just analog which is fine for them)
* The ability to pause a show would be huge for them for when they get phone calls or have to pee or something.
* Using the TiVo to it's full capability is a stretch for them (in my opinion) but that option to record and stuff is always there.

Lifetime Plus would be great, but realistically, Lifetime Basic (which is more limited but comes with the units) would be good enough.

I am just wondering if when looking on ebay, is there a benefit of a Toshiba vs a Humax unit? I have a Humax in my basement, but it's sometimes a little "sticky". Or are there any other recommendations? Thanks!

[gastrof]

The DVD units have only an analog tuner.

They'd have to work with a cable box again if the cable company goes all digital...which it likely will, sooner or later.

The Humax machines don't work without service. The Toshiba and Pioneer machines will work without the paid service, tho' they don't have anywhere near the guide data. (I don't think they even get a week's worth at a time.)

The "Lifetime Plus" and "Lifetime Basic" garbage is advertising hype.

"TiVo Plus", lifetime or otherwise, is just plain old TiVo service, and the "Basic" service is a very limited form of that which came with the non-Humax machines, not requiring the TiVo fee (as mentioned above).

If you REALLY want to do this, I'd aim for a Toshiba or Pioneer machine, but if you don't mind paying the fee for service, a Humax could do the job too.

[TiVoEvan74]

The real beauty, of course, of Tivo is seasons passes! So, for that, it doesn't matter which one you get.

I'd look for one on ebay with real lifetime--or better, and more secure, get a refurbished Humax from weaknees and spring for lifetime for it.

The Tivo Basic on the Toshibas only allows manual recording--no season passes-- and given the way the networks keep moving around shows, and keep showing repeats-- it would be much better for them to have the full Tivo experience.

You could even help them set up the season passes for their favorite shows--and then they wouldn't have to do much with it at all!

[badgirl123]

It's Really A Good News

[dmk1974]

Well, I wound up buying a SD-H400 for them from ebay. It was $152 and came with Lifetime Plus service. Hopefully they will learn to use it!

[TiVoEvan74]

Sweet machine! Good pick! We had one for several years.

[Smallvilleclike]

Toshiba
I think this brand really good
I always use it

[Sotcr]

And the Humax work just with analog tv?? Or the Toshiba, or any DVR?