Are you going to get rid of your TiVo?

tivoupgrade · 02-03-2006, 08:31 PM

Folks,

This question has been nagging at me for some time now:

As many of you will agree, evidence of the new direction of DirecTV is becoming a bit more obvious as new products are becoming available, and new policies and business models are being announced.

Its a complicated story, and I won't attempt to tell it here, because I don't fully understand it myself. To make matters more complicated, it affects everyone differently; new customers, old customers, TiVo customers, etc - we all have different perspectives.

But this is a DirecTV/TiVo forum. Many people are TiVo-devotees. Others are DVR fanatics, who bought into TiVo because it was the only DVR DirecTV had to offer.

And now, folks are faced with some different options. But what are you actually going to do?

Option 1: I love my DirecTV/TiVo - I love it so much you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I'm keeping it, I don't care what new features DirecTV offers for their new non-TiVo DVRs

Option 2: I love TiVo, but I don't love that new features are not becoming available for my DirecTV TiVo - I might get a standalone TiVo and either keep satellite, or go to cable.

Option 3: I love DirecTV; I only want basic DVR functionality, and perhaps with time, DirecTV will give us better "TiVo-like" features. I know I can't upgrade the new non-TiVo DVR's but I'm OK with that. I'm going to get rid of my DirecTV TiVo DVR and get a new DirecTV DVR

Option 4: I have no clue what to do.

----

I suppose there are other options here, but these are the obvious ones that I can think of; my gut tells me that the folks who hang out here are somewhat devoted to their DirecTV TiVo systems and would rather see DirecTV continue to offer TiVo-based products for a variety of reasons (the sticky HMO thread is a good example of that), but what are people really thinking?

For myself, I love my HR10-250, and there is nothing on the horizon (that I know of) that would potentially influence me to get rid of it. Perhaps that will change over time? I just don't know...

lee espinoza · 02-03-2006, 08:36 PM

I "love" my tivo and DIRECTV but who ever offers the best that is who I will go with.

Kablemodem · 02-03-2006, 08:40 PM

I will stick with my DirecTiVos until my cable company offers HD at which point I will switch to cable and replace my DirecTivos with Series 3 Tivos. I like DirecTV, but I like TiVo better. The only thing I will really have to give up is NFL Sunday Ticket, which is why I switched to DirecTV in the first place, but it has gotten way too expensive. However, now that DirecTV is switching to a leased equipment business model I may use their HD DVR until my cable company gets HD. I have Adelphia, which is eventually switching to Time Warner, so I may have a long wait for HD. I don't have any HDTVs yet, so I am in no rush.

morgantown · 02-03-2006, 08:49 PM

I'll keep DTV for the forseeable future. I'll also keep my DTiVo's as long as they work. If/when DTV gets their DVR up to snuff, then I'll consider that too.

The Flush · 02-03-2006, 09:43 PM

Waiting on FiOS TV. But it'll be a long, long wait.

Steve1212 · 02-03-2006, 09:49 PM

I always keep my Directivo. the R15 sucks! and so will the H20 HD DVR.

kiljoy · 02-04-2006, 01:08 AM

I'm kind of stuck. On the one hand, I love my 2 DTivos and DirecTV's been good to me. I can always upgrade my series 2's (they aren't R10s) to get some of the neater features.

On the other hand, HD over DirecTV with a TiVo-powered DVR isn't going to happen. Some features I can't upgrade to, and DirecTV has been going downhill in PQ and price. I hate cable with a passion, but looking at my choices and the new Series 3, I may go that route. The price will be problem, getting two or three new units (that's $900 for lifetime alone) and the units themselves.

I may be financially forced into keeping DirecTV and my Series 2s for the time being.

Going with another DVR is not an option.

Tony

ayrton911 · 02-04-2006, 01:22 AM

I have a R10, and two GXCEBOTs (but only one of those is activated). I suppose for the near future I will keep my DirecTiVos. I'll probably add some capacity to R10 sometime soon.

I doubt I'll need to get rid of my DirecTiVos until I have a high definition TV. Then I'll get whatever HD DVR DirecTV has, but I'll still have a DirecTiVo SD in bedroom, until it dies or I get high definition in there.

tbeckner · 02-04-2006, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee espinoza

I "love" my tivo and DIRECTV but who ever offers the best that is who I will go with.

I currently have four DirecTiVos and plan on buying another SD-DVR80 this weekend. After receiving my first SD-DVR80 on Monday, I noticed how well built and designed it was compared to the HDVR2s and how cool it runs, so I will soon have another one as a backup unit. I plan on keeping the DirecTiVos until their motherboards die or I leave DirecTV, which ever comes first.

I currently have NO plans to buy a DVR from DirecTV anytime within the next three to four years. When I shift to HDTV sometime around 2009 give or take a year, my current plans are to look at alternatives, but at this point based upon the way that DirecTV has been managed over the last three years, unless big changes take place by then, I plan on jumping ship.

Media Portal

There is something NEW in DVR land that is coming very soon and it WON the 2005 International CES Innovations award and it works with Satellite (Dish Network) and the Internet and is called the "Media Portal".

It offers 25 hours of HD or 180 hours of SD with a 2 hour live TV buffer, Dual-Tuners (quad tuners), 30-second skip, Home Media Option with Multi-Room Viewing, an integrated DVD Burner, and a web browser interface for remote control and management.

It has built-in networking including a wired connector on the back (RJ-45 10/100) and a built-in wireless adapter (802.11b/g), and USB ports on the front and rear.

It still is missing some features that I would like, like using the WRA (Web Remote Access) to view video content like SlingBox (currently it only allows music and photos), external eSATA drives (they are only offering USB 2.0 for external storage), and a subscription from companies other than SBC and the Dish Network.

SBC announced that it would be available soon, just this last week.

Link: Media Portal

"The MediaPortal™ set top box combines TV (IPTV or Satellite) with broadband Internet to bring the best of the airwaves and the Internet to your TV set. The integrated Satellite and Digital Television Receiver, High-Definition Digital Video Recorder and Digital Media Server make the MediaPortal set top box a dynamic media solution. Multi-Room Entertainment Networking and compelling Broadband Media Services provide the easiest way for the entire family to enjoy the digital lifestyle."

Satellite Television Receiver

Dual Satellite Tuners: Combined high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD)
Dual Off-Air Tuners: Receive local digital/HD and analog broadcasts
HDTV Support: 480p, 720p and 1080i resolutions

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Recording Capacity: Up to 180 hours of SD programming, up to 25 hours of HD programming, or any combination of the two
Trick Play: Pause live TV for up to two hours, 4-speed fast forward and reverse (4x, 15x, 60x, 300x), skip back 10 seconds, skip forward 30 seconds, slow-motion and frame-by-frame forward and reverse
Multiple Tuners: Record two live shows at once (either satellite or off-air), record a live show while watching another, record two live shows while watching another recorded show
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): 14* days of programming, schedule recordings, series subscription, and detailed program information
Supports VOD push to PVR and NVOD download and play

Digital Media Server

Organize and store digital video, music, and photos located on local HDD (MediaPortal) or on any network-attached computer
Import media from CDs, digital camera, and other devices
Burn DVDs and CDs for sharing or archiving

* I changed the number of days of the program guide from 7 to 14, because it listed as 14 days in all places except in the list.

Additional Interesting Situation:

Almost six years ago when I bought my first TiVo, two of my closest friends thought I was crazy, but as of this last week they both now own TiVos and they love them, GO FIGURE!

SpacemanSpiff · 02-04-2006, 07:21 AM

I love my D* and I love my DTiVos. Until there is a compelling reason to change (they stop working or some killer functionality that I MUST have). I don't believe I'll be changing anytime soon.

hammer32 · 02-04-2006, 09:59 AM

We've decided that as long as the HD channel line-ups between D* and OTA/cable are similar enough for our viewing habits that the only value added part of the equation is TiVo. We'll keep our HD DirecTiVo as the bulk of the channels we watch are OTA, but if cable (Cox for us) keeps up with D* on adding new channels we'll switch to the Series 3 HD TiVo and drop D*.

crkeehn · 02-04-2006, 10:08 AM

I consider the DirecTivo to be a means to an end, I am very happy with the one that I have and I am in the process of replacing my remaining standard STB, thanks to the DirecTV good customer offer.

Since I will have the DVR functionality that I want, I will probably maintain the status quo as long as the machines work.

Thespis · 02-04-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Waiting on FiOS TV. But it'll be a long, long wait.

I've been doing some research. I already have FIOS and with the state-wide franchise, it won't be long until we get TV. The problem is the Motorola DVR. I've played with a couple, and they really don't measure up to the DTivo. I don't need HD yet, so until Verizon comes up with a better DVR or a MUCH better price on the existing one, I won't be switching anytime soon.
As for the Digital Media Portal mentioned above, a combination of my DTivos and XBox Media Center does pretty much everything described...

chamelea · 02-04-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kablemodem

I will stick with my DirecTiVos until my cable company offers HD at which point I will switch to cable
and replace my DirecTivos with Series 3 Tivos. I like DirecTV, but I like TiVo better.

I had to vote number one - keeping D-TiVo for next few years.

1) I agree somewhat with Kablemodem, except about the cable. I hate cable.
2) I think D-TiVo is fine for the next 2 years.
3) Also believe that Rupert shudda bought TiVo instead of replace it
(big mistake - loyalty to TiVo, not DTV).
4) I'll replace DTV with IPTV and a Series 3 TiVo -
w/broadband replacing the satellite as soon as possible.
5) (Assumes TiVo's continuing leadership in features, convenience and quality).
6) I'm guessing all this happens before HD settles down & becomes compelling (to me).

andbye · 02-04-2006, 11:28 PM

I have an R15 and don't like it or the new non-peanut remote. Also have an R10 but some of these also have the new remote, I prefer the older model dtivos; just got a DVR80 from VE- prepaid shipping and got the MIR. Have 2 HDVR2s since the great Circuit City price match when they were introduced. Got a second HR10-250 free when they first started the $299 deal and will keep it as long as it has guide data, never had any HDMI problems.
Comcast has about the best deal for new subs here; they give $400 in prorated credits; they have an updated HD dual tuner model 6412 DVR (not as good as the HD tivo but may be as good as the HD non-tivo DVR) and Comcast expects a Tivo STB in the future.
I don't think I will go for the stand alone Tivo; even with dual tuners. I want the NFL Sunday ticket so I will stick around and try the new D* HD DVR but I don't like what I read about its features, guide format and appiarance of the 5Lnb dish and its mounting .
DirecTV has been very generous with me in terms of free equipment, account credits and programming discounts --- but everything changes.

ebonovic · 02-05-2006, 12:01 AM

I personally don't like the R23 remote control (the non-peanut)...
But other than that... I like the new DVR... the bugs "should" be fixed soon, and dictate a lot on what my future "end game" will be.

Comcast TV service is nto in my future... So unless another cable-co comes in... DirecTV will be my provider. But after the HR20 is released, the HR10-250 will probably be retired...

Then when DirecTV2Go is released, followed by MCE... the other TiVo powered units will probably be phased out too. Then blend in an MCE computer with the other DVRs, and possible the MCE....

Sadly... My TiVo run is probably going to end in the next 12 - 18 months.

disco · 02-05-2006, 12:10 AM

I have two DirecTiVo's, which will stay subbed, but my H20 MPEG4 box will probably get retired whenever the HR20 is released...no real need for it then. I only got it because of the $200 mail-in rebate making it $0.

But, alas, I'm still waiting for HD locals in my area...

...

nrc · 02-05-2006, 01:49 AM

If the Series 3 is as advertised I'll be looking to drop DirecTV and go with cable and Tivo.

ThreeSoFar · 02-05-2006, 02:04 AM

Ack...scratch my "standalone" vote. Didn't notice this was the dtv forum.

Matt9876 · 02-05-2006, 08:34 AM

The place I work just got in a shipment of the new HD equipment.

Dishes,Receivers, New KU/KA multi-switches, ect.

First look at the dish and first impression was "man is that thing ugly" it is about 2.5 foot square dish with 2 inch mount post and two fine tune adjustment on the back of a large bracket assy. Two of the LNBs are mounted to the right of the main head and are connected with tiny push on coax connectors.

Monday I get to install one and I'll report back with how it went.

HD unit about $299,Dish about $225,Multi-switch about $200

You can buy it now but as of March 1st it goes to lease only.

I voted to keep my TiVos.

Ob1Wan · 02-05-2006, 09:56 AM

We've had an HD ready RPTV for over 3yrs now, (love the set, not going to upgrade anytime soon) been a DirecTv customer since '99, and Tivo since '02 with two boxes for a couple years now too. Anyhow, finally looking into upgrading to HD D*w/Tivo and it seems like there are so many things going on right now. It'll be a major upgrade on my part, only have the 2 LNB round dish which I multiswitched for multiple rooms on our main floor. Phillips DSR704 is our "HDTV" linked box right now, so lots of head scratching going on here.
i.e long nights on the TivoForums figuring stuff out. We love Tivo, so we'd prefer not to switch to a new type of DVR.

JoeyJoJo · 02-05-2006, 09:58 AM

I'm still undecided. It depends on three things.

1) I need to see how much the series 3 is going to be when it's released -- if it's over $500 I'm going to have to stay with DTV with my hacked Tivo's for now.
2)I need to see how the HR20 shakes out -- I am pessimistic about it being as good as Tivo but I'll wait until it actually comes out and get some reviews before I dismiss it completely.
3) Even if the HR20 is a decent product, I've got to see HOW ugly the new dishes are when they're installed. We've got LiL in our market now, but I haven't seen one installed on a house yet -- I did see one set up in the parking lot of the local DTV contractor and it looked HUGE but I don't know if it'll be that bad on the side of my house yet.

jib2 · 02-05-2006, 10:09 AM

I like TiVo and just ordered an HD-TiVo, so I will be with DirecTV for another two years...

That being said, I will see what the future brings. My cable company offers more and better HD than DirecTV, but with a much less reliable HD-DVR, and it does cost somewhat more for service. Two years is enough time to see how the Series 3 TiVo comes out (and what it costs) and see how both DirecTV and my cable company improve their DVRs.

herdfan · 02-05-2006, 11:45 AM

You for got to add the selection:

"When that A**hole RM pries it from my cold dead hands."

ThreeSoFar · 02-05-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herdfan

You for got to add the selection:

"When that A**hole RM pries it from my cold dead hands."

You won't be dead and cold, and he won't take it.

He'll just disable it. And it'll be sometime in the next couple years.

Steve1212 · 02-05-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebonovic

I personally don't like the R23 remote control (the non-peanut)...
But other than that... I like the new DVR... the bugs "should" be fixed soon, and dictate a lot on what my future "end game" will be.

No Offense Ebonovic, but you have been saying that the R15's bugs should be fixed for over a month. I know you really like the R15 and im sorry for that. That DVR is in the stone age.

notmestl · 02-05-2006, 01:10 PM

I will keep my dtivo until i can't anymore. I love directv - local cable is horrible around here, still treat customers like they owe them something.
Once the full converstion happens and we have no choice but to switch over to the "newest" version of dvr I will switch, but until then... I am dedicated to my Tivo's.

jmoak · 02-05-2006, 02:23 PM

I'll keep my dtivos and stay with directv 'till my dtivos are disabled or 'till I can get good service from a provider with better picture quality and a reliable and intelligent dvr.

Maybe someday directv's new dvrs will be intelligent and reliable and their picture quality will stop getting progressively worse and worse and make a turn for the better. Maybe someday I'll get access to a FIOS/fiber system in my neighborhood. Maybe someday my local cable co will get drastically better and I'll be able to get a reasonably priced series 3 tivo. Maybe someday I can “subscribe” to any show/series/special/movie I want on an “a la carte” basis and have it delivered via the internet.

Maybe someday, but I ain’t holding my breath.

ttundraman · 02-05-2006, 02:47 PM

If directv disable's my tivo's I'll disable their service!!

jimbop99 · 02-05-2006, 02:57 PM

I'll keep the DTivo until I can use it no more, then use what ever they will give me for free.