Noob needs TV advice!

HimmelDan · 12-01-2008, 01:12 PM

Hey folks. I was wondering if you guys could help me out and give me some suggestions...

I want to be able to record two channels at the same time, then transfer the recorded video to the computer where I can edit it down.

I assume I need the series two?

Could this be done with a regular antenna? Do I need two antennas? If I was to subscribe to Comcast, and get the signal that way, would I need two cable boxes?

So there's my situation. You guys have model/service/price advice that could help me do this as cheaply as possible? Thanks!

-Dan

stevel · 12-01-2008, 02:11 PM

The TiVoHD is really your only option here. None of the other TiVos will be able to record two channels at once, with the exception of the "dual tuner" Series 2, but that can record only unencrypted analog cable on the second input and requires a cable box for the first.

TiVoHD will work with off-the-air digital TV. I am not very familiar with the editing options, but I know at least that you can transfer shows to a PC. I'll let someone else talk to that.

jlb · 12-01-2008, 02:19 PM

I use TiVoDesktop to get Tivo shows to my PC. I then use Video Redo TV Suite to edit out commercials. Piece of cake and best $50 I have ever spent. I can also use VRTS to create and burn DVDs.

scandia101 · 12-01-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevel

the "dual tuner" Series 2, but that can record only unencrypted analog cable on the second input and requires a cable box for the first.

Incorrect.
The Series 2 DT does not require a cable box for the first input. No Tivo requires a cable box. A single unencrypted analog cable connection uses both tuners.

stevel · 12-01-2008, 06:23 PM

Ok, perhaps I was not detailed enough. If you have a cable service that has only unencrypted analog, then you can get by with just a single cable connection. But such services are few and getting fewer.

scandia101 · 12-01-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevel

Ok, perhaps I was not detailed enough. If you have a cable service that has only unencrypted analog, then you can get by with just a single cable connection. But such services are few and getting fewer.

Oh, so you are perfectly aware of the fact that no Tivo requires a cable box, yet you advise people that they do.

RonDawg · 12-02-2008, 01:06 AM

Going back to the OP's post, if you want OTA and dual tuner, the Series 3/TiVoHD/XL are your best solution as the Series 2 Dual Tuner does not officially support OTA, though there may be a workaround. The incoming feed is split internally on these models, so only one antenna or cable feed is needed.

If you will be going with cable, you can save money by going with a Series 2 Dual Tuner. However how much dual tuner functionality you will get will depend on how many of your favorite channels remain on analog, as this model cannot officially control two external boxes. If you want to watch both analog and digital channels, you will need to split the cable, with one going directly to the TiVo (for the analog channels) and the other to the cable box (for the digital ones). If you will be staying with analog channels, no splitter or external digital cable box is needed.

stevel · 12-02-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scandia101

Oh, so you are perfectly aware of the fact that no Tivo requires a cable box, yet you advise people that they do.

I don't think I said any such thing.

HimmelDan · 12-02-2008, 09:21 AM

wow guys, that is some heady info, but thanks! Good stuff.

scandia101 · 12-02-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevel

I don't think I said any such thing.

Are you denying that you said a cable box is required?

Quote:

the "dual tuner" Series 2, but that can record only unencrypted analog cable on the second input and requires a cable box for the first.

or are you denying that you know a cable box is not required?

Quote:

If you have a cable service that has only unencrypted analog, then you can get by with just a single cable connection

stevel · 12-02-2008, 11:59 AM

I was specific about the "dual tuner" S2. For the majority of cable subscribers, it requires a box to get anything other than "lifeline" channels. Unlike the S3, the S2 cannot use a CableCARD.

For those who have only analog, unencrypted cable, then an S2 DT will record two shows at once. But that's a very small set.

scandia101 · 12-02-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevel

I was specific about the "dual tuner" S2. For the majority of cable subscribers, it requires a box to get anything other than "lifeline" channels. Unlike the S3, the S2 cannot use a CableCARD.

Majority? What's you're source on that? but that still doesn't make a cable box a requirement, it's an option.

Quote:

For those who have only analog, unencrypted cable, then an S2 DT will record two shows at once. But that's a very small set.

I don't think so. There is still a significant number of people out there using analog cable. The only correct statement you made is that analog cable availability is diminishing.

mchief · 12-02-2008, 05:33 PM

^^^Another fricking expert heard from.