New to TiVo.

How Do I Set up My DVR with Both a Satellite Receiver and an RF Program Source (Antenna or Cable)?

Depends on how comfortable you are with voiding the warranty by opening the unit and all the other steps involved with an upgrading vs. how much you'll save by doing so.

If you get a Dish or DirecTV DVR you won't be able to record from cable (or antenna). On the other hand, they have dual tuner support so you can record two things at the same time or record one channel while watching another.

There are a lot of other factors, but it's a little hard to narrow it down without knowing what you would consider "better off." In other words, what features or benefits are most important to you.

 

Another factor to consider is that things like TiVo to go aren't possible on DTivos, nevermind the other DVRs. I bought my Tivo specifically for the basics, but I find that I spend most of my recorded show watching on my laptop while I'm travelling for work. As mentioned by NoCleverUsername, depending on what you're looking for (two tuners would be nice) it may still make more sense to get the DTV DVR, but I gotta say, I'm an addict now to all of the little things... HME apps, Tivo To Go, the ability to access your shows over the internet from anywhere (requires a little creativity, but easily doable).

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Paul

 

Santa brought me a Humax DVD w/Tivo Servise and I have a couple questions. I don't have a phone outlet in my living room but I can stretch a phone cord from the other room for set-up. I was told that I don't need the phone hook-up after the initial set-up. IS THIS TRUE?

Also not knowing much about TiVo, will it affect my new Plasma regarding getting the HDTV Channels that I get from Comcast Digital? I love those HD channels. Will I be able to record them and will the be Digital quality recordings??

 

If you have a broadband internet connection, you can get a USB network adapter (wired or wireless) for your TiVo. Otherwise you'll still need a phone line. The TiVo still needs to get its guide data and other updates from somewhere.

Details on network compatible network adapters here: Which Network Adapters Work with My Series2 DVR?

You won't be able to record HD, but there's no reason why you couldn't watch HD channels directly if you hook things up right.

 

You can always burn DVDs using an analog capture, either to a PC or a standalone DVD recorder. You don't need a network to do this and the quality is quite good when you use the highest quality settings. Just one more thing item for your PROS/CONS chart.

 

You use the normal s-video or composite outputs of the TiVo and connect to same inputs on a DVD recorder or a video capture card on a PC. You just play the program as you would to watch it. Of course, you can't watch anything else while you are doing this, but it can record a show. This isn't any different than if you were using the Save To VCR function.

 

Unfortunately, it's not a simple decision. Lots of factors.

I chose to say with the Standalone option as I truly enjoy the TiVo2Go and other HMO features not available on D*. Other factors contributed to this decision, but this was a prime driver for me.

I got a second TiVo for cheap during one of the promotions. Both my TiVo's are connected to the same TV. This acts as my second tuner. While they do not act cooperatively as in D*, they provide all the conflict insurance I need.

Good luck with your decision.

And welcome to the forum!