[CorinaB]

I'm new here, and I don't have a TiVo yet. I have a Motorola DVR through Comcast, but I'd like to get rid of cable and just use a TiVo and basic cable (local channels only). However, I've had a really hard time finding a good fit for me, either with TiVo brand boxes or the Humax, etc. I finally decided, why not just ask you experts?

So, here is what I would like:

- The ability to set the device to record a series/season, not just one show (I realise that's true for all TiVo subscribers, but I'm also looking at other types of boxes, some of which don't need the TiVo service)
- Record two shows at the same time
- Watch one show while recording another
- Watch a show that is in the progress of being recorded (or at least buffered, so I can ff commercials)
- Cheap (less than $400 if no service needed, preferably more like $100 if I must also pay for service)
- In a perfect world, it would also be able to record OTA (so I can give up cable completely if I can find a way to gte better reception)

I think those are the basics.

I have a really old tv from the 80s, so obviously not HD ready. I was looking at the Series2 dual tuner, but I just realised that since it can only record one digital channel at a time, it won't really be "dual" anymore after 2009...or is there a workaround for that?

Thanks so much for any suggestions!
Corina

 

[Soapm]

I'm new here, and I don't have a TiVo yet. I have a Motorola DVR through Comcast, but I'd like to get rid of cable and just use a TiVo and basic cable (local channels only).

<snip>

I have a really old tv from the 80s, so obviously not HD ready. I was looking at the Series2 dual tuner, but I just realised that since it can only record one digital channel at a time, it won't really be "dual" anymore after 2009...or is there a workaround for that?

Thanks so much for any suggestions!
Corina

It would not have been DT for you either way. You need a cable box for the second tuner.

 

[CorinaB]

Thanks for your reply, Soapm, but I didn't understand it very well. Could you please explain a little more? Why wouldn't I be able to use the dual tuners with basic cable--aren't those channels analogue?

 

[usnret]

You can use the DT with basic cable (I did for over a year). It will record 2 basic cable channels at the same time if you desire.

edit: that is if the channels are not digital.

 

[Soapm]

You can use the DT with basic cable (I did for over a year). It will record 2 basic cable channels at the same time if you desire.

edit: that is if the channels are not digital.

Sorry, I didn't know you could change the channel on the other input. I thought it really had one tuner and one receiver of channel 3. How exactly did you do this?

 

[mick66]

Sorry, I didn't know you could change the channel on the other input. I thought it really had one tuner and one receiver of channel 3. How exactly did you do this?

You plug the cable from the wall into the rf connection on the back of the Tivo.

How soon they forget
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5401125#post5401125

how does anyone believe that something called the "Dual Tuner" has one tuner?

 

[HomeUser]

Sorry, I didn't know you could change the channel on the other input. I thought it really had one tuner and one receiver of channel 3. How exactly did you do this?

The DT has 2 analog receivers allowing it to record 2 shows from different channels at the same time. You can also watch either of the shows that are recording or one of the recordings form the hard drive.

Read about the 3 boxes that TiVo currently sells Choose a Box

 

[CorinaB]

Thanks, everyone! You guys have been great.

I finally decided on the Series2 DT, which I'm getting from tivocommunity store with the rebate and the 3-year warranty. The HD model was suggested to me by a few people, and it sure does look nice! But the point of this venture was to save money by reducing my cable bill, so I decided to go the cheaper route. Even if I can only use this box for three years, taking into account the cost fo the box, the Limited Basic cable, and the service, I will still be able to sock away $1,700 in savings! :up: If I'm able to use the box longer than that somehow (after 2012) I will be in even better shape, but right now I am looking at it as a three year plan that will probably require a box upgrade later. I figure at that point I will know more what I need.

I am looking forward to trying tivo!

 

[gregpg]

...
- In a perfect world, it would also be able to record OTA (so I can give up cable completely if I can find a way to gte better reception)

I think those are the basics.

I have a really old tv from the 80s, so obviously not HD ready. I was looking at the Series2 dual tuner, but I just realised that since it can only record one digital channel at a time, it won't really be "dual" anymore after 2009...or is there a workaround for that?

Thanks so much for any suggestions!
Corina

The TiVo Series2 dual tuner has no OTA tuner at all so you'd be limited to cable with it.

On the other hand, the dual tuner will be able to record two analog cable channels at one time for as long as your cable company provides analog programming. There is no universal 2009 cutoff date for analog cable broadcasts, only for NTSC (analog OTA) broadcasts.

Note that this means any DVR that does record NTSC exclusively won't work without a converter box after February 2009 and, unless the converter box has a standard port for controlling it's tuner or uses the same IR control codes as popular cable boxes, the DVR would be more or less useless even connected to the converter. So, a refurbed TiVo Series2 single tuner or Ebay'd Series1 likely has a limited useful lifespan.

 

[mick66]

...
- In a perfect world, it would also be able to record OTA

The TiVo dual tuner has no OTA tuner at all so you'd be limited to cable with it.

 

[spiraleyes]

Corina, I recommend a Tivo HD, even though you would be spending a bit more money up front, and it has some features that you don't need right now.

This box is the most up to date and will last longer before it's out dated. It will also do all the features that you have mentioned above.

Amazon has them cheap ($271, free shipping):

http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-TCD65216...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190215880&sr=8-1