TiVo TCD540140 Series2 140-Hour Digital Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read all the other reviews, good and bad before deciding to actually write one myself. TiVo has its problems, and while I'm tolerant, perhaps because of my own software engineering background, I can see how many people might not be.

To summarize my review up front. Despite the problems, TiVo has changed how I watch TV and my wife, very skeptical and tolerant of her 'geek' husband is also a total convert. If our TiVo dies, another one will be on order in 24 hours. We've had our TiVo for over 2 years and we wouldn't be without it.

Now let's get to the nitty gritty. We have one of the first of the Series 2 machines with a lifetime subscription and we did in fact have to exchange it early in it's life. Since then, we've had very few problems. Here they are.

The problems :

* The machine occasionally locks up and need to be rebooted. How often? Sometimes several times a week. Others, maybe less than once every few months.

* The machine occasionally reboots itself without warning. I'm still not sure if this is deliberate. It's never done it while recording or playing back a show, but it has done it while I was watching live TV, which is not necessarily detectable unless I'm time shifting. Things work great after the reboot, but it's a bit irritating if I'm time shifting live TV, which honestly is rare.

* Our first machine's hard drive died. We had decent service replacing the machine, however we did have to pay S&H. TiVo could certainly improve here, but the service WAS very acceptable.

The nits (design issues, IMO) :

* My favorite feature is turned off and hidden. This is setting the skip to 30 seconds. When watching live TV, hit select, play, select 30, select. This has to be reset every time you restart. I imagine this is not the default to prevent lawsuits from unhappy networks because I don't even watch their commercials sped up any more.

* I wish changing the channel didn't flush the 30 minute live TV buffer.

* I wish the buffer was 60 minutes.

The raves :

* My favorite feature. 30 second commerical skip (see above).

* I virtually never watch live TV any more. Channel surfing is DEAD in my household. My observation is that many people in other reviews complained about how slow the channel changing is. I guess this is true, even with the serial cable, but the whole point of the TiVo is to NOT have to change channels or watch live TV any longer.

Seriously, if you're intent on channel surfing, you won't get the point of a TiVo and it probably isn't for you. My father in law doesn't get our TiVo and it doesn't make sense for him or anyone else with a 30 second - 5 minute attention span. A DVR doesn't make sense for you at all. That doesn't denigrate your TV-watching style, it just means don't purchase a DVR.

If you're the sort who likes to change channels during the commcerical (I used to do that), TiVo doesn't make sense unless you change your habits. I have. I don't watch commercials either.

* I have managed to catch up on all my old TV series using season pass. This has been easy even when I'm not sure when the shows are because TiVo finds them on various channels and surfs to record them for me.

* Wishlists have turned up old hidden 2am gems that I like to watch occasionally. This is fun.. to catch on old movie or find a show with a favorite actor or topic.

* I thought at first that I had to watch everything my TiVo recorded. No way, that isn't the point. The point is to have a diverse set of wishlist items, season passes, and suggestions from selected from thumbs up and down information you input over time to always be able to watch if and when you decide to watch TV. That is empowering as I now choose what and when to watch.

* We're starting a family soon, and TiVo supports parental protection based on show ratings. We have it turned off right now, but when our children get old enough to hold a remote, that will be turned back on and customized to our preferences. That and we can skip commercials are powerful tools in our parental toolbox.

* You can network your TiVo and hook it up to your home network for updated TV listings via network instead of phone line and to play your family digital photo album on the TV as well as your collection of MP3's. If you have a stereo hooked up for movies, this is very nice.

* The user interface is pretty easy to use. Even install, while involving many steps is about as easy as one can make it given how many decisions must be made at the user's end (how did you hook it up? what kind of cable, satellite, etc? what channels do you get? and so on).

* You can hack your TiVo. There actually are some good reasons to do this.

1) It's cheap to add more hard disk space if you need it. I should do this soon.

2) Part of the process involves backing up the hard drive. If thehard drive in your TiVo dies, this means you have a backup and may be able to repair your current box (with a lifetime subscription in my case) instead of purchasing a new one.

3) Some people I know are also able to save video onto their computer and burn their own dvds. I considered this but decided against it for now because the quality isn't exciting, and the legality is questionable (although you can now purchase a TiVo/DVD burner combo that does the same thing).

Suggestions :

* Seriously consider hacking your TiVo once it's out of warantee at least to add your own warantee of a backup hard drive, even if you don't add hours to it. There are services that will do this for you if you pay them.

Alternatives :

* Replay - I haven't spent much time looking at Replay. Their approach has caused so many lawsuits, and they've been in and out of brankruptcy, I decided not to bother. People rave about it though.

* Ultimate TV - Microsofts offering. My brother-in-law enjoys his, but it's no longer available. What's out there still works and it seems to be a nice system.

* MythTV/FreeVo - these are free software systems that you can use to build your own computer into a TiVo live DVR that incorporate even more features like computer gaming and so on. I'm very interested as a software engineer and will probably build one (and have friends who have done so), but it's more of a hobbiest approach and you do have to constantly tinker to keep it running in excellent shape.

Final comments :

I love my TiVo. It has truly empowered me to watch what I want, when I want, and HOW I want. I don't watch commercials unless I really want to. TiVo suggestions have showed me that there really is worthwhile TV to watch (we watch a lot of FoodTV, Discovery, TLC, DIY, etc. type shows) available... more than I have time to watch. Thumbs up and thumbs down on various shows have really fine tuned what the TiVo records as a suggestion (only using available space).

It definitely has little quicks and problems. I could do without the occasional hangs and I'm always nervous that the hard drive might crash. TiVo probably could use better customer service although I have never had a problem. However, I use a lot of honey in my interactions with customer service people (I used to work in tech support) and almost always get better results than the irate grumpy people I know, even calling the same help lines.

The value has FAR exceeded the cost, IMO. Watching what I want when I want. Saving 15-20 minutes an hour and 7-10 minutes for half hour shows by skipping commercials is time I spend on other things. Watching more shows if I'm lazy, but more usually fixing up things around the house and getting projects done. Hopefully you will find the same, but at least you can make the decision informed in as much detail as I can give in this little space here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TiVo TCD540140 Series2 140-Hour Digital Video Recorder

Product Description:
TiVo TCD540140 Series2 140-Hour Digital Video Recorder: Just like VCRs, but without the hassles and poor quality of videotape. Tell it once and TiVo records an entire season of your favorite shows, even if the schedule changes. Pause live TV and find shows with your favorite actor, team, even topic-easy. Record up to 140 hours of shows, saved on a hard drive and listed on-screen for playback in any order. Just buy a TiVo DVR, activate the TiVo service and tell TiVo what you like to watch. It hooks up to your TV and uses your existing phone line. You'll never watch TV the same way again!

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TiVo TCD649180 Series2 180 Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this unit for a couple days now, and so far I have to say I'm very pleased.

Before purchasing this, I was using a satellite receiver with a dual TiVo DVR built into it.I loved how simple it was and I was kind of unsure about switching over to cable with a separate TiVo unit, but the ability to connect it to my PC is what ultimately drew me in (more on that later though).

Here is a summary of my review, if you would like more detailed thoughts feel free to read on.I'll try not to bore you too much.If you just want the bottom line, feel free to bypass my wall of text and skip down to the last section, Overall Satisfaction.:)

Packaging :: A+
Activation :: B-
Plan Pricing :: B+
Setup :: A+
TiVo Experience :: A
Customer Service :: A-
PC Connectivity :: A
Overall Satisfaction :: A+

Packaging (aka: Can I split a splitter?) :: A+
So I received the unit and opened it up, and for starters I was pretty impressed at the organization of the packaging.The basic installation poster was very easy to follow, the cables and items necessary for setup were neatly organized into separate bags, clearly labeled and such, it was nice to not have to suffer through any confusing instructions.One thing to note, the packaging contents does not list that it comes with a standard coaxial cable splitter (to use for the dual tuner), but it does.I bought one before I received the TiVo in preparation and didn't need it, don't make the same mistake I did!

Activation (aka: Deja Vu) :: B-
I went online to activate the TiVo service through their website and ran into my first problem.The website would accept my TiVo number (step 1) and ask my personal information (step 2), I'd click "next" and it would go right back to asking for my TiVo number (step 1!).I tried a couple of times to activate it over the internet but it would not work, so I had to call the phone number (talk to a real person, OH NO!).Upon calling, the wait time was a little longer than I would have liked, but once I got to an associate the process was very simple and took very little time.They activated my TiVo and set me up with my pricing plan which brings me to...

Activation (aka: Deja Vu) :: B-
...Just kidding.

Plan Pricing (aka: Where'd my money go?) :: B+
The only gripe I have about the pricing is that it's a little more than what I was paying before.Still, it seems like the standalone TiVo is more robust and so I'll put up the extra money for it.I won't get into the numbers though, because I think that's against the guidelines here.

Setup (aka: The TiVo bone's connected to the cable bone) :: A+
As I stated earlier, the basic setup poster that comes with the TiVo is very easy to follow.Setup for me was easy, but I was also coming from a very similar setup and am somewhat savvy about this sort of thing.My wife, being not so savvy, may have had a harder time, but I'm not convinced it would have been impossible for her.All you really have to do is hook up the TiVo in between your cable signal (basic and/or from the cable box) and your TV (or VCR if you want to be able to tape stuff from your TiVo).

TiVo Experience (aka: What ... he .... say?) :: A(overall)
So, everything's all set, I turn everything on, everything seems to be working!After looking around for a few minutes, I notice two things that are off...
1) The clock is wrong.
2) The sound is cutting in and out.
After checking all connections and determining that the sound issue is most likely something within the TiVo, I call customer service... (Oh No!!Another real person!!)...we'll get back to my TiVo experience in a moment...

Customer Service (aka: Crappy hold music...) :: A-
I call up customer service and again have to wait a long time to talk to someone.Once they get on the phone though, I get to talk to a very pleasant and helpful person.They quickly determine that the time issue is only related to the daylight saving time change and will fix itself after updating the TiVo (Go to Messages & Settings > Setting > Phone & Network > Connect; note: you may have to, as in my case, do this multiple times as it may need to install multiple updates.When you go back in there, keep an eye on the upper left where it tells you the status of the last connection, it may say "Pending Restart" in which case you will need to restart the TiVo to apply the update.To restart the TiVo go to Messages & Settings > Restart or Reset System > Restart the DVR).They also suggest that the audio problem may just require a restart of the TiVo system to fix.I restarted the system and the audio problem went away completely, so I'm not sure what was going on there.They did make a record of the problem and he was very reassuring that if I ever experienced the problem again they would exchange the TiVo unit right away.With my two problems fixed (updates and restarting took care of them both, keep that in mind if you experience similar problems), I go back to my TiVo Experience...

TiVo Experience - Part Deux
So back to my experience with my now fully operational, correct time telling, solid audio pumping TiVo.It takes me a while to go through and change all my settings (favorite channels, TV guide display, make a couple of season passes, etc.).Having come from a satellite receiver with TiVo built in, I feel right at home, although I do notice a few differences.
1) There's no button to go directly into your Now Playing list on my new TiVo remote (there was on my satellite TiVo remote), the quickest way is to press the TiVo button on top twice in a row...not a big deal, but I was so used to that button... I sure will miss it...
2) The channel changing for channels only available through the cable box has a delay to it.And here is a very important point to note.**** If at all possible, do not use the IR connector to change your cable box's channels. ****I received a cable box without a serial port on the back and brought it in to my cable service provider and requested to trade it for one that did.They were happy to do so, and I would suggest you try the same if possible.I've had experience with my father's TiVo using the IR changer and it was awful (He'd miss shows that he scheduled to record because the darn thing wouldn't work.We tried everything to get it to work right but it never did.).The Serial connection is so much more reliable, and changing a channel that is part of your basic cable is instant.But when the TiVo has to go to the cable box, it takes about 1-2 seconds to actually get there.Not too bad, but noticeable to someone coming from a system that instantly changed to any channel.
Another interesting thing to note, at one point I was moving around all the menus, making selections, changing stuff, and realized that I had grabbed my old satellite TiVo remote by mistake.I had been using it for the past 10-20 minutes without ever realizing!And it WORKED without a hitch!So if you don't like the stock remote, I'm sure there's an option out there that may accommodate you.

PC Connectivity (aka: I can finally watch "The Office" in my cubicle at my office!) :: A
So that brings me to the main reason I switched my system over in the first place.Connecting this thing to my PC.I opted for the TiVo branded wireless adapter, as I already have a wireless router in my home.It had no problem seeing my home network, and after putting in my network's password (SECURE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORKS PEOPLE!!!!), it's off and running.I download and install TiVo Desktop (available at their website) onto my PC and suddenly I'm able to see all the recordings that are on my TiVo from my computer, and can also see all my music and photos that are on my PC from the TiVo!I can get Podcasts and the weather and even movie tickets right from my TiVo.I can copy TiVo shows over to my PSP and iPod (that requires you upgrade to TiVo Desktop Plus for a one-time fee of $24.95), it's a beautiful thing!I immediately start to transfer over a recording of Scrubs and...nothing...the wireless connection is interrupted.I never did get it working, I'm not sure if the issue was with my router or the wireless adapter, but I ended up just running an ethernet cable from my TiVo to my router and it works fine now.Some day I might try to get the wireless connection working again, but oh well.Something to keep in mind though if you decide to go wireless, you may want to be sure to invest in a good router and adapter.Overall Satisfaction (aka: THIS is what TV was meant to be!) :: A+
So this is what it all boils down to.After getting everything setup and running, I have to say I'm extremely pleased with it all.I, personally, am happy with the decision to move over from my satellite receiver with TiVo built in, to a standalone TiVo unit.To summarize the important things:

Positives
++ 180 hours of recording time, very nice
++ Dual-tuners (and I tried my best to mess them up, recording different shows, changing channels while something else was recording, they worked like a charm despite what I did to try to mess them up!)
++ What you can do with your PC is excellent
++ Season Passes, pausing live TV, fast-forwarding through commercials, instant replay...If you don't have these things you're really missing out!

Negatives
-- Couldn't the monthly prices be a little lower?(Just a little??)
-- TiVo: either cut down the time people wait on hold when they call you, or get better music!
-- Wireless connectivity of the TiVo to the PC was problematic...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: TiVo TCD649180 Series2 180 Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder

Product Description:

The TiVo Series2 DT does something that only DirecTV TiVo users have enjoyed up till now--the ability to record two shows at once. This dual-tuner (DT) TiVo Series2 is the first standalone DVR that's optimized for households with cable television. Now, you'll never have to miss any of your favorite shows--even if they're on at the same time. It also offers the same entertainment services as other TiVo Series2 DVRs, including digital music, digital photos, remote scheduling, and hassle-free favorites recording. All this and the famed luxury of being able to pause and view instant replays of live television, too. TiVo DVRs record television programming directly to an onboard digital ATA/IDE hard drive, eliminating the hassles of videotape (imprecise tape searching, head cleaning, steadily degrading picture, fuzzy sound, etc.). This TiVo Series2 DT model (TCD649180) offers an amazing 180-hour recording capacity. It offers the ability to simultaneously record programming from two basic cable channels, or one basic cable channel and one digital cable channel. It also includes built-in Ethernet and USB ports, making it easier than ever to add the TiVo box to your home network. This enables you to take advantage of the TivoToGo feature, which allows you to transfer programs from the TiVo box to a Windows-based desktop or laptop PC so you can watch your favorite programs on the go or while others are watching live or recorded programing on the TV.


The Series2 has a USB port and an Ethernet connection, offering users with home networks the ability to stream photos and music to their TiVo, or send programs from one TiVo to another. This connectivity also lets TiVo subscribers access exciting entertainment services through the TiVo Home Media Features, which consists of the TiVo Digital Music Player, TiVo Digital Photo Viewer, and Multi-Room Viewing.The TiVo Digital Music Player lets you enjoy your computer's MP3 collection through your home entertainment sound system. Access and control your entire digital music collection via your TV; shuffle your music library by artist, album, or type of music; and create a custom playlist on your computer or use third-party software to develop playlists for every mood.The TiVo Digital Photo Viewer accesses digital photos stored on your computer and showcases them on your TV. View photo albums and slideshows on your TV screen, easily navigate, search, and view your computer's entire digital photo library, play and control slideshows of photo albums, and use the remote control to select and view individual photos.


TiVo's Series2 DVR allows users to view photos and listen to music stored on their computer or other peripheral device.



With the Multi-Room Viewing feature, users can pause live TV and resume viewing in another room.


Multi-Room Viewing is designed for households with two Series2 DVRs and allows you to record a show on one DVR and send it to another if your kids are watching in the living room, say, and you're watching in the bedroom. You can also start a program on one DVR and pick up where you left off on your other DVR, as well as access the Now Playing list of a connected Series2 DVR at any time.You can also find and schedule recordings even when you're away from home. With Online Scheduling, you'll have the freedom to schedule programs from anywhere you have a computer with an Internet connection. Just sign in to TiVo Central Online to access the same recording options you have at home. Broadband connected Series2 subscribers can also view both their own photo slideshows and those shared by friends with Yahoo! Photos, and check local weather and traffic from Yahoo!. Additionally, subscribers can browse and buy movie tickets from Fandango, discover new music on Live365, and listen to entertaining podcasts.The Series2 DVR is compatible with virtually every television available. It also works with VCRs, TV antennas, cable systems, and satellite systems. A patented universal remote control simplifies program recording and controls multiple TiVos within the home (2 devices can share your existing phone line). Connections include: 3 video inputs and outputs (S-video, composite-video, and RF coaxial), 1 set of stereo RCA analog audio inputs, and 2 sets of stereo audio outputs.


TiVo service requires a monthly subscription fee; currently $16.95 per month. Other benefits of TiVo service include but are by no means limited to: Season Pass (TiVo automatically finds and records every episode of a series all season long, even if the network schedule changes), WishList (TiVo finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, team, or even topic), Smart Recording (TiVo detects line-up changes for you and suggests programs to match your interests, if desired), and Showcases (exclusive entertainment plus recording shortcuts from some of the most popular networks on TV). You can even train TiVo to autorecord more shows you'll love when you use the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down buttons on the supplied remote. Parental controls let you lock channels or set ratings limits based on content.


What's in the Box
180-hour TiVo Series2 DT (TCD649180) DVR, user's manual, 1 stereo analog audio/video interconnect, 1 RJ-11 phone "Y" splitter, 1 dual IR blaster cable, 1 AC power cord, one 25-foot RJ-11 telephone cable, 2 AA batteries, 1 RG-6 coaxial cable, 1 DB-9 serial cable, a user's manual, and warranty information.

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SanDisk Sansa e270 6 GB MP3 Player with SD Expansion Slot (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)June 15 2006 - Unlike some of the reviewers, I couldn't care less about music "services" be they iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.
Why pay 0.99 to anyone for DRM crippled tracks?
The artist doesn't benefit.
I listen to CDs I have bought and ripped.
For that purpose, this unit works beautifully with *any* OS including Mac X, WinXP, even Linux.
The e270 can act like a flash/keychain drive:
just go into the Settings menu and change the USB mode.
The e270 also shows the album art (folder.jpg) while playing tracks.
The e200 series has a beautiful display, better than the Nano.
I wouldn't whine about the design being imitative:
the Nano has better quality buttons/wheel,
the e270's controls are comparatively flimsy-feeling and are harder for large fingers to operate.
Besides, didn't Apple copy from *Creative's* mp3 players in the first place?
The courts are reviewing that question now.
THE ISSUE.
My only issue is that the USB cable is proprietary, mandatory, and irreplaceable.
And, Sandisk is currently unable to provide a replacement if you lose it.
Without the special Sandisk USB cable, you can't even recharge the on-board Lithium battery,
and also there's no wall wart for AC power available either.
By contrast, my previous Sandisk e140 player (a 1GB model) uses an AAA battery
--and the same USB cable most digital cameras use.
Battery- and connection-wise the e140 is a better solution,
but the drawback is a dim monocolor display.
If you have good eyesight, the e140 is a great economy player;
but the e270 is the ultimate luxury toy.
Everyone who sees my e270 is smitten.
UPDATE July 6th -
Sandisk says it is _now_ able to ship me a replacement
"e270 to USB" cable, so give them credit for that.
Also, according to internet rumor, Griffin makes an e270-compatible wall-wart (AC Power) solution.
Finally, no solution is available yet to the "cannot play-tracks-in-album-order" issue,
a problem I failed to mention above.
This might drive you seriously insane when you play Mozart or Beethoven on the thing when the IV movement isn't played fourth.
Or, when an mp3 audio book can't be played
in chapter order!
We're waiting every day for the firmware update from Sandisk that fixes this track ordering bug.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SanDisk Sansa e270 6 GB MP3 Player with SD Expansion Slot (Black)

Product Description:
You can take it with you. Keep your media in your pocket with the SanDisk Sansa e270 flash memory digital audio/video player with 6 GB of storage. This sleek, light device enables you to enjoy music, video, and photo slideshows on-the-go. Features include MP3 and WMA playback, Microsoft PlaysForSure support, FM tuner (with recording ability), voice recorder, and a bright 1.8" TFT color screen.

Sansa e200 series players mix great design and durability with an excellent user interface.

View the e200 Series Demo.

Choose a Sansa e200-series player with the capacity that's right for you.
Form is Function
The Sansa e270 has a sleek, thin design with a large 1.8" TFT color screen for easy viewing. The strong alloy metal casing means the device is durable and scratch resistant. On the front, easy to use, backlit controls let you access what you want quickly and intuitively. The player also includes a microSD slot for expanding your memory capacity, and supports SanDisk TrustedFlash and gruvi content cards, which can be shared with mobile phones. The user-replaceable lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 hours of enjoyment.
MP3 Player
The Sansa e270 will play MP3, WMA, and secure WMA formats. Other formats can be converted using the Sansa Media Converter (included). The e270 also uses PlaysForSure technology. Look for the PlaysForSure logo if you want to make sure the digital music and video you purchase will play back on it every time. Match the PlaysForSure logo on a large selection of leading devices and online music stores. If you see the logo, you'll know your digital music will play for sure. Choose from a large number of digital music and video stores, including MTV's Urge, Rhapsody, Yahoo!, MSN Music, MusicMatch, MusicNow, Napster, Wal-Mart Music Downloads, and many more.
Video Player
View your favorite video clips anywhere, anytime. Use the included SanDisk Media Converter software to convert most popular video formats (such as MPEG-4, WMV, or DivX) into the MJPEG format playable on the e270.
Photo Viewer
Share slideshows of your favorite photos with your friends. SanDisk Media Converter also supports most image formats, allowing you to convert and downsize your images for display on the e270.
On-Board FM Radio
The e270 includes a digital FM tuner for listening to your favorite radio stations. Keep those favorites readily available by adding them to your presets. You can also record live radio on-the-fly for future listening.
Voice Recording
Have a thought you need to get down before it evades you? Use the built-in microphone to record voice memos. Capture interviews, classes, short notes to yourself, or anything else you might feel inspired to record.
Choose the Capacity for Your Needs
The Sansa e200 series is available in capacities of 2, 4, 6, or 8 GB. Each model contains a the microSD expansion slot, meaning you won't be limited to internal memory capacity.
What's in the Box
Sansa e270 digital audio player, travel pouch and lanyard, stereo headphones, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, USB cable, and quick start guide.

Get 82% OFF

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TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After years of sticking to a single-tuner model (except for the DirecTv versions), Tivo has finally released a dual-tuner model. For the most part, the only difference between this model and previous Series 2 Tivos is the ability to record two channels at once.

The box keeps the look of the more recent series 2 Tivos, except for a black-accented faceplate. The connections in the rear are laid out largely the same as past versions, with the exception of an ethernet port that has been added for wired networking.

The software has minor changes, particularly slight modifications to the menu background images and the newer "tivo introduction skit" that appears when the tivo is powered on. The software and hardware work smoothly. There seems to be a faster processor included, as navigation through the menus is quick and smooth.

The dual-tuner functions work well. Having grown accustom to the single-tuner model, it took me some time to get used to the ability to change channels while recording (and that what is on screen is not necessarily what is being recorded). It was also pleasant to schedule 25 season passes without a single conflict-such is the benefit of being able to record two shows at once.

But the dual-tuner function needs some explanation. The people who benefit most from the DT function are those who have analog cable without a cable box (as I do). I simply plug in the coax cable into the tivo, and it is ready to go. (Note: there is only one coax input-the signal is split internally and sent to the dual tuners.) If you have a cable box or digital cable, things start to get a bit trickier. In fact, in order to use the dual-tuner feature, you MUST be able to receive at least some channels through an analog cable connection. This means that if you have purely digital cable that requires a digital cable box, you will NOT be able use the dual tuner functions, as there is only one connection allowed between the cable box and tivo. I suggest you go to tivo's website and download the product manual for the DT tivo and read the part about connecting tivo to your cable. If it seems like too big of a hassle, you might want to wait for the series 3 tivos that will include cable-card technology (which allows you to use digital cable without the cable box).

One additional note, tivo has stopped supporting over-the-air antenna tuning with this model. If you hook up an antenna to tivo, it will only receive channels 2-13. Any broadcast channels above 13 will not be received.

And for those who are thinking of "upgrading" this tivo to a larger hard drive-the DT tivo is upgradeable in the same ways that past series 2 models were. I used the standard methods (which are published all over the internet) and replaced the 80GB hard drive with a 250GB one. Upgrading, however, voids your warranty (which is only 3 months anyway).

Overall, I am happy with the DT tivo, but that is in large part due to fact that I receive analog cable without a cable box. Many of you who have been using antennas, cable boxes or digital cable will likely be somewhat less satisfied with this model.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder

Product Description:
The TiVo Series2 DT does something that only DirecTV TiVo users have enjoyed up till now--the ability to record two shows at once. This dual-tuner (DT) TiVo Series2 is the first standalone DVR that's optimized for households with cable television. Now, you'll never have to miss any of your favorite shows--even if they're on at the same time. It also offers the same entertainment services as other TiVo Series2 DVRs, including digital music, digital photos, remote scheduling, and hassle-free favorites recording. All this and the famed luxury of being able to pause and view instant replays of live television, too. TiVo DVRs record television programming directly to an onboard digital ATA/IDE hard drive, eliminating the hassles of videotape (imprecise tape searching, head cleaning, steadily degrading picture, fuzzy sound, etc.).
This TiVo Series2 DT model (TCD649080) offers an 80-hour recording capacity. It offers the ability to simultaneously record programming from two basic cable channels, or one basic cable channel and one digital cable channel. It also includes built-in Ethernet and USB ports, making it easier than ever to add the TiVo box to your home network. This enables you to take advantage of the TivoToGo feature, which allows you to transfer programs from the TiVo box to a Windows-based desktop or laptop PC so you can watch your favorite programs on the go or while others are watching live or recorded programing on the TV.


The Series2 has a USB port and an Ethernet connection, offering users with home networks the ability to stream photos and music to their TiVo, or send programs from one TiVo to another. This connectivity also lets TiVo subscribers access exciting entertainment services through the TiVo Home Media Features, which consists of the TiVo Digital Music Player, TiVo Digital Photo Viewer, and Multi-Room Viewing.


The TiVo Digital Music Player lets you enjoy your computer's MP3 collection through your home entertainment sound system. Access and control your entire digital music collection via your TV; shuffle your music library by artist, album, or type of music; and create a custom playlist on your computer or use third-party software to develop playlists for every mood.


The TiVo Digital Photo Viewer accesses digital photos stored on your computer and showcases them on your TV. View photo albums and slideshows on your TV screen, easily navigate, search, and view your computer's entire digital photo library, play and control slideshows of photo albums, and use the remote control to select and view individual photos.





TiVo's Series2 DVR allows users to view photos and listen to music stored on their computer or other peripheral device.






With the Multi-Room Viewing feature, users can pause live TV and resume viewing in another room.


Multi-Room Viewing is designed for households with two Series2 DVRs and allows you to record a show on one DVR and send it to another if your kids are watching in the living room, say, and you're watching in the bedroom. You can also start a program on one DVR and pick up where you left off on your other DVR, as well as access the Now Playing list of a connected Series2 DVR at any time.


You can also find and schedule recordings even when you're away from home. With Online Scheduling, you'll have the freedom to schedule programs from anywhere you have a computer with an Internet connection. Just sign in to TiVo Central Online to access the same recording options you have at home. Broadband connected Series2 subscribers can also view both their own photo slideshows and those shared by friends with Yahoo! Photos, and check local weather and traffic from Yahoo!. Additionally, subscribers can browse and buy movie tickets from Fandango, discover new music on Live365, and listen to entertaining podcasts.


The Series2 DVR is compatible with virtually every television available. It also works with VCRs, TV antennas, cable systems, and satellite systems. A patented universal remote control simplifies program recording and controls multiple TiVos within the home (2 devices can share your existing phone line). Connections include: 3 video inputs and outputs (S-video, composite-video, and RF coaxial), 1 set of stereo RCA analog audio inputs, and 2 sets of stereo audio outputs.


TiVo service requires a monthly subscription fee; see tivo.com for current rates. Other benefits of TiVo service include but are by no means limited to: Season Pass (TiVo automatically finds and records every episode of a series all season long, even if the network schedule changes), WishList (TiVo finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, team, or even topic), Smart Recording (TiVo detects line-up changes for you and suggests programs to match your interests, if desired), and Showcases (exclusive entertainment plus recording shortcuts from some of the most popular networks on TV). You can even train TiVo to autorecord more shows you'll love when you use the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down buttons on the supplied remote. Parental controls let you lock channels or set ratings limits based on content.

Rent or Buy more than 50,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

With Amazon Video On Demand (available in U.S. only) TiVo customers can now instantly watch more than 50,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.


Using an intuitive interface, customers can order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required

Find
Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing in the Amazon Video On Demand section on your TiVo. Access and add to your virtual library of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand's Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on the TiVo Player, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices (U.S. only).

Rent or Buy
Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon's 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you're watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.

Watch
Using your TiVo Player, enjoy Amazon Video On Demand's high quality video on any TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them on your TiVo Player, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices.

What's in the Box
80-hour TiVo Series2 DT (TCD649080) DVR, user's manual, 1 stereo analog audio/video interconnect, 1 RJ-11 phone "Y" splitter, 1 dual IR blaster cable, 1 AC power cord, one 25-foot RJ-11 telephone cable, 2 AA batteries, 1 RG-6 coaxial cable, 1 DB-9 serial cable, a user's manual, and warranty information.

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