Tivo

[TexOle]

Is Tivo worth the cost?

[Gregg Pathiakis]

I don't think so. If you have Comcast in your area, their DVR service is a better value. My parents have Tivo and I have Comcast and I prefer mine. Also, there were a lot of news stories last week about Tivo being obsolete in the next few years.

[LaxRef]

Is Tivo worth the cost?

It was for me. I got my TiVo box for $35, paid the $300 for the lifetime service, and love it. Of course, you can't get the lifetime service anymore.

I think you can only get the comcast DVR with their digital service, which is $10 per month more, plus whatever they charge for the DVR per month.

[Adam G]

I like TiVo, but I'm a bigger fan of Comcast; like Gregg, my parents have TiVo, and I like my DV-R a lot better. It just seems easier to use and we never had to worry about HD space. Plus, when you get DV-R where I am, you essentially get it as a part of a package with the premiums for next to nothing. Not to mention, it was the best thing to happen to me and my roommates in college. IMHO

[Jay Wisnieski]

We have CableOne where I live, and their DVR sucks hard, so Tivo is one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I have no problems saying that it's worth the cost.

[Timbalaned]

I think it is just what you are used to. I have had Tivo and deeply regret not getting the lifetime service when we first got it three years ago, cause as stated you can't do that anymore. I also have friends that have DVR from Comcast and like that as well. I think they are both pretty easy to get used to and it is just what you want to get. That being said, I love my Tivo and think it is the greatest thing ever made and wouldn't ever want to get a DVR cause I don't want to change.

[John Paul]

I'm posting on this because I believe Tivo is one of the ten best inventions in the history of mankind. Seriously.

Had DirectTV and Tivo in our old house, but when we moved a little over a year ago we had to switch to the Comcast DVR because of too many trees blocking the satellite signal. (Lost CSTV and ESPNU with that switch, so much less lacrosse on TV now)

The Comcast DVR is passable, but I really miss our Tivo. The Tivo software and interface blows away the Comcast version. Tivo's search and autorecord features are much, much better. Their fast forward and rewind have a step-back built in for when you inevitably overshoot where you want to stop which is really nice once you get used to it (mostly used to zip through commercials). Tivo has a 30 second advance as well, to automatically jump commercials. Comcast version does not. Tivo's slow motion feature is easier to use, which is very nice for sports. Apparently Comcast recently bought the rights to use Tivo software in their units and they are doing that in a couple of test markets through a download, but not here yet. Also, I've found the control of the Comcast unit to be quirky sometimes - slow to respond or freezing up. Never happened with our Tivo.

Bottom line, and I think this is echoed if you look online at TV tech sites that cover this sort of thing, if you can afford it, go with Tivo.

[Tarzan]

Tivo...I put it right behind the wheel and the plow.

Actually, if you want to see lacrosse (or college sports in general) on TV DirecTV's "sports pack" with some type of DVR is what you need.

My advice, go with the free DVR that is offered by whoever you choose. IPTV is on the way and it you will most likely need new equipment.

[KnoxVegas]

I'm posting on this because I believe Tivo is one of the ten best inventions in the history of mankind. Seriously.

I wholeheartedly second this. Along with the fire, the wheel and the yellow line in football. If you are going to get TiVO the next step is to get Slingbox. It has saved me many a night on the road and while waiting at the airport. Not to mention being overseas and being able to watch programs in English at anytime.

[shrekjr]

Tivo, period. 'Nuff said.

[CSUalum32]

I have DVR through Comcast and I think it stinks. The same thing happened to me, trees blocked the signal and now no more direct TV. I miss it. IMO, TIVO worth it.

[Campbell]

I guess it also depends on how much you record shows. I bought a DVD recorder for lacrosse games last year and although I used my DVR first, I could have just set the DVD recorder to burn it directly. I actually have satellite now (Dish) and didn't get the TIVO with it and don't really miss it. When we had cable we used the DVR a lot to record shows, but then didn't watch them all that much. So if you aren't going to use it a lot then I would opt for the cheaper alternative, which, if you have cable, is probably going to be the optional DVR.