What Are The Main Differences Between a DVR and a Tivo?
Concerning the features and functionality of a DVR, which is often considered a “Tivo For Cable,” and a Tivo, which is often used for satellite dish, what are the main differences between the two systems? Which do you prefer and why?
Jeff
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If i have a dvr that is tivo compatible do i need the tivo service?
I was looking at a few dvr’s and i found a humanix that is a dvd recorder with a hard drive that is tivo compatible. Do i need the tivo service to record telivision programs or can i run it thourgh the cable box like a VCR? Could this be done with other dvr’s that you need to connect to the internet for the tv guide or microsoft service?
I meant Humax
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Can I use a TiVo or a Direct TV DVR without having either of their services?
I need to connect an over the air HD antenna up to a 720p HD projector. The projector has component and HDMI inputs. I am wondering if I could use an HD TiVo or an HD DirectTV DVR. Will either of these work without subscription? I realize all of the functions will not. I just need to be able to hook the antenna up to the projector, and if I could record using the DVR it would be nice too. Thanks!
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What are the similarities and differences of Direct TV HD DVR compared to Tivo HD?
After moving into a new apartment complex, we are being forced to leave our current cable company and go with one the complex has a contract with – they use Dish DVR and we are not happy with it. Being Tivo customers for over 4 years, we are looking for something similar to Tivo. Direct TV seems to be the closest, but before we commit, we wanted to get some feedback.
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What is the difference between a TiVo DVR and a DIRECTV DVR?
What is the difference between a TiVo DVR and a DIRECTV DVR?
Many people ask which cables do i need to connect my pc to a tv?. They need ask no longer!
Tivo Dvrs Q&a
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How do I break the lock specifically on my TV so i can keep watch on correct tv shows?
My mom has locked the rate R movies on our TV and i have charter cable so is in attendance anybody out there that know how to get the code or hack it?
How do I burn a video to a DVD?
I downloaded a video off of Azureus, and very soon I want it on a DVD. I don’t know how to do it, though. I have a RW DVD, and I reckon the video is a .avi file. Here is the wallet name short the name: ****.****.******.HDTV.XviD-HDQ.[VTV]
How do i burn recordded tv into a DVD?
i have window media center and i can text tv shows on it and i want to burn it into a DVD. how do i do that?
How do I connect my archos 504 to my PC?
Hi I own an Archos 504 but everytime I try to connect to my PC Via USB It comes up as ‘usb device malfunctioned, Windows does not recognise this device’.
How do i copy a copied or record dvd?
ok, I use Dvd shrink to copy movies i rent. That works great. I also have a dvd recorder where on earth I can record home movies onto dvd. So here is my problem. I want to use Dvd Shrink to copy the home movies I record on the dvd-r’s and also copy movies off of a dvd that I own already burned a movie. is this possible and how?
How do i decrypt a tv season using dvd decrypter?
i know how to decrypt a movie, but i dont know how to make a VOB profile per episode on the season of Scrubs i want to decrypt. how do i do it?
How do I gain my stations rear?
I have a sagem digibox.All the stations a short time ago knocked of 2 days ago.I tried the rummage and its finding the stations but no sound or picture is comming through.Rte1 and TV3 are the individual stations that work,
How do I program a Samsung remote to control a Comcast DVR?
I have a Comcast HD DVD tuner (Moto DCH3416) and a Samsung DLP (remote bp59-00125a) and I can’t stand the Comcast remote and would similar to to use the Samsung remote to control my cable box. However, I can’t find the codes or how to program them. Help? Thanks
How do i put Older Home movies on DVD?
Have a bunch of old home video and i would like to put them on DVD. How do i do this? what do i stipulation to buy to get started.
How do I return with to the DISH Network guide blind near 6 window that show you a preview of respectively show?
I’ve only gotten here by going to Movies on Demand and then pressing exit but I know in that is an easier way…assist?
How do I set my Chairman Mao see?
on a recent trip to china I bought a chairman Mao watch from a street purveyor. The watch is an analog keep watch on, and chairman Mao waves his paw back an forth. connection to a photo and description… http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/AWH014 i know the nob on theside of the watch wind it, but I do not know how to change the time! any relief would be appreciated… I hope to be able to stop converting China time to Seatle time soon!
How do I set up my Bush DVD VCR player to transcription free attitude from my LCD tv near built contained by freeview?
I wish to register freeview programmes from my Panasonic LCD tv which has built within freeview how do I set up my recorder ( bush DVD VCR basic recorder ) to do it
How do i take my concrete drive to work on my direct tv dvr?
How do i get my rock-hard drive to work on my direct tv dvr? Do i just plug it contained by the usb port in th front or rear legs or is there a steps i get to do. do i have to download drivers first to it. Its a 80gig western digital external harddrive.
How do i use a samsung dvd sh853m?
Hi how do i record on a this dvd recorder every time i put surrounded by a disc it says ( this cannot any be played or recorded on i hold been out and bought up to date dvds and it still says that several thanks for any oblige
How do i work DVD Shrink?
I have DVD shrink 3.2. I own the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS files. How do I burn them to a disc to play on my dvd player? I’ve tried twice and neither of the discs will play?
How do the tv individuals determine tv ratings.?
i have other wanted to know how ethnic group figure out how several people keep under surveillance a certain show among masses others
How do u hook up………………?
a video camera 2 a computer so the other person on the conclusion can see u 2?
How do u put a DVD on my zune?
I have an 80gb zune and I want to put my movies one in attendance put i dont know how to.hELP ME!
How do you (what do you use) to cassette the TV clip and next upload it to YouTube?
How do I get the clip from TV? What method do most individuals use to get the clip from the TV?
How do you burn movies?
How do you get a movie rotten the internet and put it on a blank DVD and then view it on your DVD player, thanks. If you confer a STEP BY STEP directions ten points for you!=) Thanks A LOT!
How do you connect the cox internet into a different computer?
okay so i have this computer that im using near cox high-speed internet. i just bought another one and im wondering how to verbs the internet to it. Do i need to bid they company so they can send a technitian or something?? HELP!
How do you copy files onto a dvd-r disk?
i have dvd-r disks and i be wondering, if it is possible how to copy files onto them, if so how??
How do you history from deck onto computer?
how do i record from my deck onto computer with high-ranking quaility clear sound
How do you obtain vidios to put within your own vidio?
I really want to make my own vidio but i dont know where on earth people return with the clips from
How do you share movies / video thru-out adjectives TVs contained by home-a Master DVR that can push movies to adjectives TVs?
I am designing a “Movie/Audio network” in home..I already enjoy a “home-run” network distributing ethernet thru-out home near satellite (directTV). Instead of a DVR for each TV/Room, I want to hold a Master Disk Storage device that would allow me to store all my movies and afterwards if I wanted to view a movie from that system in my great room adjectives I have to do is verbs the movie (or push) it out to that TV?…any ideas? seem simple in concept but near multiple domains/targets (i.e. TVs) it gets complex express….
How much import tax is added to the DIRECTV for the THE CHOICE™ PACKAGE? the one ofr $34?
i want to know how much tax they will attach to that price.
How much room on a Verizon Fios DVR?
I have a Verizon Fios DVR and won’t be home this weekend. I want to video the two Final 4 games this saturday. I want to know how much HD things take up on the DVR. The regular things embezzle up much less space but I want to see if I can fit the 2 games both contained by HD. So anyway, I just want to know how much HD programs filch up on a Verizon DVR.
How several standard SKY Boxes can you own surrounded by your home next to SKY Multiroom?
first one 2 answer gets a prize
How should i store my dvd’s?
and how long do ones i have record last this is a relation to the storage that i am thinking of buying http://www.crazysales.com.au/index.php?p… do you think this is a biddable storage soultion
How to bring itv1 surrounded by east midlands using a wintv nova-t stick?
having genuine trouble anyone have any thinking? all other channel are there inluding things close to itv2+1 etc.
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What is the difference between a DVR and TiVo?
I know that TiVo is a brand of a DVR, but do any differences between the two exist either than the fact that you don’t have to pay monthly subsciptions for DVRs but you do for TiVos? Can both record HD or only SD?
I’m smart…the other day I wanted to know how do you download music to an ipod and I found the answer.
Tivo Dvrs Questions & Answers
Can you connect a dtv digital to analog converter box immediately and put together it work?
Can you connect a dtv digital to analog converter box now and receive it work ?
Can you connect an external intricate drive to a Sky HD box?
Is it possible to plug an external hard disk into a Sky HD box surrounded by order to increase it’s tape space?
Can you convert a DVD to DVR?
I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 DVR through Time Warner. I would similar to to “upload” one of my kid’s DVDs onto the DVR so I can access and play the content through my DVR “List” functionality without have to go through the gymnastics of auxillary inputs, dvd players, or even locating the disk everytime. Is such functionality even possible?
Can you relieve me to unlock my DVD recorder?
I have an LG DBRH197 DVD recorder. Can you agree to me know how I can unlock the code so I can play European DVDs not obtainable surrounded by Australia. Thanks
Can you run shows past its sell-by date of the Cogeco Digital Cable box….?
I have a macbook pro and i be wondering if: You could take shows rotten of the Cogeco Digital Cable box (via USB 2.0) and plant them into imovie HD and save them onto your computer – and later put them on a DVD. Is this possible or is it all copy protected?
Can you see different chanels when have foxtel multiroom?
lets articulate i am on Fox 8 on the first tv can i watch something else on the second tv close to fox classics at the same time
Cant survey dvd?
took my comp to shope to get verbs has a burner and adjectives on it now it is wise saying canot watch dvd want dvd decoder what is that and can I download one without buying one it worked fine formerly it went to shope please serve
Cant view dvd?
took my comp to shope to get verbs has a burner and adjectives on it now it is axiom canot watch dvd call for dvd decoder what is that and can I download one without buying one it worked fine back it went to shope please oblige
Channel 5 Milkshake – HELP!!?
Channel 5 Milkshake – HELP!! Im looking for a recorded copy of milkshake burrow 5 on the 10th April 2008.I would pay for a copy please…? Would you by any hit and miss have one or know where on earth or how I can get one? Im looking for a record copy of milkshake channel 5 on the 10th April 2008.I would wage for a copy please…? Would you by any chance enjoy one or know where or how I can bring one? It’s for my son’s 1st birthday. We didn’t have a video recording machine at the time. Cheers Annie
Charter-Motorola Moxi DVR quiz?
I have Charter Cable beside HBO and Starz. I have one room beside a MOXI DVR. I love it! However I have two other rooms where on earth the cable is just hooked up to the TV. In those rooms the channel only dance to about drain 76. I’m tired of giving charter so much money every month. I pay Charter adequate for their HBO/STARZ Package, I shouldn’t have to reimburse them to rent a digital box to get that programming on the other two tv’s. Is their anything I can buy to acquire my HBO and Starz on those tv’s. Also Is their anything I can buy that would act close to my MOXI DVR on one of those tv’s and also let me see the HBO and STARZ channel on those tv’s.
Chinese Subtitles?
Hi, I am currently using Windows XP. I am trying to get a chinese sub.srt profile to work with the movie. However, when I play the movie the the subtitle display some strange symbols that is unequivocally not chinese. what can i do? my goal here is to lastingly attach the sub onto the movie and then upload it onto my Cowon D2.
Code for Technika AEDTR160S7 on a TVRC4N 4 contained by 1?
I have an Technika AEDTR160S7 Digital TV Recorder, and enjoy lost the remote.. I just bought a TVRC4N “4 surrounded by 1″ remote control… however, it does not seem to own the codes listed for my DTR player (I’ve tried adjectives of them and none work! (though some switch off my TV!) Any minister to with the right code would be appreciated
Codes for French Channels on Sky Digital?
Living in the south of Ireland. (If it is compulsory for you to know that) Studying French – want to learn by watching french programmes (preferably comedy, soaps, etc) however I don’t know how to find them. Anyone know out there?
Comcast customers!! PLEASE HELP!?
I have Comcast Digital Cable and my blind is not showing any programs, but the little blue thing still shows up unfolding me the channel and what program is supposed to be on. What can be wrong and how do I fix this? I enjoy called Comcast but they are idiots and are no give a hand to me unless they come out and I am not home until late so that will not work. PLEASE ANY SUGGESTIONS!?!?
ComputerStores? do they burn Dvd’s for you?
I was wondering if local computer stores burn dvd’s for you. Because i hold a cd that contains mpeg videos and i required them converted to Dvd. Is it common for a store to receive a copy of your videos to Dvd.
Confused what chain to use !?
i need a flex to connect my laptop to my tv so that i can watch the movie within my laptop in tv. but i dont needed to burn the dvds please help me.
Connect computer to tv.?
i have a S cable that come with my dish make friends stuff.and i have a spot to connect it to my knees top and to the back of the dish box or the dvd player. but everytime i do i carry nothing am i missing a step or is this not what this cable ment for? any info would be great. thanks!
Connect directv to internet?
my directv said that they now own on demand but you hold to connect it to the internet. I have a wireless router within my house and I was wondering how you can connect it to the wireless. The directv box have a usb port in the front/
Copying movies from computer?
i copied the movie from the computer but it dont work in any of my dvd players plz oblige asap im bored and i dont like watching it on my computer
Daewoo digital terestrial reciever and rugged disc recorder lend a hand?
i have one of these machines and it keep starting up and shutting down. i have tried to turn it on and stale and to reformat the disk but i have no pin number. any lend a hand would be apreciated !
Desperately seeking……Vivitar charger?
A recharger for a vivitar DVR 7300x, have tried everywhere, please aid as it is for my daughters camera and she is upset about losing it. x
Difference of DVD +/- R?
What are the difference between the +\- Rof the dvd? Which is the best of the 2? What can you recommend for data back-ups. Just just this minute bought dvd writer that is efficient of both.
Digital converter box?
I currently am renting from Comcast 3 extra digital converter boxes at a whopping $20.75 a month (not including all their little fees & taxes. I hold 4 but 1 came near the package.) I’m thinking of purchasing these boxes so I no longer enjoy to rent at such astronimcal prices. Here is my questions……… 1) Out of adjectives the approved digital converter boxes for the government coupon program which is the best? 2) Do they fashion a digital converter boxes that is a DVR style? If so, who make the best one of those? To rent the DVR’s from Comcast is $18.00 a month (not including taxes & fees) and to me is not worth it. But to buy 1 and then buy 2 other converter boxes might be worth it. Any guidance, recommend, pros, cons, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Anyone having any of these boxes/DVR’s would love to hear your 1st paw pros/cons about them. Thanks!
Digital Receivers. Eurovox Max V 2008 Irish users?
They have scrambled it again. Does anybody own the code? I can’t find it.
Digivox?
any help next to the latest up to date digibox codes northeast nouns? thanx
Direct TV Dish worth anything?
I switched to cable and no longer needed the dish up on my roof, so I took it down. Is it worth anything or to anyone or do I just unwanted items it?
Direct TV DVR & USB Tuner?
Hi Can any one recommend a USB tuner for my laptop so I can connect my Direct TV DVR R15 model to my laptop. I want to watch/burn programs on my laptop that I have on my DVR. Also I am interested within your thoughts on the software that came beside the USB tuner Thanks in finance
Direct tv guest self dosen’ work, It did come on when I switched to another jack later stopped.?
I have filter on all lines the addressee in a different room works
Directly lied to by satelite tv service?
I have an HD tv and a Tivo that i remunerated cash for a couple years ago.One of the satelite providers tha DIRECT_ly do TV have an upgrade promotion going and i saw an add on the tv and call the 800 number to enquire around it. I told them i alreadt have a Tivo,they said they have a swap program,i said no thanks i would resembling to kepp mine as i paid for it already.They suggested to put it surrounded by another room. I said ok what is the upgrade.They said i would get a 5LNB dish.better than the 3 i have,that also come with our direct DVR and we will hold them install your Tivo in another room. I explained to them i be an existing costumer,and asked how much would this run?They said”it’s a free upgrade” i asked “afree upgrade”?They answered yes. I stated that my bill ran around 49.99 a month and i want to stay around that nouns.They Direct-ly told me,that it would go up a few dollars for the extra HD channel i would get,around 52.99 a month.In short a free up cost me 200.00 on my bill.Now what??
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Tivo Dvrs FAQ
DirectTV reveiver problems…?
I went to Utah final weekend from saturday till Sunday night. When I come back my t.v wasnt getting any signal..close to the whole ants on the eyeshade thing. Its be a week and ive tried everything from unplugging the wires and replugging them in,to the integral hold the reset button for 15 seconds. The reciever is on and working. it turns on and stale. but its like its not hooked up to the t.v even though it is. yes I did cart out the access card but that was after it wasnt working…and No I havnt call DirecTV yet. My mom say she’ll do it but im really annoyed and I just want it fixed presently…So does anyone have any notion why its doing this and what I can do?
Directv anime?
I’s there somthing on directv where on earth you can watch anime? If near is where can you win it?
DirecTV HD DVR Ethernet Plugs. Can’t seem to be to take them out.?
Today we received our HD DVR. We got everything setup within about an hour, but I’m have trouble with trying to set up the ON DEMAND side. There are 2 clear plugs in the put money on of the receiver, and I, nor can anyone else, return with them out. I feel silly asking more or less this, but your help would be completely much appreciated. Thank’s for your help. internet dude
Directv Pay Per View?
Haha. I don’t watch TV repeatedly, but I saw a movie I wanted to study and it says I entail to call? What’s the number to call upon and how do I do it? And i can’t hook it up with the remote and phone, so don’t suggest that.
Disable macrovision on philips 610 dvd recorder?
i have this appliance,and i want to back up some frail video tapes that i own,they havent been realesed on dvd,so want put them on to it,i notice some dvd recorders you enter a push button combination to turn it off,does this enjoy one?
Dish DVR remote oblige?
our Dish DVR’s remote will not let me select the Program Guide. it keep lighting the AUX button up. how can I make the klight walk on the SAT button?
Dish exchange cards DVR?
I have dish exchange cards DVR but when i want to record something it other goes to sit. 2 and my mother always change the channel so everytime she change the channel it doen’t dictation. How can I put it in sit. 1?
Do i obligation a tivo subscription to enjoy it work?
i have cable and plan on buying a tivo from ebay becaue they are cheaper. If i do this do i still enjoy to pay the tivo plan? will tivo work short the plan?
Do I obligation to extract .STB files until that time adding together them to my reciever?
This is actually my first interview here, I have the 9000HD Diamond Receiver from Digiwave near a dish bigger than 30″. My receiver finds over 800 channel but they are all scrambled, I hold recently found some bin files which I’ve hear that it can solve the problem. How can I do this in a protected way so I don’t violate my receiver? Help is greatly appreciated Thank You
Do the commercials on TV bother you?
or are you willing to put up next to commercials as long as they reduce the price you own to pay to win TV?
Do these “Watch Satellite TV on Your Computer” things really work? Is near one that works better than others?
You’ve no doubt get these things in your e-mail. I stipulation to make some decision regarding my TV viewing and DVR use. Is it possible these systems work and I can use the DVR contained by my computer for the first time since I puchased it two years ago
Do they brand any DVD recorder w/ DVR type buffer?
We now use a cable-provider box DVR constantly to diary programs and watch them whenever we approaching, and very from time to time do we watch shows “live” anymore. There own been a few times, though, where on earth we would have like to save a mainly good program more lastingly onto DVD. (Even if we choose to save a program long-term on the DVR, any problem beside the box and we’ll lose it. And they’ve disabled the external USB connection to expand disk space.) I know in attendance are really good DVD recorder on the market in a minute. But I’m guessing they still work with a single video recording session onto a DVD at a time. (So if all you hold is a 30 min show that you want to record, it will transcription it on the DVD just fine, but essentially dribble away the remaining space.) Or has the technology better? Do any use a type of DVR buffering to build a disc set? Ideally, we’d like to verbs 2 or more programs from our DVR onto a single DVD… without record the menu steps as we select the next program!
Do you have need of an ariel for Freeview?
Hi, I am getting Freeview soon and was wondering if you needed an ariel for it and also, does the blind stay fuzzy or become clear like Sky? Thank you.
Do you own a virgin v+ box?
Hi, I am thinking about gettingo one of these, can you plug them into a dvd recorder and transcription things either straight from it or from things youve record onto its hard disk? appreciation!
Do you use netflix? Do you approaching it?
Why do or don’t you like it?
Does any one know a website next to matured satellite imagery?
i am looking for a website for this so i can compare images from after and now.
Does anybody know if the captivework 600s premium FTA reciver is any accurate?
detailed answers will help.
Does anyone hold a account settlement for me?
I am 13 and I adore singing I want a record treaty!! Www.youtube.com/jblover2412. Help
Does anyone hold a review of Tivo contained by Canada?
Now that the Tivo has be “officially” in Canada for just about 6 months, I’d be interested in audible range anyones experiences with it.
Does anyone know how to bring back information sour of a dish 625 dvr?
i have a dish dvr 625 and i want to carry the stuff that i recorded stale of it before i turn it surrounded by. i do not have the dish service any more, but i want to put the recordings on my laptop so that i can burn it to a dvd and scrutinize it later.
Does anyone know if it is possible to copy record shows from an RCN DVR to a DVD player?
I am planning on switching services and have some shows that I do not want to lose (exercise routines, etc.). I am wondering if in attendance is anyway to copy the programs to a DVD player
Does anyone know modern codes for euro vox satellite box plz my kids r going cracked for here programmes and the foo
euro vox 2007
Does anyone know of a DVD recorder/player that have a DV output jack (i-LINK output)?
Please someone help! I’ve be looking and looking all over the place for a DVD recorder beside a DV out connect. All the ones I see have lone DV INs. Does anyone know of any unit (that’s still on the market) which have what i’m looking for. Thank you.
Does anyone monitor tvu tmw?
if you watch it do know what video comes second surrounded by the opening (theme song kinda entity i guess) idk if anyone will know but if you do please let me know gratefulness
Does anyone not roll over next to enjoyment after watching htis video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onLbeuEqN…
Does Dish Tv remove their satellite dish from your roof upon cancel?
Checking in to cancel service but wanted to see if anyone have done this before and their experience. Thanks
Does Dishnetwork own TELEVISA? Channel from Mexico?
Does dish network own televisa/ cannal de las estrellas?
Does someone know how to download movies from the comcast dvr to my computer?
I NOTICE THAT THEY ARE 3 CABLES ON THE COMCAST DVR BOX. AUDIO, VIDEO OUTPUT ETC. HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD DOES MOVIES, DO IBUY A CABLE…..? I AM OPEN TO SUGESTIONS… TAHNSK!
Does storing metaphors on Rw-dvd reduce its feature ?
I sore some of my data on a DVD-R or +r , I also enjoy a RW dvd to update my photo/video galleries , my qustion is , are the photos and video stored on a RW DVD is less power than those storen in a DVD-r ? does the point of the photos reduce since I reused the RW more than 5 times ? is the facts stored in DVD-RW is exactly one and the same as the original ?
Does the DirecTV Premier Package include the reciever?
its like $87. Does it include the addressee? or is that extra? I want HD channels & a DVR as capably.
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When you are in the store buying a big ticket item, you need to be able to calulate sales tax quickly in your head.
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TiVo and the Death of the VCR
DVR: The Death of the VHS
Remember when your Grandma had you come over, because the light on her VCR was blinking. That clock had to be set with scientific precision. Her “soaps” were coming on, and she had to go the market. Remember the first time she accidentally recorded over “As the World Turns”? You were the only hope she had of getting her hair dyed a lovely shade of blue, and not missing out on the overly dramatic hijinks of drastically younger people.
That all changed with the advent of the TiVo. Calling itself a “Digital Video Recorder” or DVR, the TiVo didn’t need you to set the time. It would do so itself. Your Grandma didn’t have to check her TV Guide, because the DVR downloaded its own program schedule. She didn’t have to ask you to explain how to record something, because all she had to do was hit the little red button, and it was taken care of. No longer would she have to worry about recording over her show.
The TiVo could do even more than that, as it would automatically recommend other shows you might like based on your recording habits. You would now be able to watch and rewind live television for up to an half hour. There would be no more changing of tapes, as it would handle 30-65 hours of programming without having to delete a single hour of programming.
How does it do this? On the hardware side, it is pretty simple: There is a set of video inputs, and a set of video outputs, much like a VCR. Unlike a VCR, a hardware based video converter takes the video feeds, and converts them using the MPEG-2 standard. This is the same standard used to encode DVD’s. Once the encoding takes place, it is stored digitally as a file on the hard drive, where it is made available for immediate access.
Now, things have evolved since the advent of the first TiVo. With the new demands of high-definition television, greater hard drive space has to be added, along with the ability to network multiple TiVos together, and a stack of other features. What is more interesting is what TiVo’s competitors have put together.
The cable companies have put together packs that allow to rewind a channel by as much as 3 hours (provided that you left your tv on the same channel). Occasionally, I have been able to go back by as much as three hours on two different channels at the same time. The hardware community has provided software that allows you to build your own TiVo. MythTV, an offering by the open source community, goes one step forward, by allowing people to build a home media server. This means that you install the front-end client for an unlimited number of televisions, and you can access all your recorded programs from a single box.
AT&T has built a new DVR for their “Uverse” IPTV that allows you to record 4 shows at the same time, and control it from a mobile phone, or via an internet connection. They also use the much higher quality H.264 codec as their primary recording encoder.
All of these offerings have massive hard drives, and some even have ways around broadcaster imposed restrictions. “What restrictions?” you might ask. Well, there are a couple. One of the main reasons people use DVR’s to begin with is the ability to fast-forward past commercials. Since all networks make money from advertising revenue, the thought of a customer skipping past ads automatically brings lost money to mind.
With that in mind, they attempted to implement an advertising campaign within TiVo that would show pop-up ads when people fast-forwarded through recorded shows. In another attempt to control how people use content, the broadcasters have implemented the broadcast flag. With the broadcast flag, they can keep you from burning your content to a disk, saving it to a hard drive, have the content expire after a week, or even keep you from recording the broadcast at all.
Currently, there is only project that refuses to recognize the broadcast flag: MythTV. This means that the Myth project believes that you have the right to do whatever you want with the signal that is coming into your home. Now, MythTV is based on Linux, as is TiVo. TiVo is also based on Linux. Linux is software that says there can be no restrictions on how it can be used, but in order to use it, it must allow the same privileges to the user. TiVo’s recognition of the broadcast flag will keep them from updating their software that is available under the newest Linux licenses. They are subject to millions of dollars in lawsuits if they do. There will definitely be lawsuits soon, with broadcasters, and everyday consumers in the crosshairs.
Recording has come a long way from the day the VCR. It’s easier to do, higher in quality, and more convenient to schedule. The only question now, is whether or not you will be able to watch what you have recorded as easily as you did back then.
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