F/U to DVR poll. . .

LayneNP

It's official!!  I'm officially back into the new millenia. . . . . as of about an hour ago I have my DVR and high speed internet back!  WOO HOO!! 

So here's my next question after reading some people's answers to the DVR poll:  B and I have considered getting a TiVO but there doesn't really seam to be a difference except for the $10 fee to rent the DVR from BrightHouse.  But aren't TiVO's like $300 or something ridiculous??  And don't you have to subscribe for their services anyway??  Seems like as far as money it'd be a wash. 

So my question is for the ladies who have a TiVO or who've looked into it.  What are the pros/cons with TiVO compared to a regular DVR from the cable company??  How do the costs stack up between the two options?   

RedHead0917

Only know about DVR from brighthouse:

It was a $25 deposit on the box, which is refundable after a certain time and it's $6/month.  Can't beat it!    I LOVE it.  I didn't think Tivo worked with brighthouse...don't know, though. 

LeelaH

Brian still has his TIVO hooked up.  I will ask him your questions and send you an email.

I *believe* the $300 is a lifetime subscription.  And I *believe* the TIVO has way more features than the BrightHouse DVRs.  I don't know for sure, though.

 

LeelaH

I asked Brian your questions.  I was just going to email his (lenthy) response to you, but figured I would post it here in case anyone else is interested in it...

Brighthouse DVR: It does the basic recording/playback, you can schedule shows to record, and a few limited options to customize your recording (add extra minutes, repeats, etc.)

 

Pros: I think it's a couple dollars a month cheaper, but I haven't looked at the price lately, and there is nothing to buy up front.  If it breaks you just call Brighthouse and swap it out.

 

Cons: Interface is slower to respond than TiVo.  If you've never used TiVo you wouldn't notice it though.

 

If you only care about recording/watching specific shows, I would go with the Brighthouse DVR since I think it is actually a couple dollars a month cheaper than TiVo and you don't have to buy the unit.

 

 

 

TiVo: A lot of advanced features.  Create wish lists based on an actor, director, keyword, etc. It's also supposed to learn what you like and suggest other stuff for you.  You can also stream music and pictures from your home network, share shows between TiVo units if you have more than one, copy shows off of the TiVo to watch on a laptop or iPod, etc.  You can also now rent movies from Amazon and they will download right to your TiVo.  There is probably a lot more too, but since I only have the old Series 1 unit, I can't do any of that stuff so I haven't kept up with everything that is available.

 

Pros: Tons of extra features if you like to watch TV and movies, and have the time to take advantage of it all.  Much better interface and "user experience" than Brighthouse DVR.

 

Cons: Upfront cost, but search around there are often deals to be found.  Monthly cost is around $13, but I think it's cheaper if you pay for a year.  Must connect to your home network, but wireless is an option.

LayneNP

Thanks, LeeAnn!  I thought there had to be more to it that I just didn't know.  I'm not sure we'd use those extra services so for now I guess we'll stick with the DVR.  Did Brian mention if TiVO service is compatible with local able companies, ie BrightHouse??

LeelaH

Well you still have to have whatever cable service to get your channels.  TIVO is just basically for the guide data and the other features he mentioned.