- Record two basic cable channels, or one basic and one digital cable channel, at once.
- Up to 80 hours of digital audio/video recording capacity (NTSC); works with cable, digital cable, satellite.
- USB and Ethernet ports offer ability to stream digital music and photos from a computer to TiVo and transfer programming to PCs
- TiVo service includes Season Pass, WishList, program guide, digital music, digital photos, and online scheduling
- Everything required for installation is supplied; subscription to TiVo service is additional requirement. An appropriate set top box is needed for digital cable, or satellite.
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.
Buy TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder Now
When I received my new TiVo I rushed right in to install and play with my new "toy". The instructions were clear and I followed them to the letter. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the second of the "dual-tuner" channels working. After many hours and much fiddling I gave up and called customer service. As it turned out my RF input was not working properly; however, I found out something extremely important. New laws require that all signals be digital beginning in 2009. Many providers are currently in the process of changing over now, and according to the customer service rep. the second channel of the "dual channel" system is analog only and therefore useless in the new digital environment. I was not made aware of this fact when I purchased the unit as it would have made a definite difference in my decision to purchase it.Read Best Reviews of TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder Here
I have listened to the hype about TIVO for a couple of years now. With the hundred dollar plus rebates on the hardware, as well as substantial discounts on the service, I thought I'd break down and give it a try. Here' my experience...The Good...
1. Very intuitive user interface for the set-up screens and remote; it could be argued that Tivo is the gold standard for ease of use
2. Very secure packaging of unit
3. Included cabling is of unusally high quality (not Monster cable grade, but still very good for included cabling)
4. Installation directions are very easy to follow (though not as good as Dell's color coded design)
5. There is a 30 day money back guarantee
6. Customer reps are friendly and well trained (and they speak english too!)
The Bad...
1. The front of the box says all required cables are included; the directions state that a second A/V cable -required for the recommended installation method -is "user provided" (i.e., sold separately)
2. The service is not compatible with some VoIP services
3. Though set-up is easy, it is a one to two hour ordeal, requiring multiple visits to websites and countless button presses to ensure interoperablity with the cable box
4. The remote is pretty low tech looking; it also has a lower quality feel tha leads me to belive that I'll be shopping for a replacement in a year or less
The Ugly...
1. They try to get you to sign up for a three year, pre-paid service contract; if after 30 days you find that you don't like/need Tivo, you forteit all that money -ouch!
2. When I attempted to use the website to activate the service, the site was unstable and wouldn't allow me to complete the order. I then called the 800 number for service, where the hold time exceed 25 minutes. Hope I never have cause to call again as this is a totally unacceptable wait time
Net/net: this is a well thought out product that does just what it says it does -enables consumers to watch TV on their terms.
Want TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder Discount?
WOW! My wife bought me this for Father's Day. I'm not a jewelry type of guy, but TiVo is drop-dead freakin' awesome, speechlessly amazing!If you don't know TiVo: plug it in, let it set itself up, and every time you turn on your set, it quietly records as you watch, so if you get up to take a call or get a snack, no problem: TiVo's got you covered.
Watch "The Dead Zone?" Take a 20 minute break and let TiVo start taping for you: you'll zip through what you don't want and back up to what you want to see again. No tape, no picture loss.
TiVo starts with a 15 second or so guide over your picture of what's on that show, how long and whatever else you need to know; not even "Today Show" is immune from TiVo knowing what's coming up. If you think there's nothing good on, use TiVo to search it all out. Cut your cable back to basic, bud; you'll have more finds with a lot less, guaranteed.
Program what you want to copy via the net. Yahoo! support for photos and junk.
Fandango ticket purchases, movie previews, it will even learn, if you want it to, what you like to watch. Very, very easy to hook up although working it into my LCD TV has yet to figure out what hook up is best, although we rewired it and the picture dramatically improved, so thanks Tivo for showing me a few options that were better!
I do NOT use TiVo's alphabetical directory of shows: slow. I DO use Yahoo! TV guides to just click and pick: fast and easy as pie.
My eMac still can't use TiVo's desktop app, but one'a these days I'll get it working.
Slide shows: better than I thought I'd ever use. Love it!
Check out the newest features and tutorials; you'll just flip and keep flipping.
Recommended: Sign up for the 3-year plan and f'get about it. By the time it's paid up, the next generation of Tivo will be around. It is a safe bet.
Anybody who trash-talks TiVo doesn't know it, so tune out critics and tune in devotees and never, ever miss a good show again.
Tivo desktop allows us to transfer files from the Tivo to the larger hard drives in our computer thus extending the 80 hours on the Tivo to over 200 hours. In addition, Tivo desktop allows us to watch programs on our computers anytime we want.
Tivo to Go is a new feature of the Tivo desktop software. For $24.95, Tivo desktop will convert standard Tivo files for playback on PDAs, cell phones and other handheld devces.
The only down sides are the quality of the tuners and the remote control. We clearly see a difference in the picture quality between our TV's tuner and the tuners on the Tivo. The second issue is the remote will not control our Bose surround sound system.
The convenience of the DVR off-sets the quality of the tuners and a third party remote will fix the second problem.
I hope you enjoy your Tivo as much as we enjoy ours.
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