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+--- Thread: DVR search . . . (/showthread.php?tid=160318)
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Re: DVR search . . . - silvarios - 11-13-2013
mspace wrote:
[quote=silvarios]
Do you own any Roku boxes, Apple TVs are other similar devices? I've been much happier with centralized media control that spits out to my set top boxes than requiring fancier devices at each screen (I went through a media PC faze and it was not well regarded by the not Nathan's in the home).
I've been trying to wrap my brain around some of that stuff, but it seems that if one still wants to have access to some cable channels, those devices are not compatible. Since it's only one room and one TV, I don't have the need for more complex systems.
There's cable card support for some of them. Tuners are like $100. space-time just bought one for under $100. Yeah, you need the software set up properly on the back end (generally requires a personal computer in the mix to really take advantage). For one TV, probably doesn't matter. I have three. Two small ones upstairs, one slightly bigger TV in the living room (technically two TVs in the living room, but my old Roku splits off HDMI and component to each set). I also tested out the ideal of streaming TV to myself on the go, but my barely 1 Mbps upload might not be robust enough to handle such streaming. I should test again.
Anyway, sorry for the digression, you might be better served with the TiVo.
Re: DVR search . . . - Speedy - 11-14-2013
This is your best deal - by far. Forget the Tivo.
WHiiP wrote:
I have a RePlay (believe it is 5040) that I can no longer use with my system since cable conversion to Digital. It was working when I took it out of service.
It can be yours for the cost of shipping. I had lifetime with it.
PM me.
Re: DVR search . . . - silvarios - 11-14-2013
Speedy wrote:
This is your best deal - by far. Forget the Tivo.
[quote=WHiiP]
I have a RePlay (believe it is 5040) that I can no longer use with my system since cable conversion to Digital. It was working when I took it out of service.
It can be yours for the cost of shipping. I had lifetime with it.
PM me.
Haven't pretty much all cable channels made the conversion to QAM. I'm not sure how the RePlay will help if it can't understand clear QAM. Assuming there are still local clear QAM stations left in the OP's area. I'm not sure that model even understand ATSC, so it may not have any easy way to tune in modern TV offerings.
Re: DVR search . . . - Speedy - 11-15-2013
He is currently using this exact same machine except the tuner is going out so his channels are the same. Hard to beat a machine available for the cost of shipping.
silvarios wrote:
[quote=Speedy]
This is your best deal - by far. Forget the Tivo.
[quote=WHiiP]
I have a RePlay (believe it is 5040) that I can no longer use with my system since cable conversion to Digital. It was working when I took it out of service.
It can be yours for the cost of shipping. I had lifetime with it.
PM me.
Haven't pretty much all cable channels made the conversion to QAM. I'm not sure how the RePlay will help if it can't understand clear QAM. Assuming there are still local clear QAM stations left in the OP's area. I'm not sure that model even understand ATSC, so it may not have any easy way to tune in modern TV offerings.
Re: DVR search . . . - silvarios - 11-15-2013
Speedy wrote:
He is currently using this exact same machine except the tuner is going out so his channels are the same.
Time Warner is fazing out at least some of their analog channels. They are moving them to the digital tier. There's a good chance the "tuner problem" is related to the switchover.
http://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/time-warner-pulling-channels-from-analog-lineup
Re: DVR search . . . - Bill in NC - 11-16-2013
$20/month for a cable DVR vs. buying a used TivoHD w/ lifetime for $300.
Leasing is always more expensive in the long run.
Robert M wrote:
mspace,
I know you said you didn't want to use the TimeWarner DVR. This intrigues me since I've found the DVRs from Cablevision and Verizon FIOS more than sufficient for the job. One of my issues with TIVO is the cost of admission and then the ongoing costs or the cost of lifetime service. I calculated the costs and it'd take years to recoup the investment if I went for a new TIVO with lifetime. Years. Not just one or two. Four or five if I remember correctly.
Money was one reason. the other reason is longevity of the hardware. lifetime service is tied to the TIVO itself. So, if it breaks out of warranty, you need to fix it yourself (if possible), pay to have it fixed or replace it. All at a cost to you, the owner. The Toshiba TIVO DVD Recorder I had required repairs twice. One under warranty via a double the manufacturer's warranty program, the other out of my pocket. The TIVO HD models I had were garbage. It makes me very hesitant to purchase TIVO hardware.
Admittedly, the models i question are from many years ago but the expense and annoyance factor still comes into play. Hopefully newer TIVO hardware is more reliable. At least with a cable provider DVR, if it breaks, you call them and they give you another one. There is something to be said for that. Funny... I've never had to replace a cable or FIOS DVR.
The Timewarner model my wife had for several years worked perfectly until the day she moved and had to return it. The DVRs from Cablevision I had performed flawlessly. Same goes now for the FIOS DVRs in my apartment (both the old before moving and the new one in my new place) and the DVRs in place at my parent's house.
I used a newer TIVO when visiting my brother The interface and usability may be better than the cable provider DVRs but it isn't so much better that I'd consider switching to one. TIVO would seriously need to up their game before I'd consider giving their hardware another chance.
I guess you could say I'm suggesting that you not dismiss the TimeWarner DVR without first checking it out. The DVRs from cable providers have come a _very_ long way over the years. Just an alternate point of view.
Robert
Re: DVR search . . . - mspace - 11-17-2013
For some reason, I stopped getting updates to this thread. Thanks to all for the responses!
I really wanted to stay with the replay, but it's only getting older. Already the drives it uses are hard to get, the process to re-image them with the operating system is a little beyond me, and as much as I do enjoy tinkering a bit, I don't have the time/space to keep up on replacing tuners/power supplies, etc., as things inevitably break down.
I had no problem sending my digital TW signal to the replay, as I have a cable box.
I ended up getting a Tivo series 3 with lifetime. Not the HD, but it has hdmi out, so I don't quite understand the HD designation. It will have paid for itself within a year, especially saving $6.50/month from TW going to a cablecard. (Hopefully, with not too many tech headaches in the transition.)
Anyone need a 5040 for parts?
Re: DVR search . . . - Robert M - 11-18-2013
Bill,
True. But, the TIVO I purchased never paid for itself. I paid for the hardware and lifetime service. The TIVO broke twice. Once under warranty. Once out of my pocket. End result: it never paid for itself, especially since I can't really make use of it anymore. It's standard def. It requires a converter box. All of my TVs are high def. The quality from the TIVO is no longer acceptable. The last time I used it was over a year ago when I didn't have FIOS service in my new apartment and we relied on rabbit airs for TV.
I used it for three years approx. It would take nearly five years at the minimum to recoup the initial investment. Factor in the out of pocket cost and it's another year. Six years to recoup the investment. I still have three years to go. the fact that it is old tech that doesn't offer acceptable quality now means I'll never recoup the investment via using it. The only way to recoup even a small part of the investment is to sell it and the amount of money I'd get for it isn't worth it.
I calculated out the savings of buying another TIVO in a different thread:
As a result of the numbers involved and how quickly tech changes I'd be _very_ hesitant to buy a TIVO.
Robert