Love my TiVo but want another or similar unit.

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snowkiwi

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#131026 6-Oct-2013 09:00

We've had out TiVo since release - great unit with good UI programming from what I can see far better UI programming than Sky.
We have sky on a deal thats run out now so now twice as expensive and on our 4th unit so am returning it and stopping subscription.
Plus our old (but reliable for 10 years DVD HDD analogue recorder has just gone TU yesterday (HDD clicking/searching then "HDDERR")) So I need a new HDD recorder and may as well have a DVD in it also.

Questions:

Q1. Does TiVo still sell/support units in NZ - I believe they don't. If so then

Q2 Does anyone own or know of a 2 or more DTV tuner PVR (with DVD) with similar easy use UI / features of our TiVo unit

TiVo features I like - in order:
1. EPG
2. Season Pass recording
3. View recorded by program group not just date of recording!
4. TiVo suggestions
5.

"Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see"-Edgar Allan Poe...and my Dad (Words I live by).
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"-Many...and my Dad (Words I should live by ;) )
If it ain't broke, fiddle with it ... till its broke! (Words I should really not live by)

Maxcat

273 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 74

#908696 6-Oct-2013 09:34

Tivo isn't sold new or supported by Telecom. The same appears to be true of the parent company in Australia. http://techau.com.au/tivo-no-longer-being-sold-in-australia/

Tivos are turning up still on TradeMe and the prices range from $60 to $250+. The $60 unit I bought had a faulty power supply that I had repaired by the Tivo Doctor in Australia (Darren King at tivodoctor@gmail.com)

I suspect that faulty Tivos will come up in increasing numbers as hard drives fail and other issues come up including the power supply fault I had.
Tivos are reairable and increasing the HDD size is a simple task, again get in touch with the Tivo Doctor for free technical advice and help.

Other options are:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/terrestrial-receivers/auction-646420486.htm

and perhaps these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/terrestrial-receivers/auction-646593491.htm

I'd like to trial one of the Panasonics and also see what functionality may be available through DLNA networking.

snowkiwi

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#908708 6-Oct-2013 10:22

Maxcat: ....

Other options are:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/terrestrial-receivers/auction-646420486.htm

and perhaps these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/terrestrial-receivers/auction-646593491.htm

I'd like to trial one of the Panasonics and also see what functionality may be available through DLNA networking.

I too am thinking of the Panasonic's and magic TV units. I'll need to go to a store and see what the UI experience is like . I've been spoilt by the TiVo UI. I cant stand the Sky HDi UI - so much room for improvement.

eXDee

4033 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1070

Trusted

#908882 6-Oct-2013 19:54

If you were to buy one second hand (that's barely been used and is in good condition) how much would you offer? If its a reasonable amount, i know someone who might sell it if it was worth their while. Would have to ask them first.

snowkiwi

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#908905 6-Oct-2013 20:17

eXDee: If you were to buy one second hand (that's barely been used and is in good condition) how much would you offer? If its a reasonable amount, i know someone who might sell it if it was worth their while. Would have to ask them first.

Will likely go for a DVD HDD COMBO so Thanks but Probably won't do a second hand one at this stage.

old3eyes

9158 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1364

Subscriber

#909054 7-Oct-2013 08:59

I'm currently looking for a solution for a friend of mine who is a tech dummy to replace her VCR. Currently the Panasonic DMR-PWT500 looks the best at around $500. Need something that i don't need to get involved with once it's setup..

Regards,

Old3eyes

snowkiwi

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#909136 7-Oct-2013 10:21

old3eyes: I'm currently looking for a solution for a friend of mine who is a tech dummy to replace her VCR. Currently the Panasonic DMR-PWT500 looks the best at around $500. Need something that i don't need to get involved with once it's setup..

That DMR-PWT500 looks like a decent choice, I'll look into it myself thanks.

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JimmyH

2898 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1554

#909488 7-Oct-2013 19:30

snowkiwi:
old3eyes: I'm currently looking for a solution for a friend of mine who is a tech dummy to replace her VCR. Currently the Panasonic DMR-PWT500 looks the best at around $500. Need something that i don't need to get involved with once it's setup..

That DMR-PWT500 looks like a decent choice, I'll look into it myself thanks.

Don't get the PWT500. My understanding is that that model won't burn disks. Get the recorder model that will. Otherwise, you may have a grumpy friend when they realise that they can't take a copy of a recording to their bedroom or give something they recorded last night to a friend who missed it like they could with their VCR.

snowkiwi

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#909624 8-Oct-2013 07:53

JimmyH:
snowkiwi:
old3eyes: I'm currently looking for a solution for a friend of mine who is a tech dummy to replace her VCR. Currently the Panasonic DMR-PWT500 looks the best at around $500. Need something that i don't need to get involved with once it's setup..

That DMR-PWT500 looks like a decent choice, I'll look into it myself thanks.

Don't get the PWT500. My understanding is that that model won't burn disks. Get the recorder model that will. Otherwise, you may have a grumpy friend when they realise that they can't take a copy of a recording to their bedroom or give something they recorded last night to a friend who missed it like they could with their VCR.

Thats a bugger and they say on their web site that it does:

"DVD-R/DVD-R DL/DVD-RW - DVD-Video, DVD Video Recording, AVCHD, MP3 / JPEG / MPO (DVD-R / DVD-R DL), DivX® / DivX HD / MKV (DVD-R / DVD-R DL) "

GeoffisPure

459 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 73

#909710 8-Oct-2013 10:17

Why can't Hybrid be a bit more transparent about their situation? If they aren't trying to make sales anymore, what harm can come from acknowledging this?

Maxcat

273 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 74

#909716 8-Oct-2013 10:27

Agreed. I would also add that for those customers who have got Tivos why not relax the pricing on the Home Network and other items.

It's clear that if you are buying and using Tivo you are on a limited window. At some point they will no longer be supported, which is sad when you see the new Tivo devices including streaming functionality, iPhone apps and connected devices.

So - give us the last customers of Tivo the chance to use them fully before they are gone. Give out the Home Network package for a minimal fee and let's enjoy the last days of Tivo in NZ and Oz.