Buy a Tivo or rent one from the Cable Co?

Buy a Tivo or rent one from the Cable Co?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Our knockoff Tivo clone from the cable company is like $6.95 a month I think and when we’re done we just give it back. Last time I looked at Tivo there was the upfront costs (buying the box) and then a monthly charge to use their services which was more than what we were paying ($11.95?). I still almost did it just because every time I’ve used one I’ve been impressed with how simple it is. Ultimately we just don’t use it enough to justify the extra $$ so we stuck with the cheaper option. Really it’s up to you, but the cable option is probably going to be significantly cheaper.
by

Related questions

Can you use TiVo with satellite and cable?

Description : Can you use TiVo with satellite and cable?

Last Answer : Yes you can use with cable and satellite but it’s not really like a VCR If it was me, I’d get one of these if you want “VCR” recording and if you don’t want to be roped into service fees or locked into using your providers DVR.

Can anyone offer a cost/benefit comparison of cable w/Tivo and satellite (DISH DVR) services?

Description : Can anyone offer a cost/benefit comparison of cable w/Tivo and satellite (DISH DVR) services?

Last Answer : What are you waiting for? If I had a choice (have Directv, had dish) I’d have a package deal in a second. No snow/rain storm blackouts, no receiver, premium channels with cable for same price.

When cable goes all digital, how will this impact a TiVo with a dual recorder?

Description : When cable goes all digital, how will this impact a TiVo with a dual recorder?

Last Answer : I’m assuming that you’ll still only be able to record one digital show

Do I have to pay the monthly fee if I buy a TIVO and I only want to record from the t.v.?

Description : Do I have to pay the monthly fee if I buy a TIVO and I only want to record from the t.v.?

Last Answer : answer:I think Tivo runs as a service that requires subscription. What you should look for is a PVR. I have one from lite-on that lets me pause TV, record shows and it stored it on an internal ... cable to change to that station when your show is on and separately programme your PVR to do the same.

What is the difference between a DVR, a TIVO, and a Roku player?

Description : What is the difference between a DVR, a TIVO, and a Roku player?

Last Answer : The brand. Tivo and Roku are two brands of DVRs.

Is it possible to import my movie ratings from Netflix into my TiVo?

Description : Is it possible to import my movie ratings from Netflix into my TiVo?

Last Answer : No, I do not think this is possible. Sorry.

Is it possible to create a TiVo WishList to record all movies with 4 stars?

Description : Is it possible to create a TiVo WishList to record all movies with 4 stars?

Last Answer : no, sorry, it’s not.

Is there a way to get my TiVo to always record in HD?

Description : Is there a way to get my TiVo to always record in HD?

Last Answer : Good question. :-)

Can I use my TiVo remote to control my PS3?

Description : Can I use my TiVo remote to control my PS3?

Last Answer : The PS3 uses Bluetooth to operate, thus, your TiVo remote has to be a bluetooth remote too, which I don't believe they are. Plus, you need to have the Playstation Button on your remote too, to sync ... don't worry if this happens, there is a setting in the PS3 menu to un-sync a bluetooth device.

Have you used the Tivo HD DVR with Comcast cable service?

Description : Have you used the Tivo HD DVR with Comcast cable service?

Last Answer : I heard that, the Comcast DVR is terrible, as is the HD service.

What cable will hook a tivo to a cable box?

Description : What cable will hook a tivo to a cable box?

Last Answer : The device is called a coaxial cable.

Do you ever think we will be able to buy cable channels directly and watch them streaming on the net and avoid the cable company all together?

Description : Do you ever think we will be able to buy cable channels directly and watch them streaming on the net and avoid the cable company all together?

Last Answer : As soon as someone figures out how to monetize it. Right now we are used to getting our internet content for free. The big media companies, the ones which provide the content, will not permit that.

What's a better option? To pay my cable service ten dollars a month more for their dvr, or to buy my own?

Description : What's a better option? To pay my cable service ten dollars a month more for their dvr, or to buy my own?

Last Answer : IMHO, buying your own is better. Renting anything that doesn’t become yours feels like such a waste of money for me! :)

What technology is the best value for recording TV (Tivo,etc...)

Description : What technology is the best value for recording TV (Tivo,etc...)

Last Answer : pc tv tuner doesn’t have the monthly fees. You won’t get the ease of use, but it’s way cheaper to do.

Can I stream m4v movies to tivo from my mac?

Description : Can I stream m4v movies to tivo from my mac?

Last Answer : Unfortunately it doesn’t seem so – unless something has changed since May 2009: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=420619

What are some ways to record TV shows besides Tivo?

Description : What are some ways to record TV shows besides Tivo?

Last Answer : VCR?

my TiVo rec video but no audio

Description : my TiVo rec video but no audio

Last Answer : answer:I would go to TiVo’s website. I have TiVo and thats what I would do in your situation.

Keeping cablebox on constantly for Tivo?

Description : Keeping cablebox on constantly for Tivo?

Last Answer : answer:To answer your question, Yes the cable box needs to be on in order to record on your TV, since the cable box needs to decode the channels for you to view and record them. I would recommend ... Cable Card (dual tuner support, one cable card), and it works quite well on Comcast. Good Luck! R

How much HD Video will the TiVo TCD652160 HD record?

Description : How much HD Video will the TiVo TCD652160 HD record?

Last Answer : The TiVo TCD652160 will record up to 20 hours of HD recording, or up to 180 hours of standard definition recording. The unit is also expandable in the future if you require more space.

Are there any DVD/Tivo combo units available?

Description : Are there any DVD/Tivo combo units available?

Last Answer : The Humax DRT800 DVD-R/RW Recorder/TiVo Series2 DVR Combo, which you can buy for about $140, is a DVD/Tivo combo unit. [email protected]

Can you record more than one show at once with Tivo TCD652160 HD DVR?

Description : Can you record more than one show at once with Tivo TCD652160 HD DVR?

Last Answer : you can record more than two shows,Yes.

Can the TiVo TCD649080 record in HD?

Description : Can the TiVo TCD649080 record in HD?

Last Answer : It doesn't seem to; the TiVos that can record in HD have "HD digital video recorder" in the product name on the various sites, and this model doesn't.

How many programs can be stored on the Comcast DVR w/ Tivo DVR?

Description : How many programs can be stored on the Comcast DVR w/ Tivo DVR?

Last Answer : The Comcast DVR can hold about 400 hours of SD programming.

What are the best qualities of the DirectV DVR w/ Tivo Service?

Description : What are the best qualities of the DirectV DVR w/ Tivo Service?

Last Answer : DirecTV with Tivo allows you to get a huge number of stations and record then without the need for tapes.

Does the Tivo HD have the ability to record more than 2 programs at one time?

Description : Does the Tivo HD have the ability to record more than 2 programs at one time?

Last Answer : The Tivo HD can only, unfortunately, record two shows at once.

How much does Tivo charge per month for their service?

Description : How much does Tivo charge per month for their service?

Last Answer : They charge $12.95 per month for there service. They charge $129 for a year. They charge $299 for a three year service. Or $399 for a lifetime of Tivo.

Is it hard to use directv dvr with tivo?

Description : Is it hard to use directv dvr with tivo?

Last Answer : No. It is not hard to use DirectTv DVR with Tivo. The reason how I know this is because I have a Tivo and i find that it is not hard to use directtv dvr with it.

Can a TV “cable” company enforce a cancellation fee if you never signed any contract?

Description : Can a TV “cable” company enforce a cancellation fee if you never signed any contract?

Last Answer : Did you sign for the cable box at the cable store or when the tech installed the box??

Is it possible to connect an iPhone or iPad to a TV screen or monitor using only one cable?

Description : Is it possible to connect an iPhone or iPad to a TV screen or monitor using only one cable?

Last Answer : Mac has those adapters your talking about,either from any retailer that sells apple stuff,or on line.

Can you please give me your opinions on choosing a new cable/phone/internet plan?

Description : Can you please give me your opinions on choosing a new cable/phone/internet plan?

Last Answer : Another option is internet and phone, $87.95 for internet, $44.95 for phone.

Can I have more than one cable company?

Description : Can I have more than one cable company?

Last Answer : Can’t you pay the one cable company for the extra channels? Paying for two would be pricey.

No picture when I plug my ipod touch into my tv with HDMI cable?

Description : No picture when I plug my ipod touch into my tv with HDMI cable?

Last Answer : answer:Do you get the video portion on your ipod using the You Tube app? If you do, can you try connecting to your TV using a USB-USB cable? My TV is a 2011 Samsung, and the USB jack is separate from the HMDI jack.

Can you mount four televisions on the wall and run each on a separate cable channel?

Description : Can you mount four televisions on the wall and run each on a separate cable channel?

Last Answer : Yes, provided each TV can decipher it's own signal. (4 digital TVs with their own individual tuners.) Yes, using a signal splitter. Can't be controlled from a single remote for TVs of ... worked off different signals would be best but you would have 4 different remotes. No other problems/equipment.

If the cable company hooked you up accidentally and left the cable turned on would you report this to them?

Description : If the cable company hooked you up accidentally and left the cable turned on would you report this to them?

Last Answer : No. They just disconnected mine and it still works. I’m happy. Not as many channels, but my internet works great!

Know of any non-cable TV specials commemorating the March on Washington?

Description : Know of any non-cable TV specials commemorating the March on Washington?

Last Answer : answer:I heard MLK Jr.s speech today on NPR. It has lost none of its power. I can’t speak to your actual question. I do check my PBS schedule regularly so if anything pops up, I’ll let you know. Just found this for Aug. 27th. http://www.wmht.org/black-culture/explore/march-on-washington/

Will anyone care (or even notice) if Fox network pulls its channels off of broadcast TV and goes to cable only?

Description : Will anyone care (or even notice) if Fox network pulls its channels off of broadcast TV and goes to cable only?

Last Answer : I pay for TV (even network) through iTunes anyway. I like having no commercials and its still cheaper than cable. I AM a bit worried however because I was watching an iTunes show last night and there was a commercial at the beginning for other shows from the same network. That just pisses me off.

How can I replace the Comcast rental cable TV box with a DVDR that includes the secret Comcast decoder ring?

Description : How can I replace the Comcast rental cable TV box with a DVDR that includes the secret Comcast decoder ring?

Last Answer : Any legal replacement boxes still need a “cable card” from Comcast, there is a two-way connection from the box to Comcast and back. If they don’t “hand shake” no cable to your TV. Check with Comcast the card may cost $2.50 per month. Replacement box may cost about $140.00 like this ONE.

I just bought a new TV. I am not getting any reception, but I don't want to get cable. Any ideas?

Description : I just bought a new TV. I am not getting any reception, but I don't want to get cable. Any ideas?

Last Answer : Do I maybe need a HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna?

How can I connect my new t.v. with an out dated cable box?

Description : How can I connect my new t.v. with an out dated cable box?

Last Answer : I checked out my recently acquired Westinghouse and find the same things. However I did find a plug that simply says video' right below the right and left audio inputs. You might try plugging the ... high definition out of that setup, but the TV should down-convert to at least make it viewable.

Cable People: Are splitters really unidirectional?

Description : Cable People: Are splitters really unidirectional?

Last Answer : A good splitter will take the signal from the in and equally split it to the two outs . It can also combine the two outs and send it to the in . Trying to send a signal from one ... . Cheap splitters will just have the center conductors soldered together, so in and outs are all the same.

What do you pay for cable TV/Internet? (no phone)

Description : What do you pay for cable TV/Internet? (no phone)

Last Answer : Comcast Ultra High Speed Internet. It averages $185 a month with all the premium Channels my wife loves and the 35 Megs down, 15 megs up that I love.

In hindsight, do you think it was a mistake for the Conan O'Brien Show to move from the big 3 networks to a smaller cable network?

Description : In hindsight, do you think it was a mistake for the Conan O'Brien Show to move from the big 3 networks to a smaller cable network?

Last Answer : No. Because I hated that show. They should do the same to David Letterman, and cut the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to 30 min seeing the people I know only listen to the monologue and the first skit and rarely special guests and never the music at the end.

How does cable television work? Specifically, the different channels showing different content in terms of violence, bad language, nudity etc.

Description : How does cable television work? Specifically, the different channels showing different content in terms of violence, bad language, nudity etc.

Last Answer : The FCC and the advertisers.

Does America have a free cable alternative to things like comcast like we do in the uk?

Description : Does America have a free cable alternative to things like comcast like we do in the uk?

Last Answer : answer:We not only don't have free choices. We don't even have paid choices (cable). If you're in a comcast area (as I am), you get what comcast has or you get nothing. It's called ... the basic TV package, to give you the right to buy internet service. It sucks. Non-cable choices are available.

Isn't there a way to pick and choose your channels and just pay for those with the cable companies?

Description : Isn't there a way to pick and choose your channels and just pay for those with the cable companies?

Last Answer : It’s called MONOPOLY @AshlynM. And if you find a way around it, let me know. The cable company has a monopoly on the area they serve. There is no competition whatsoever. Thus you get what the cable company wants you to have at the price they want you to pay.

How often do you get a "content not available" message from your cable provider?

Description : How often do you get a "content not available" message from your cable provider?

Last Answer : I don’t have cable (or anything) hooked up to my TV, but I’m stealing some unidentified neighbor’s wifi signal, which is run by a cable company. It’s always cutting out, and I’ve seen the repair van out on the street three or four times today. So glad I’m not paying for it.

How to watch NBA playoff games without cable?

Description : How to watch NBA playoff games without cable?

Last Answer : You could wait until each individual game is over, and the next day, try downloading each game off of a torrent site.

Do you have cable TV through a traditional cable provider?

Description : Do you have cable TV through a traditional cable provider?

Last Answer : No. I have my internet through Comcast, and I just watch everything online.

I am sick of the lies that magor cable companies are telling me. What is the best company and not too expensive.

Description : I am sick of the lies that magor cable companies are telling me. What is the best company and not too expensive.

Last Answer : answer:Whatever TV I watch is available on Hulu. If I can wait, then there’s Netflix for the season DVDs. I don’t think I’ll ever bother getting cable, satellite, U-verse, or anything until I can pick-and-choose the channels I want instead of paying $65 for 200 channels I don’t care about.

How can I watch movies/shows without buying cable/satellite?

Description : How can I watch movies/shows without buying cable/satellite?

Last Answer : There are a lot of great settop boxes popping up for just this very thing. The cheapest is Roku, which lets you stream many movies to your TV from Netflix. All you need to do is sign up with netflix ... -under $100-and it streams wirelessly. Go to netflix site and look for info on Roku. It's great.