TIVO is cool, but costly - it's not really an answer for folks trying to reduce entertainment budgets while the economy is trying to stay afloat. I noticed, today, that TiVo has a relatively new digital video recorder that can be used with cable and antenna inputs. Sweet! I thought. I can tune in those free off the air channels with awesome video quality, AND I can have those great DVR features too.
Then I read the fine print. TiVo wants me to pay a subscription fee or the box won't work. Granted, it's cheaper than cable or satellite, but I really want the free TV. Although I think I'll look at other options, here are some of the features. The TiVo HD DVR lets you record two programs while playing back another recorded show. There are two models with list prices at $299 and $599 respectively. You can copy programs to your PC or Mac, that's included.
The premium model can record 150 hours of HD programming, while its little brother holds a mere 20 hours. Extras include Internet TV like
YouTube shows and movies, TV.com and
Hulu, and access to Netflix and Amazon pay-per-views. You pay extra for some of those perks.
My guru friend Mike DiMichele of
SaveMyButt tells me if you have Windows Vista, then you have Windows Media Center, which can be configured to record television with multiple TV tuners - another interesting way to get out from under pay TV.
More from DigitalGrandparent:
Why pay for TV when you can get it free?
Get to sleep with technology, not pills
What the heck is a Virtual Button?
Print | posted @ Wednesday, April 29, 2009 5:32 AM