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Many different manufacturers sell TiVo, each model featuring its own bells and whistles. You'll see older, first-generation TiVos known as "Series 1," the newer "Series 2" TiVos, TiVos designed specifically for satellite reception through DirecTV, and a new mix of consumer gadgets that incorporate TiVo.
Here's a rundown on what you'll find when shopping for TiVo.
Standalone TiVo
A "standalone" TiVo refers to any TiVo that isn't designed specifically for satellite reception with DirecTV. Instead, standalone TiVos work mostly with cable hookups and TV antennas. Actually, these versatile little beasts can still work with satellite systems, they just won't take advantage of satellite-specific features.
Series 1 TiVo
No longer sold new, Series 1 TiVos still pop up at garage sales, on eBay, and through other used-goods outlets. Here are the main differences between these older standalone TiVos and the newer models:
- Size. Series 1 TiVos are a little bulky, making them harder to balance atop a TV set or hide on the bookshelf.
- Speed. Just as new computers run faster and more powerfully than their predecessors, Series 1 TiVos are slower than newer models. (Computer people might note that the Series 1 TiVos have a slower CPU and less RAM.)
- Software. Series 1 TiVos lack some popular software enhancements found in Series 2 models. Shows can't be grouped into convenient onscreen folders, for instance.
- Networking. Only Series 2 TiVos offer the Home Media Option (HMO). That option allows TiVo to communicate with your home computer, displaying your digital photos and playing your MP3 files. Once connected, TiVo grabs show schedules through the Internet instead of by telephone.
Without a subscription, a Series 1 TiVo can still pause live TV, fast-forward, and rewind, but it won't record shows automatically. To record a show, you must manually enter the correct channel and recording time.
Some tech-savvy people actually prefer Series 1 TiVos because they're easier to take apart and fiddle with. These tinkerers write their own "add-on" software to make their TiVos do oddball things like display a stock ticker along the bottom of a televised football game. If this stuff appeals to you, check out Jeff Keegan's thick green book, Hacking TiVo, from Wiley Publishing, Inc.
 | All TiVos run the Linux operating system, not the more widespread operating systems like Windows. If you're itching to hack your TiVo, a Linux background comes in very handy. |
Series 2 TiVo
All TiVos sold today are considered "Series 2" models. Faster, more versatile, and with more features than their predecessors, Series 2 TiVos also contain two USB ports for hooking up to a computer. Only Series 2 TiVos work with TiVo's Home Media Option, which lets users schedule upcoming recordings over the Internet, among other perks.
Series 2 TiVos can't record HDTV broadcasts, and they water down Dolby Digital 5.1 sound to stereo, but they offer more features and recording capacity than their predecessors. You'll probably be much happier with a Series 2 TiVo than a Series 1 TiVo.
DirecTV TiVos
If you receive your TV programs from the DirecTV satellite service, you'll probably want a "DirecTV TiVo," officially known as a DirecTV Receiver with TiVo Service. These models record shows in slightly different ways than other TiVos.
For instance, a DirecTV TiVo contains two tuners. So? That means you can simultaneously record two live shows on different channels. Or, you can record one channel while watching a different live channel.
All DirecTV TiVos can also record shows broadcast with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound; some models record HDTV, as well.
On the down side, DirecTV TiVos work only with DirecTV's satellite source. Standalone TiVos, by contrast, work with any signal source. If you stop subscribing to DirecTV's satellite service and switch to cable, your DirecTV TiVo won't work.
Because of their different circuitry and distribution, DirecTV TiVos come with reduced subscription plans.
DVD Player/Recorder TiVos
As the TiVo corporation grows, it stuffs its TiVo Service into a range of gadgets. Toshiba, for instance, wraps a DVD/CD player around a TiVo. The Toshiba's SDH400 plays DVDs, CDs, and MP3 files. Its "embedded TiVo" records up to 80 hours of television on a hard drive. The unit includes TiVo Basic service, upgradeable to standard "TiVo Plus" service. It can be upgraded with the Home Media Option, as well.
Pioneer went further and created a pair of dream TiVos that not only play DVDs, but record them as well. Owners can create DVD libraries of their favorite shows. The Pioneer Elite DVR-57H stores 120 hours of shows; another Pioneer model stores 80 hours. Both models record shows that will play back on any DVD player.
In addition to burning your favorite shows to DVD, both units can schedule and record programs in the background while you watch a DVD. You can even hook up a camcorder, and copy your vacation videos to DVD. They both come with TiVo Basic service; you need a subscription for the "Plus" TiVo Service that includes the Season Pass, WishList, Suggestions, and other really fun stuff.
Several other companies offer similar TiVo/DVD recorder hybrids, with more models to come.
Choosing the right TiVo for you
Since TiVo now comes in many different installations, it's may seem more difficult than ever to choose the right one. But actually, it's easier — TiVo fulfills a wider variety of specific needs than ever before.
If you simply want the TiVo Service, just buy a standalone model of TiVo. It hooks up to any TV signal, be it cable, satellite, or an antenna, and lets you automatically record your favorite shows.
If you're using DirecTV satellite service, you'll want a DirecTV TiVo. It's designed specifically for DirecTV's satellite service and preserves your Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. If you watch HDTV channels with your DirecTV, pick up the DirecTV TiVo with HDTV support. (These TiVos don't support Home Media Option for connecting to a computer, however. If that's a must, stick with the standalone TiVos.)
If you don't yet own a DVD player, pick up one of the DVD players with TiVo built-in. Combining the two items means one less box to wedge into your entertainment center.
Finally, if you're the type who enjoys saving TV shows and movies on videotape, pick up a DVD recorder with a built-in TiVo. Storing your shows on DVD is much less awkward than storing them on videotape.
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