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Toys Review - October 2000 - [HTI Home Page] |
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Philips TiVo I have been using Phillips TiVo for a few months now and I have to admit that when I first heard about it I thought it was just another gadget to show off to your friends. Now I can honestly say that TiVo is for real. It actually does give you total control over what you watch and when you watch it. |
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What is TiVo?
TiVo is the most advanced and easy-to-use personal television service available. It's a way for you to have total control over what you watch, and when you watch it. Here are some of TiVo's features:
Season Pass: Digitally Record your
favorite shows
Want to record every episode of your family's favorite show for the entire
season? TiVo's Season Pass will do it for you - even if the network changes the
show's timeslot.
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All of your favorite shows are recorded digitally so there's no hassling with videotapes.
TrickPlay: Pause and Instant Replay
Live TV
Need to answer the phone? Simply press the Pause button on the remote during any
live TV show, and when you return, pick up the show exactly where you left off.
Want to see that play again? Miss a key moment in that movie? Just hit the
Instant Replay button and watch it again.
Suggestions: TiVo's Suggestions
How many times do you sit down to find that there is absolutely nothing on?
TiVo's Suggestions will recommend and even automatically record shows that match
your interests.
Exclusives: TiVo Exclusives
TiVo Exclusives are special programs and features developed for the enjoyment of
TiVo viewers.
Installation
The TiVo installation involves connecting some cables and following a guided on screen setup. All required cables and wires are included in the package and the easy to read instructions and diagrams make setup a snap. Simply follow these instructions in order to plug your cable box, satellite receiver, or antenna, into the personal television (PTV) unit, connect the output from the PTV to your television, and plug in the power and phone. Turn it on, follow the guided set up instructions, and you're ready to go.
Before you can start using TiVo, there is a waiting period while it downloads channel lineups and configures itself, this is anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Fortunately this is only required once upon initialization. I recommend you do this before bed, since the TV will not work during this setup. In order for your TiVo to receive program information you will have to purchase the service, this costs around $10 a month, or a lifetime subscription for $199. I recommend you purchase this immediately as TiVo only gives you the service free for a few days.
Key Features
Program Guide:
Cancel your TV Guide subscription, because with TiVo you're always up to
date. This is because it uses your phone line to call up a local number and
download software updates, new television listings, changes in the channel
lineup, and more. With the on screen program guide you have the ability to
scroll through to any time and channel you wish, giving you the ability to plan
your viewing schedule. If you are looking for a specific show use the search
option, simply type in the name of the show, or even the actors in it and TiVo
will display the show times and the channel; press another button and record
that program.
Easy Recording:
With TiVo it is easy to record any program, whether it is a one time
recording or every episode of a show that season; simply find the show listing
in the guide and press a button to record it. No video tape to rewind, no
turning the VCR power off, just press a button. TiVo also has a thumbs up
feature, if you give a show thumbs up it will record that show anytime there is
additional room in the memory. This program is stored for a while and can be
found in the TiVo Suggestions listing. A great feature when there is nothing
else on TV.
Remote:
The TiVo remote is great, everything you need is there, and it is universal,
so you can use it to control your TV and Stereo. The only problem with the TiVo
remote is that if you lose it (like I did for a week) you are unable to control
the TiVo since there are no controls on the receiver. So if that happens I guess
you would have to purchase another remote or your TiVo is useless.
Trick Play:
TiVo PTV units support automatic recording of whatever you are currently
watching (live TV). This is called live TV buffering. When you are watching a
live signal, your PTV is quietly recording that channel. The difference appears
when you want to "instant replay" or want to stop watching for a
moment without losing your place. Live TV can be rewound and paused, so while
you are playing back what the unit was recording, it is continually recording
the live signal. But you can't leave it paused forever, you'll run out of space.
The TiVo unit allows you to resume watching the live signal by pressing a button
on the remote. This feature is a nice bonus, it may not get used to often, but
it is great for those times when you are into a program and the phone rings or
nature calls.
Final Thoughts
I have been using Phillips TiVo for a few months now and I have to admit that when I first heard about it I thought it was just another gadget to show off to your friends. Now I can honestly say that TiVo is for real. It actually does give you total control over what you watch and when you watch it ... and that's not just a catch phrase. While you can still live without a TiVo, it is a luxury item worth purchasing. For the reasonable price of $399 no home entertainment center is complete without one.
