TiVo
is arguably the most recognized brand name in home-entertainment electronics. The device, a digital video recorder (DVR), allows users to record television programming digitally for playback later, or through "time-shifting," where the program can be paused or rewound from live TV.
History
Although TiVo as a company (which then was Teleworld, Inc.) started in 1997, the first actual set top boxes did not ship until 1999. TiVo's technology was integrated into DirecTV set-top boxes in 2000, and later that year a three-year attempt at breaking into the UK market began. That failed, but the company sells set-top units in Canada and Australia.
Function
TiVo units allow the user to record shows digitally for future playback. It also allows the user to schedule the recording of future shows, as well as entire seasons, automatically. The TiVo pioneered "timeshifting," which allows the pausing, rewinding, fast-forwarding and slow-motion playback of live television, and suggestive recording, where the box will record programs it thinks you may like based on past viewing habits.
Types
As of 2009, TiVo offers three different units at retail. The first, the Series 2 DT, offers dual-tuning capabilities via a direct cable connection, but no digital cable capabilities are available unless a box is attached. That records up to 80 hours of programming. There are two HD and digital cable-capable boxes: the TiVo HD that can record up to 20 hours of HD or 180 hours of standard definition, and the TiVo HD XL, which can record up to 150 hours of HD.
Considerations
For TiVo's HD recorders, a CableCARD is required in order to receive the digital and HD programming from your cable provider. Most providers carry these cards, but a special appointment must be scheduled in order to set up the card at the premises.
Features
All recorders will be capable of recording and scheduling programming. In addition, TiVo has added content-download services from providers like Rhapsody and Netflix, and with a network connection a user can also transfer recordings to computers via TiVoToGo.
Benefits
TiVo's benefits will be greatest to those whose schedules do not match with their favorite programming. In addition, those who like to keep several episodes of a sview again later will also find the larger-capacity TiVos quite useful. The TiVoToGo functionality is helpful to those who may wish to burn their programming to a DVD in order to free space on the device.
Cost
TiVo service is not free. In order for the device to work, users must pay a monthly fee, which TiVo has made cheaper with prepay plans. Costs per month will vary based on the plan selected.
Tags: programming addition, record hours