TiVo


TiVo is a proprietary DVR (digital video recorder) that includes a set-top HDR (hard disc recorder) and a subscriber service. TiVo's fee is $12.95 a month or $299 for a lifetime membership (TiVo's lifetime, not yours) paid on top of your satellite or cable bill.

For the extra money paid for TiVo's DVR service you get to be the ultimate passive viewer. Too much work to schedule your favorite show to record on an ordinary DVR? TiVo's DVR can rescue you from the doldrums with enhanced features like the "Season Pass" feature that will automatically record every instance of a show you select from TiVo's program guide.
Can't get enough of American Idol Kelly Clarkson? Simply enter her name into the TiVo DVR's exclusive "Wish List" feature and turn your TV into a veritable Kelly-palooza as TiVo's "smart" feature seeks and records anything Kelly. Biographies, Larry King interviews, game show appearances - the works is only a few clicks of a remote control away.

TiVo's DVR system stands to be eclipsed by more sensible and less-expensive HDR receivers for satellite and cable TV that integrate with existing electronic program guides. TiVo currently benefits from its name being practically synonymous with DVR. The sooner consumers realize TiVo is just a brand-name DVR with a premium subscriber service, the sooner it will likely disappear.

Models currently available:
An extra $100 for the "Home Media Option" gives TiVo's DVR access to your home network where it can play MP3s and display image files. Multimedia functionality on your home theater definitely has potential, but it's unrealized with the "Home Media Option". There are less expensive ways to get even more multimedia functions to your home theater system, try Digital Audio Receivers.

Tip
Think TiVo's Home Media Option is cool? Check out the Prismiq.