Philips HDR312 TiVo 30-Hour Digital Video Recorder
Revolutionary machine
Tivo is a wonderful gadget.  With it, I always have on hand 30 hours of recorded programs that I really may wish to see. It allows me to watch news programs and zip through commercials and self-serving spin by reactionary political hacks.  The controls are beautifully designed and frequent improvements are automatically downloaded to the device. The process for requesting a recording is laughably quick and easy.  I had to tinker with it a bit when I set it up, mainly because I did not bother to read the directions, but the telephone support was helpful and cheerful.  <br />Another reviewer found that he could not watch live TV and use Tivo simultaneously - must have operated it incorrectly - live TV is always available during recording.  Also, the telephone connection does not intrude at all - incoming or outgoing calls will inconspicuously go through, should they occur while Tivo is downloading the schedule.  <br />While adults who hate being limited to a broadcast/cable TV schedule would love this thing, I think it is even better for children.  Having a nice menu of hig quality kid recordings on hand lets parents control content and timing of TV watching.  It would be particulaly helpful for parents whose children are devoted to programs which may be timed to interfere with homework or meals.  As an educator, I am concerned by the tyranny TV exerts over children at an age when they lack the maturity to turn off a program and let it go.  If a story will be remain available for a while, the need to watch it it may not seem as compelling later on. (Works for grown-ups too.)