Philips HDR312 TiVo 30-Hour Digital Video Recorder
To me, TIVO is essential. I could not watch TV without it!!!
Now that I've had my Tivo for almost a year, I feel I can really give a proper review. Most people here have pretty well covered all the bases. I just notice that the longer I use Tivo, the more I am in love with it. It is, hands down, aside from my computer, the best electronics purchase I have made. Bar none. I can't even think about watching Tivo without TV now. Finally, I can say goodbye to all those endless video tapes that I probably will never again use in this lifetime. Recording is a snap. But I don't even watch TV now without my Tivo remote in my hands. If  I miss something someone said...I just click and back up and replay it. Or skip over the commercials. Or pause for the phone. Or...well you get the picture. <BR>If I had to choose one electronic device...I'd chose TV over a DVD player. Tough, tough choice, but if I HAD to, Tivo would win.<BR>I can't imagine that Tivo is taking this long to take off in our society. People still don't exactly &quot;get&quot; how much it can enhance their lives. I think the only way you can really tell is by living with it on a daily basis. I still marvel,even now, at subtle new ways I intuitively use the remote.<BR>I'd disregard most of the comments about setting it up. It was difficult for me too. But the Tivo people know what they are doing. And, to me, no matter what complications you run into about installation, Tivo is worth every minute of it. Once it is set up...and you WILL get set up...it will provide endless hours of freedom from being chained to your TV...and more!!!