Sony SVR-2000 Digital Video Recorder
A time-shifter's dream
First, about this Sony unit itself.  I've owned one for well over a year now, and it has worked flawlessly.  My only complaint (and the reason I knocked one star off this particular product's rating), echoing something another reviewer noted, is the design of the remote.  It was not well-conceived or tested from an ergonomic standpoint; its fit in your hand doesn't feel natural and impedes using the buttons.  Also, I must say I'm a little surprised the unit hasn't advanced technologically (more recording space, features?) since I bought mine, in the way that PCs constantly evolve.  <br />About TIVO:  I could not imagine living without it.  That's primarily because most of my TV watching involves time-shifting.  Since TIVO is essentially recording things to a hard disk, you never have to worry about whether the right tape is in the VCR, whether it's cued up properly, or whether you'll accidentally record over something else.  You can set it one time to always record your favorite daily/weekly/monthly shows, and they're there waiting for you, all listed by name in a nice menu.  And the on-screen program guide is very handy (though sometimes just a little balky to navigate).    <br />The feature where it tries to learn what you like, then records programs without asking you first, isn't annoying and can be sort of fun.  Just be aware that it's probably transmitting back information to somebody somewhere (most likely some marketing firm's computer database) about your viewing habits.<br />The point (for a single professional like me, anyway) is that with TIVO, with a minimum of effort on your part, there can always be lots of things you like ready and waiting for you to watch when you get home.