TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder (*TiVo Service Fee Not Included)
Pros & cons.
I had an original series I Tivo and I was involved in the beta testing of this unit. I liked the earlier model, but I am really fond of this one. Most of the shortcomings of its predecessor have been addressed (I'm still not crazy about the remote), and some very nice new features have been added.<BR>The most important of these is the unit's broadband networking capability. While this may sound like another useless high tech gewgaw, it's not; it is really something that adds value. I have a wired + wireless network and with the series II Tivo, I can record shows on one unit and watch them on another (i.e. in another room) so long as both are connected to the network (I am using a LinkSys USB wireless access point with great results on the Tivo). <BR>In addition, it's simple to access from any networked Tivo the contents of your desktop music and photo files. This is a pretty neat way to show those digital pics you took of the Grand Canyon on your big screen TV. Also, Tivo offers access to thousands of music tracks (by artist and by genre) which your home entertainment audio system can play at digital quality. <BR>My favorite new feature though is the ability to access and program your Tivo from any computer that has access to the Internet. Just bring up their scheduling page, enter your ID & password, and select the show you want recorded for you while you're away. I have actually used this a couple of times and have found it just wonderful.<BR>Still, the number one feature of Tivo for me is the ability to pause live TV. This alone justifies the cost of the unit. When the phone rings, when someone knocks at the door, or when dinner is ready, it just takes a push of the pause button and your show is waiting for you just where you left it. Nice, especially during football season!<BR>Tivo's durability has been good. Software updates are downloaded to you automatically, so maintenance is low. I don't think anyone will be sorry they invested in one of these technology extenders; more likely, you'll wonder why you waited so long.