TiVo TCD649080 Series2 80-Hour Dual-Tuner Digital Video Recorder

bought tivo so i could watch tv in my own time - plus there is little on tv i enjoy anymore - with tivo i record programs i want and i can watch any time i can. it is very easy. i don't even use all the features yet.

This new dual tuner Series 2 replaces my old Series 2 single tuner which I gave to my son for parts. I recently purchased the Dual channel HD version so can now record 4 channels at same time (converted my Toshiba DVR/CD Player back to basic and can record one channel there if I wish.) I have all three sith broadband wireless connection and all three will show what i have recorded and available on the others.

Amazon had (at time of purchase) for 65.95 after $150 rebate so as far as my needs are, this was a steal - excellent bargain. I always check Amazon first for any electronics purchase.

My new 80 hr dual channel actually has better picture than the HD version I purchased.

I love the easy to use Tivo and remote control.
Wish I had purchsed it years ago!!!!!!!

When Tivo is good, it is very, very good - but when it isn't good, there's nothing you can do about it! Tivo often fails to record my shows; the channel changing doesn't work well (even with the unsightly "tenting" of the sensors that Tivo recommends). You settle down to watch that episode of "Lost" you were dying to see only to find that you have a full hour of Home Shopping Network recorded instead! I am now ditching Tivo for my cable company DVR. At least when it goes on the fritz, I'll know who to call and get someone to actually answer the phone, and it's half the monthly fee of Tivo. (Never thought I would tout my local cable company as a model of customer service or thrifty value!)

I finally switched from ancient antenna to basic cable, so I decided to get a Tivo. I don't watch much television, but there are a few shows I like and figured this would work out perfectly for me and my family. Initial setup was pretty simple and I did not run into any problems until I hooked up the Tivo to my phone line. It would not connect to the server to finish the initialization process. Luckily I was able to move my router to accomodate a network connection which worked fine, however, it did take awhile. Once I got it up and running, it was great being able to schedule all my recordings and use the season pass feature. I also setup my computers with the Tivo desktop to be able to put programs on to my hard-drive for future viewing. I was pretty disappointed to find out I have to spend an additional $25 to upgrade to Tivo desktop plus to be able to convert the videos into .mp4 format. I have not yet upgraded to Tivo Desktop Plus, but probably will, just so I can convert and edit the TV shows that I want. My other complaint is I feel that with all the technology there is, the User Interface is just too slow. Mainly, when I am trying to modify settings on a season pass or startup. Hopefully, on the newer models they will use a little more processing power and get up to date with current pc's. Although, cable and satellite dvr's aren't necessarily any better in these areas. Lastly, it is ridiculous that this model only has an 80gb hard-drive, and to go larger there is a huge jump in price. The base model should start off at a minimum of 120gb, especially with the drop in prices on hard-drives. Other than that, Tivo is everything it claims to be and once you have it you will never want to go back to regular tv again. I love the fact that I don't have to worry about missing a show, and I can pause and rewind live tv. And the best part is fast-forwarding through commercials.