Question for the A/V Home theatre buffs.

[FBWillie]

I want a DVR; but I don't really have the need/time/money to have any cable package higher than the $15 cable through cox that I have now.  I don't want to rent one through cox or change to satellite to get one for free or any other promotional that would give me a DVR.  I just don't have time to watch a ton of TV and my budget doesn't allow for much beyond $15/ month for something I hardly use.

Here's my question though: I'm seeing a lot of TIVO boxes online used/damaged for hardly nothing.   Is it possible to use a TIVO box just as a DVR without signing up with their service.  Can I just program it like a VCR to tape at a certain time/day etc.  If not, what would you suggest for a guy like me that doesn't want to spend a couple hundred bucks for a Digital video recorder?

TIA

[fatty fat fat]

great question. anyone?

[pissclams]

Here's my question though: I'm seeing a lot of TIVO boxes online used/damaged for hardly nothing.   Is it possible to use a TIVO box just as a DVR without signing up with their service.  Can I just program it like a VCR to tape at a certain time/day etc.  If not, what would you suggest for a guy like me that doesn't want to spend a couple hundred bucks for a Digital video recorder?
TIA

You have to sign up for their service.  You can't use the DVR without subscribing to their service.  The TIVO  boxes are cheap, $99 thru their site.  Service is more expensive than paying for Time Warner/Everest etc but it's also better. 

My suggestion? Buy a VCR and learn how to use it until you can afford DVR.

[AzCat]

It's the same on satellite: they may give you the DVR when you sign up but you pay a monthly charge to make it work.  No monthly charge = no DVR no matter who's providing your service.

[pissclams]

I just thought about another option for you, but it may not be ideal.  You could purchase a video card that has the Vivo software.  Run a split from your cable into the video card.  Your HDD acts like the Tivo.  You then can watch the shows on your monitor.    Depending on what kind of television you have, you may be able to hook your tv up to your computer and watch the shows on it.

[fatty fat fat]

I just thought about another option for you, but it may not be ideal.  You could purchase a video card that has the Vivo software.  Run a split from your cable into the video card.  Your HDD acts like the Tivo.  You then can watch the shows on your monitor.    Depending on what kind of television you have, you may be able to hook your tv up to your computer and watch the shows on it.

i kind of have something like that. it doesn't even compare to the options a dvr gives you. can only save one channel of programming.

[Saulbadguy]

Buy a computer with Vista Home Premium and a cable card.   8)

[fatty fat fat]

Buy a computer with Vista Home Premium and a cable card.   8)

esplain, please.

[fatty fat fat]

btw, if not for the " 8)" that you added, I wouldn't have asked for a follow up.

[Saulbadguy]

It does not require a follow up. It is self-explanatory.

[FBWillie]

That's what I was afraid of.  I'm just getting to the point where my son is repeating what we watch on TV.  I don't really like the idea of my son watching South Park and Family guy then calling my wife a dirty jew, so I've been doing the VHS deal and watching it after he goes to bed...  I'm just getting sick of dealing with the tapes rewinding and all the crap that comes along with VHS.    I guess I can just start downloading all of the episodes, but it's just not the same.   Thanks for the input though.

[dr00d]

That's what I was afraid of.  I'm just getting to the point where my son is repeating what we watch on TV.  I don't really like the idea of my son watching South Park and Family guy then calling my wife a dirty jew, so I've been doing the VHS deal and watching it after he goes to bed...  I'm just getting sick of dealing with the tapes rewinding and all the crap that comes along with VHS.    I guess I can just start downloading all of the episodes, but it's just not the same.   Thanks for the input though.

just not the same? 

yeah...there are no commercials and you watch it on a higher resolution monitor w/ headphones if you want to ...damn it computers! damn you to hell!!!!!!!!!!!