Tivo advert  #
Monday, 07 Jul 2008 01:25PM
Harvey Norman's catalog from last week included a full page devoted to Tivo. The lack of information was stunning. Every other PVR listed included details on the number of tuners, the type of tuner (HD/SD), and the amount of hard disk space.

The only actual information on the Tivo advert was that it "requires a broadband connection."

It's all starting to sound like a huge con.

From the price ("around $700"), I can only assume it's at least a 2-HD tuner 160Gb device. The broadband connection will require me at the very least running cables to my computer room, or at worst, setting up a wireless connection, which will cost a few hundred more.

The device might actually include wireless ethernet which would make life much easier, but I doubt it.

It occurred to me that maybe I should compare the $700+ Tivo will cost with Foxtel. Foxtel costs an extraordinary amount of money. Although their package documents aren't super clear, particularly as I'd like the IQ record-TV box. From what I can work out, with the box, would cost me something like $70 a month.

So compared to Tivo I'd get the same thing, but only for 10 months, but with extra channels.

Much as I'd like Discovery Channel, it's not that important.

If my PVR is recording shows I like, the number of channels and actual timing of programming becomes far less important.

Also, another reason I've been interested in Tivo is because I assume it'll include HD tuners. My digital tuner is only an SD tuner. Although I could give half a crap about SD/HD quality as my TV isn't as big as a house, not being able to receive HD means I'm missing out of some actual programming. So HD would be nice. HD on Foxtel costs even more money...

And what's all this crap about PAYING for TV?...