Disappointment with TiVo
 

I've upgraded from my V+HD box to a tivo box, Im pretty disappointed with it, What does it actually do that my V+HD box couldn't do? Also are my apps coming soon?

cheers
Ant

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

When you say you are disappointed but in what way are you disappointed with it.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Hi, the fact that my old v+hd box did virtually everything that TiVo can do but i had to shell out £150 to find this out ;)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

For all the hype on what a tivo is about, you expected it to have all the basics of the V+ workings plus more before it was launched, other than a larger hard drive, it tends to guess what you want to watch instead of recording what you really want to watch, it doesn't do much more its a pvr.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Larger hard drive.
Ability to record on all 3 tuners
Suggestions
Wishlists
Extended program information such as cast lists, and ability to explore what else cast members have been in, as well as then set future recordings for them without them currently being scheduled.
Apps
Bigger iplayer library

Honestly what else did you expect?

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

l think tivo does far more and also there are plenty of features to come.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Cool, what is to come?

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

The Sky Sports red button
BBC interactive
100's of apps
Reminders
And much more l suspect

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

TiVo will be good once virgin get a few more features on the box i suspect sky sports red button may be the fly in the ointment for a while recently even on the v+ there has been next to no red button fuctionality,i would hope that apps will be developted quite quickly and streaming deals for films would be one of them,reminders would definately be on my list of wants as well. Before i evetually consider switching.:)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

how do you download more apps, is there a shop of some sort? The VM engineer that fitted my box was the most ignorant man ive ever meet , he hardly said one word and just passed me the book and said "read that, everything is in there you need to now, Bye"

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

No the apps will be added to your app section on your tivo when they come.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

What is the point of apps on a pvr, the idea is you watch recorded tv, utube and facebook are best kept for the pc,not to watch on a tv, I thought the red button was also available on V+, we can all have wishlists but does tivo make them come true or am I missing something, suggestions is the complete opposite of common sense and records what it thinks you want and not what you actually want, I was actually expecting the cast list to show up as soon as you press the info button, but you get no more info than you did with V+, the problem with tivo is you have to keep pressing buttons just to get the basics, and you can only get info on the programm your watching, V+ mini guide gave you info on every channel. Tivo has a lot of work to do to start to impress.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

opinions welcome but l do not agree with your opinion on tivo or the apps situation regarding tivo.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You may need to enable some with THIS LINK, but the links should already be on your TiVo box.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I cant see any advantage for having apps on tivo, what do you get from them that you dont from the pc, with all the channels on virgin are people going to sit and look at utube and facebook all night instead.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

The photo App is great, you can set up slide shows on your tv direct from Facebook, Picasa etc. Great for showing your photos without having to fire up the PC or mess about with plug in etc.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Youtube IMO is a good addition. For instance having caught the end of a Lady Gaga concert and finding she was better than I had previously given her credit for I clicked on extras and was able to watch other concerts on my tv. I even found a recorded talent contest before she was famous. Where best to watch these things? On my laptop or on the tv with others able to watch also.
Suggestions are IMO a great feature and a worthwhile addition to catch up tv. You can still record the stuff you know you want and tivo will give them priority.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I have said this before and got a slating for it. It is a good idea as when you have been on holiday you can show the pics on the TV without having to crowd round a small screen?

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Id be pretty dissapointed in paying £149. It's a rip off considering the 500gb version is £49

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I wont slate anyone as we are all trying to get the best out of life, and the tivo, I stream my pictures to my plasma from pc so its not a new thing for me, but to initially watch the photos you still have to copy to the pc, or probably a usb stick if tv can read one.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

what a superberbly written analysis,I could'nt of put any points better myself,totaly sums up the TiVo v V+ debate in one reply,well done!

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Why did you upgrade if you didn't know what you were paying for?

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Sorry but l disagree with that analysis totally.

---------- Post added at 15:19 ---------- Previous post was at 15:15 ----------

Exactly as l upgraded for a better experience and l believe it was well worth it that so much so then if l can get a second tivo on a deal l will get another one.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I think it is down to some people expecting it to be just like the V+ when it's a totally separate product and works differently.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

And in my mind its nothing like a V plus and lt has made my tv experience much more exciting and interesting.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I did say some people, mainly the people complaining about what it can and can't do compared to V+.

People need to realise it's a totally diffent beast altogether.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Exactly.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I've just got to ask the obvious - but when you handed over £150 what is it you think you were buying?

usually when i hand over that sort of money for something i have got some expectations - especially since you already had V+

bit like paying £150 for some shoes then when they arrive asking what the benefit is over your old shoes :) sorta thing you'd investigate 'before' you shell out

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I wouldn't want to part with it.

People thinking about getting it need to research before they order one and then if it doesn't do what they expected ask within a reasonable amount of time to get their old box back.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I dont see how tivo is a seperate product to V+, they are both pvr's, Tivo is newer and I thought superceding the V+ because its newer, I wonder if the V+ could have been enhanced more by SA and samsung given the chance. When you read writeups on tivo its not the pvr itself that wins any trophies but so called patented software that tivo believe they developed first.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes that's very true.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You can actually argue you have no idea what you buying when the money is taken from your account because you dont see the product until it is installed, there is no try and buy or pop down the shops and see one in action, its all down to advertising and reading up on the product.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes l researched it thoroughly before l paid my money and l have no regrets at all with my decision.

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I thought all VM stores had TIVOS in then, if in any doubt how good the TIVO was for £150 I'd make the effort to visit a store first

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You can do all the research in the world but it doesn't reflect real time workings, and as many people have varied views you are still none the wiser until you try yourself.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

My Local vm store has a working TiVo in it so i popped down the shops to see it in action.! However it did not do what i wanted from it so i posponed any purchase decison until /if it does.;)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

And how many vm stores are there in Britain, certainly not one in every town, and probably not city either, never seen a list of stores advertised. My guess 5.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Most people IMHO are getting it for the bigger hard drive so that they can store more recordings, some will get it for the better UI and all the bells and whistles.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Definately larger hard drive.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Its possible to check stores here.

http://shop.virginmedia.com/help/store-locator.html

Though just typing in my location reveals 5 stores (reasonably) locally, so i would suggest nationally vm have a few more then 5 stores.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

They are never going to provide a V+ with a 1TB drive so VM/Tivo need to listen to feedback and fine tune the new box to peoples needs. Things like reminders need to be added as some V+ users miss them. Luckily for me there is nothing on the V+ box I miss but unfortunately not everyone sees it that way.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Exactly it's the TiVo software that sets it apart from the other pvrs out there. That's what makes it different. Suggestions and wish lists are two big features that it has and no one else does.

SA and Samsung had nothing to do with the V+ software they just provided the hardware.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

The bigger hard drive is very important for me but l like all the other bells and whistles as well.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

It is probably down to change, everyone got used to V+ and its ways and UI, and cos tivo is different it is taking time to get used to that interface, maybe in a few years it wil seem normal, I am also surprised that the V+ did not upgrade to 1 TB drive, its only a swap over nothing too technical.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I hope it doesn't take a few years to get used to tiger. :erm: :)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Exactly, and that is why VM and TiVo are trying to add in reminders for those people that think they miss them. They just need to get used to change and things being different.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

l am sure you will grow to love it.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

They'll probably introduce another all singing pvr by then and we'll be moaning about keeping the tivo.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Well before i change over it will require
Reminders.
Red Button services.
No 12/18 month contract extension.
And the fact at the moment i can copy recordings to DVD which of course with TiVo its not possible to do.

TiVo is a work in progress but not one though i would invest £140-£190 in,as a single person who records about 10 hours of tv a week even with the bigger hard drive it would not make financial sense.

But with bigger families living in the same household the larger hard drive might be required therefore TiVo would make much more sense.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

:)

I think the idea is that tivo will carry on developing their software and stay a step ahead of the rest. Hopefully with $500 banked from defending their patents they will be able to do it as well.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

And most of this is coming l suspect.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

but like i say - i always have 'some expectations' of what i should 'expect' before i shell out £150

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes that might well be the case Denphone or as vm might say."coming soon":D:D

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Contract extension? I was never told of this when i placed my order, its not a problem as i enjoy virgin media (apart from there helpline)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Red button will come. I would hope sooner rather than later but I know it is of no use to you until it does Richard.
Reminders might come but I doubt it will be top of their list as there are other things to concentrate on first.
I think the price will come down but that makes a 12 mth contract more likely, not less, as they have to be sure they will get a return from their investment.
It would be easy for them to enable ethernet back up to computer but I doubt it will happen as UK broadcasters are pretty strict about that. I'm surprised they allowed us dvd backup on the V+ as I don't think any other subscription box can do that. I wonder for instance if Sky would allow programmes on their channels to be backed up? I doubt they would allow computer back up anyway.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes its that old chestnut again.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Everyone was expecting tivo to win hands down once introduced but it has not happened and that is why a lot are disappointed, Dont forget you also have the undefendable installation fee of £49 added on top. Probably my biggest bug bear at the moment is the most basic and thats the info button only working on the channel your watching.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

you can get info on any prog on any menu - you just need to press different buttons to get it

Point 8 on my 2 cents

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes I hope that is added in the next update. I did used to like that feature. Not a major issue for me but an irritation all the same.

---------- Post added at 17:07 ---------- Previous post was at 17:03 ----------

I hadn't found your work around in that list Jethro. Handy to know. That's me paid back for the "change your pin to same numbers" tip. :)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

on mini guide and guide if you press info on a programme nothing happens, I thought the idea is you scroll through the guides find a programme and see the info on it but that does not happen, you only get the info once program is viewing.I know this is a software update but to me this is one of the most basic of features that should be working from the start.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Totally agree i've been think about getting TiVo since it was announced, but what's the point I'm fine with my V+ HD box. After all there is a total load of rubbish on the box these days, hardly any thing worth watching so what difference is TiVo going to do. I sit on the sofa with my iPad so I dont need any apps.I'll leave it for now unless I get one for Free.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

It will be re-introduced in the next big update. Also on the topic of Virgin Media stores, there is one in most city centres/towns... put your postcode in the link given earlier. :)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Like Jethro says in the link in his post, you can find info by pressing record. When you have read it just press the back arrow button. I didn't know that either. It's a bit of a cludge but it does work.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

It would be nice to stream recordings to pc as a backup, so much simpler than trying to copy onto a dvd then moving it to pc, Red button "going out on a Limb here" I think will be here for August and start of premier league season.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Yes, it's a good work-around until Info is fixed.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

What an intuitive idea,cant understand why this hasnt been used before :rolleyes:

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I did not realise there were so many stores, this must be costing a lot of money as they are probably in the main areas of shopping malls and arcades, can this be worth it, seeing how often shops close due to high rents and low sales can virgin justify many new sales from the shops.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

They are profitable as they mainly deal in mobile sales, so adding the cable products for display is a good idea.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

sorry if that post read the way it did,it was not a personal slight at you but at the TiVo software and why it was released with such a basic function missing,once again please accept my apology.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I keep forgetting about mobile, dont know why when I use them aswell. Just assumed its cheaper and quiccker to do all online.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

No problem kop32. :)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

hi folks, just got the tivo installed on Friday. one thing i have noticed that i can't do but could do on the v+ is, while watching a program i could hit TV then use the right/left arrows to see what is on other channels. i've tried it on the tivo and it doesn't work the same. is there an alternative way of doing it as i miss being able to spend 10mins just surfing ub and down the channels (especially while the adds are on)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

press OK and use scroll up/down

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You make it sound like you cannot do this when in fact you can.

Okay, you cannot schedule it at specific times as you could with V+ and it has to be recorded in real time, but most folks these days have at least got Freeview on their TV which they can watch whilst backing up recordings to DVD.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

He's simply not interested in solutions

.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Are the Tivo's recording the F1 today? As it has over ran by A LOT, My Sky box still recording it.......................

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I don't know, I'm watching a film and have no intention of recording live motor racing. What I can tell you is if you want to record a live event an option pops up to add padding. One thing is that on tivo you have three tuners and can record three programmes. It's not much good recording the F1 when it overruns if you want to watch something else and record just one other thing at the same time on your Sky box.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

But nothing switched to BBC2/BBCHD for the channel change at 9pm.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

That's why shows are on multiple times on multiple channels , ITV 1 shows are on ITV1 +1 , ITV 2 etc , Sky One shows usually repeat again on Sky One then Sky 2 , Sky Premiere films show all week , so it's pretty damn hard to miss something these days especially when all the terrestrial channels have catchup services online.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Still not perfect if you have a couple of things set to record and your wife wants to watch something live. What happens when the programme overruns? It has either got to cut that short or cut another recording which may not be repeated. If everything is repeated it doesn't matter if you miss a recording with either system.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Simple the show it cancels ,you record the repeat as I've mentioned above.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I covered that. If everything is repeated, then no worries with either system. You can't beat being able to record three things at once and have catch up from the most popular channels as well though.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I can honestly say I've never had any clashes , and I also have catchup and sky player if all else fails , however I agree for some three may be a necessity I'm just not one of them. For me accurate EPG data is important, if TIVO sorts this out I would consider it when my contract with Sky ends.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You have catch up on the main channels through VM. Also in fairness you said you hadn't had recording problems with the V+.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

The V+ was great can't really call it and the software was pretty reliable the only issue I ever had was a couple of missed ending on live ESPNA sport but it wasn't that often. The TIVO trumps V+ in my eyes with it's HD screens the V+ epg is showing it's age. The main thing stopping me taking TIVO aside from channel range is EPG errors and lack of red button features none of the other minor bugs would put me off . As for catchup I have that available on my connected TV and PS3 granted not all channels , I have BBC Iplayer HD also , 4OD , ITV player and sky player.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I have catch up on PS3 as well. I would only use it if I had to. The ui is dire.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I agree with that , I mainly use Iplayer on my TV which I believe is the same interface as TIVO. I only ever use catchup as a last resort , I wish itv , 4od and Demand Five would make HD available on all the shows.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

My sky box did I switched to BBCHD, I used the remote record app on my iphone. I thought Tivo was cutting edge tech thats why I asked if it was recording the extended F1.

---------- Post added at 23:40 ---------- Previous post was at 23:37 ----------


I had a V+ for a few months and not once did I use all 3 tuners but I guess if you watch A LOT of tv then 3 tuners is ok. Most of the stuff on Sky Atlantic which is our most watched channels is on Sky Anytime any.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

So in the case you chose to highlight it still needed user intervention.:)


You have missed the point. If you have set the box to record just one other thing while you are out when the live event ends and your wife wants to watch corrie then you are still stymied because the Sky box is rather lacking in the tuner dept. The case I have mentioned isn't a lot of tv. Also trying to watch Anytime + on your tv isn't much use if you don't have their broadband. Wouldn't be nice if this thread where now to get back to tivo users discussing tivo instead of Sky users hijacking the thread to promote Sky.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You are factually wrong again he said Sky Anytime , you do not need Sky BB to receive that product. Maybe the poster is mentioning another TV company as he feels these are areas TIVO is lacking in epg data , no dynamic epg , no ppv , no red button in much the sane way you keep highlighting two tuners on Sky. I don't think people are promoting Sky merely comparing in much the same way you would with Tesco and Asda.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

I'm finding the comparisons of the different providers' PVR implementation and delivery technology interesting and relevant.

Can we start a specific thread for comparing and discussing PVR and content delivery mechanisms?

Boz

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

There is a good pvr and service comparison here https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?...d=0&output=pdf.
The only thing I think that other services have over tivo is the dynamic epg. Admittedly going by other posts the epg data could be improved but I already said that in your other thread.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You're not wrong, I've had a weekend of EPG annoyances, mostly all sport related. Cheers for the link. Discussing the pros and cons of DEPG is definitely worthwhile, as I think passingbat or denphone mentioned, it's not all plain sailing and there are issues that need to be properly understood.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

Another issue that needs rectifying is the remote record , once this works with 100% reliability it will become invaluable to TIVO users, apps for mobile record should be then the next logical step.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

An app will be coming at some point. Also the iPad app will be coming out too.

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This is when users will really appreciate the remote record side , they just simplify the whole task and the US TIVO app looks excellent.

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

All the nearest VM shops to me require a fair bit of travelling to and I would have to specifically make the effort.Could be even further for others.

Mind saying that before I would buy, I would ask around forums like this,read all the bumph provided and written about it before shelling out £150 for it.

So far nothing I've seen or heard would make me go for a Tivo.I too would rather view YouTube on my PC.;).I've already got hundreds of channels of dross to watch without adding that to the list.:D

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

The youtube application is quite well integrated into the tivo menus and it does let you watch stuff together rather than in isolation or crowded round a laptop. You have a point about enough to watch though, if you really have more than enough to watch then tivo might be wasted on you. :)

Re: Disappointment with TiVo
 

You don't know what you are missing, come on get your money out.:D;):D