TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Having been away from VM TV for almost 12 months, I've lost track with what's happening. I left VM (for TV) because I got sick 'n tired of their crappy V+ STB's (got through FIVE in 12 months!) but I'm thinking about coming back. Before dumping my excellent Sky TV service, I need to know how reliable the TiVo STB's are.

Thanks .....

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

It seems to vary. Personally, I'm still on my first box. It does spontaneously re-boot by itself very occasionally and sometimes locks-up requiring a re-boot but, but then so does my PC :D

If anyone mentions that their box re-boots regularly then it is probably faulty and not normal behaviour.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

How long have you had the box?

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I've got 3 TiVo boxes, the newest is roughly 6 months old and the other two are nearly two years old now and still working great.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I had a tivo since early August, had no problems at all, the only thing it doesn't do yet (but coming soon) is interactive stuff to acces news/sports etc.

but it no major issue as we have a Smart TV with web access, plus Tablets

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Had TiVo well over a year. Totally reliable. These days very rarely needs a reboot.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I've had mine over a year. It took a week or two to settle down but I can't remember the last time it rebooted. I had all sorts of problems with both v+ and sky+ - this looks like the most reliable box I've had since my old Phillips sky digibox, which was the only other box I've had that didn't need swapping out every 6 months. Actually, my current v+ box was moved upstairs when I got TiVo so thats lasted a similar amount of time now, albeit with much less use.

Sorry, very long post. My TiVo has been reliable for over a year.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Apart from not recording my NFL last night, and a couple of reboots, never had cause to moan about TiVo since having installed. I was very sceptical before it, but I will say again (sorry) that if everything is set right in the first instance, it does save time. Especially wish lists.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Feb or March last year, IIRC.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

One thing striking that you will notice if you get TiVo is just how quiet they are compared to Sky boxes.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Same here with our two boxes.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Two Tivos here which I've had for almost a year and a half and no problems at all. I can't remember a random reboot happening at all, though it's possible I did have one and I've just forgoten. Whichever way, it's not a problem otherwise, I would have remembered.

Some people have had problems and have been vocal on the VM forums about it. It's always difficult to know what the percentage it is though, as a lot of people only post on forums when they have a problem; those with perfectly working machines have no need to post.

---------- Post added at 15:06 ---------- Previous post was at 15:05 ----------

Have you checked the information on Hiccups? If it was set to record, it should tell you why it didn't.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I've had my TiVo since they became available from VM. Generally speaking it's stable although it does throw a wobbler every now and again requiring a reboot. Thankfully this has never happened at a critical time (such as when I'm recording something). On the whole it's slightly more stable than my SA V+ box.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

@Passing, did as you suggested and despite knowing I set it to record (was last thing I did before bedtime) there was nothing in Hiccups to tell me why it failed to record. So either there was a problem with C4, or I botched it whilst half asleep. I know which one is more likely.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Had my TiVo for about 7 months now and no problems. Very stable. I don't think it has re-booted whilst I've been watching something. Think I've only ever had 1 recording fail. I've still got my V+ in the bedroom. Of the 2, V+ is the box that gives me most hassle and I hardly ever use it!

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Have had it since the first roll out. Have had very few minor issues over that period of time. Can't remember having a missed recording. As with most people, it has rarely needed a reboot too. Although, I have had to reboot twice in the last couple of months, but only when trying to load the BBC red button. I still remember how the V+ worked and how slow it was. I find TIVO is still faster.
Whilst this is moving away from your question a bit, (apologies if I should not do this, still a little naive on here) Wishlists are an excellent feature, as is the recover your deleted shows. I have found suggestions to be very helpful and incredibly tuned into to what I like to watch. Whilst the apps are a little disappointing, I am sure we will see some real treats come our way shortly. As mentioned previously, recording hiccups is a really great option to have (thankfully I have not had to use it yet though.) Finally. Having recordings/shows placed into seperate folders I find saves a lot of scrolling through pages of recordings (it also lets you simply press on play on a group of recodings for one one show and will play from the earliest recording, and automatically move onto the next recording.) I have stated previously in another thread that I can live without HD, but there I am not sure if I could go back to another STB now. It does take a couple of weeks to bed in, but once it is going, you will not be sorry.

I think thats my ramblings/gushing over, I seriously recommend you give TIVO a chance though.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Many thanks indeed for everyone's input, it's very much appreciated.

However, I'm not convinced that coming back to VM would be a good move. What bothers me are the comments about the TiVo boxes having a tendency to reboot of their own accord. So, I'll have to ponder very carefully over the next few weeks, as I don't really have a problem with my Sky TV service. The only thing that's making me want to return to VM is that my Sky+ HD box only has two tuners which, for most of the time, is fine but there have been occasions when I could have done with an extra one. Hmmm .....

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

:confused: :rolleyes:

So even though of us have mentioned how good it is, etc., that's your excuse. Because it may re-boot occasionally?

There are many more good points than that one bad one.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

If the OP's not sure, he's not sure, full stop. Insulting statements and emoticons aren't called for; in his situation, it would probably put me off.

There have been a few problem boxes. I believe they are a tiny insignificant minority and they can be replaced anyway But it is for the OP to come to that conclusion himself through spending time on forums such as this, not for you to tell him he's making excuses.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Apologies for the slight OTT response. Of course it's his choice.

That was, of course, my point :)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Please allow me to try and clear up your confusion:

From my perspective, it's a matter of "Once bitten, twice shy", simple as that.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Well your main concern...

... has been cleared-up.

However, I do agree with your other sentiments. But I would also add that, as you have had the service before, the install should be fairly straight-forward and you will then have 28 days to give it a try :)

Again, I know what I mean, I just sometimes have a problem expressing correctly. So my apologies again.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Don't envy you your choice.......rather you than me:) Can't argue with the fact that SKY has a much bigger/better TV service than VM (esp. HD), although its remarkable how many times my three tuners are in use.

Good luck:)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

In about 17 months of constant use my Tivo has NEVER rebooted while watching it. In recent months (following various upgrades) it has never rebooted at all nor required me to make it reboot.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I wish :(

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Box is fine - what it offers - really depends on what you want,like require or use.

O` yes never had a reboot.
BBC I player is rubbish in my area. If you want that check out YOUR area. I understand a lot of the problems are in ex NTL areas

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Can somebody define a "reboot" please?
Just had TiVo package installed yesterday complete with superhub. I've come from years of faultless V+ box plus simple modem. Last night my TV kept "blinking" Screen went black for about 1 second, then it showed my TV data for a further second then cleared itself. Seemed to do it random intervals but towards the end of the evening it hadn't done it for 30 minutes.
It also seems to do the same thing if I fiddle with the remote, looking at the new features.
If those incidents are reboots will they clear up or do I need another box?
Thanks. :)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I have no idea what that was but it wasn't a 're-boot', which is where the box does just that, like a computer (because that's basically what it is.)

The screen will indeed go blank but you will then see a "Starting Up...." message on a Tivo-style background. It will then take around 5 mins and another on-screen message or two until you see the Tivo main menu.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Check your HDMI connections, and try turning your TV off and then on again.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Tried that, no different.

I think I might have a solution though. When I set the box up, I forced the output resolution to 720p as my TV is HD ready with a native resolution of 720p. With my old V+ box I got a slightly better picture with 720p rather than 1080i.
I've reset the box to automatic output resolution and it's happily outputting 1080i with no glitches. Picture quality is good also.

Thanks :)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Blast. :mad:

Just turned the telly on and it's done it twice in 5 minutes.

So back to square one.

As far as I know the installer used the same HDMI cable that worked perfectly with my V+ box so I don't think it's that.

Seems to go after the box has warmed up, maybe a faulty HDMI output connection?

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

That is indeed annoying :(

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Or possibly a faulty Tivo and/or power supply. The V+ has a direct mains connection whereas Tivo has an external PSU. That may be failing as it heats up.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

OK, found a thread on another forum about this being a fairly common problem for some TVs and HDMI cables connected to TiVo.
As HDMI is a digital cable I didn't think that quality mattered that much, however I have changed the cable to a shorter one (don't think it's an expensive one) and so far so good. I've got my fingers crossed that it has fixed the problem

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Nope, that didn't work either.

Do I need a new box or is it a problem of compatability between TiVo and my TV?

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

TiVo's had a fair few HDMI connection issues since its introduction, a lot have been ressolved with TiVo updates. I have a 3 year old Sony Bravia TV and since purchase I've had to update it's firmware not once but twice. Is your TV's firmware up to date?

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I have a 4 year old Sony Bravia. It is set for automatic update and software download, so I assume it's up to date.

The frequency of these drop-outs is reducing so maybe the problem will go away. :erm:

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Crypto that's interesting and something I'd love my Bravia to do. The only way I've been able to update mine is to download the update on my PC and put it on a USB memory stick. If there's a way to perform the updates automatically a quick walk through would be greatly appreciated, cheers.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

My personal experience of TiVo is that it is extremely reliable. I have had mine for about 16 months and never had any problem with it. No random reboots (other than after updates), no freezing or locking up. It's been an absolute joy to use.

At times over the last few months I have got a bit fed up with VM, due to channels not being present that I would like and problems with the sound on Sky Sports and have given consideration to switching back to Sky. But the TiVo is keeping me with them as I can't bear the thought of losing it and going back to using the clunky, ugly Sky box.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Mine works this way:
Menu > Settings > Set-up (tool box icon) > Digital set-up > Technical set-up

Now at last you get to have Auto Service Update on/off & Software Download on/off.

Quite a few key presses on the remote to get there. I don't remember setting mine up so the default settings may well be on anyway.

Cheers :beer:

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Thanks for showing me the way!
My TV is connected by ethernet to the superhub and I've changed "Auto Sevice Updates" (in Digital Set up) to "on" so hopefully if there are any future updates they will happen automatically.

I love forums where you get help & advice.
:handshake

Sorry I was absolutely no help to you!!!!

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

You are very welcome to glean whatever we can help each other with, never mind some of the point scoring that some other folks want. ;)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Im not sure what Sky box you have bene looking at. Mine is well designed and looks sleek and cool (like me :D) i think it looks better than Tivo

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Oh dear you do need to have that eye test Mr Stokes.;):D

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Doesn't the software updating assume that you are connected to digital terrestrial TV (not cable), this is the way any updates come, and only then if the transponder is carrying them for your brand of TV.

I would check with Sony on the web to see if you have the latest version of software and update it by USB.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

You could post the model no. of your Bravia so we can check how the updates are implemented. I found this with a quick Google although it may not be relevant to your TV:

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5847552_up...ny-bravia.html

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

His eyes are probably OK Den; he just needs to take those rose tiinted glasses off ;) :D

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Not long had my eye test and went well as expected,

My glasses are not rose tinted. They do have some green tint mind you to help with sun light :D

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Most people on here will be familiar with doing this as they have TiVo's...:D:D

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I think my comments may have been misleading. I was actually referring to the on screen guide and menu's - the horrible big blue boxes and giant bold fonts - and not the outward appearance of the box. Although TiVo is far better at that as well!

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Each to their own , I prefer the new Sky EPG over the TIVO as it's much quicker through the menus and much more intuitive in my opinion , TIVO can be a little slower owing to the fact it's simply doing more and is more graphic laden however it's purely personal preference each individual will differ , I'm sure many will like the new changes when they get access to them on their Sky+HD STB's ;)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Still nice to see the one upon high is still preaching to the uncoverted.;)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Ive had both and i prefer Sky interface over Tivo. The ultimate ox would be Tivo hardware with Sky software

Well said MM. New EPG is such much better than the old one

Papa dont Preach :D

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I only used the old Sky hd epg, but I liked it and I'm told the new one is even better. I also like the TiVo ui. Both are miles ahead of v+.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Unfortunately my Model KDL-32V4000 does not have a USB service port, nor are there any software updates available on the Sony website.
I am connected to terrestrial digital as well as cable and therefore I would assume any software updates would already have been carried out as this is selected as automatic in the settings menu.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

That's actually spot on , both EPG's leave V+ looking like an early Freeview recorder.

For me

TIVO
Search is light years ahead of Sky and an area which got criticised the most in the Sky Beta forum.
Wishlist is an excellent feature
Three recordable tuners
Never ending series links
Sky
Intuitive speedy interface
Ability to remind/series link from an advert for a show via green button
dynamic EPG
The ability to control/interact STB with tablet

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

TiVo series link , Dr Who did not work , Downton Abbey did not work . Set up correctly have looked just did not start . Noticed in both cases no red light so set manually.
I thought, perhaps incorrectly that if you select record it picks up from start ( Don`t see why it should but seem to recall it happening in the past!) Any way did not with Dr.
Dr Who at least is now recording the series.Wait to see what happens with Downton.
Yes it does work on other shows. Strange but true ( Perhaps that could be a show title )

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

Can we not already do that on TiVo? Albeit unofficially.

I actually like the V+ EPG. Episode name, cast and director details all on one screen - which itself is much better than the what the Sky EPG can display.

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

No idea about Downton but my DW linked worked fine and the ep was set as "new" so I don't know why yours didn't :confused:

It will pick up all of whatever is in the buffer. So if no tuner was on the channel before it started and you had to change it manually to record it you probably missed the very beginning.

I think it was at some point ;)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

I know:)

Re: TiVo STB's - how reliable?
 

<annoyed grunt>