Thinking of coming back
 

Hi

I used to have Tivo, but switched to the dark side about 18 months to 2 years ago. I'm now thinking of switching back. I have phone & broadband with VM and for what I want I think it would be cheaper to take TV with my current package. Just wondered if much had changed in the world of Tivo and VM TV whilst I've been gone?

I have been reading threads about people having issues since an update occurred in November. Is this widespread? Is Tivo a decent bit of kit? It seemed pretty decent when I had it before, although it wasn't without faults if I remember correctly, but was good enough for recording/watching telly without any irritations.

Anyone care to share their opinions on the current state of Tivo to help me decide whether to take the plunge and come back.

Kind regards

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Right, the thing about the TiVo is this - no matter how many times it is updated, you will still find the same problems and niggles you always used to have, except now they're in purple. But that said, it is a decent bit of kit, it is good at what it does and the positives do outweigh the negatives. It's just more than a little frustrating that those negatives remain.

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Thanks for the reply, andy_m.

Positives outweighing the negatives is always a good sign :). Are the problems and niggles anything major?

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

NO we moan but ask anybody to give their TIVo back and they would say noway!

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

I was an early TiVo customer and have no issues with my box. Not one. The new update to my eyes looks smarter and a little quicker with some menus. Problems with iPlayer and Netflix picture quality seem to have been sorted for me too, but that could be more to do with local network improvements.
The addition of Netflix and a number of HD channels are probably the biggest changes since you left. We still have no Sky Atlantic though. TV Anywhere has over 100 channels including Sky Sports and Movies, but isn't really "anywhere" as it's only over wifi.

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Nothing major. It's slow at times, and the lack of a dynamic epg is at times an issue. Suggestions no longer work as they did, and only save 50 at a time, but I don't think that's a big deal for many people, it's intelligent enough to resolve recording clashes, and it keeps series links even when the series has finished which is such a good feature it's coming soon to a Sky box near you. Look, all the little niggles are really to do with the extra features not always being that we'll implemented. As a pvr it records, finds content, avoids clashes, has three recordable tuners and buffers on each one. It really is very good. Mhatter is right.

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Great stuff! Thanks very much for taking the time to reply guys. Much appreciated :)

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

I wouldn't come back until they come to their senses and undo the recent changes, it's looks and feels terrible

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Since you wouldn't come back if you were not currently a Virgin Media customer, presumably you will be using the upcoming price increase as a reason to leave as the current TiVo software is here to stay?

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

I've never had a problem with my Tivo, and I got it from launch. It's the best PVR, with the most functionality that you can get IMHO.

The updates since launch have caused me no problems and have added to the experience.

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

iplayer is a no no

to be honest its not about the PVR its about content virgin used to have the best on demand but now sky are miles in front.
if its about money then maybe yes to virgin but in my view TiVo aint much better than my old V+ box.

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

The bad
Not sure what deal you have got from VM but add about 7% to the package cost in Feb! You only get Antivirus free for the first 12 months, then its £25 a year after. The On demand choice is absolutely rubbish, that's when it works reliably! The upload stream on the broadband is still capped 2-3Mb and doesn't compare to the competitors.

The Tivo doesn't produce a picture half as good as my TV using the built in Freeview tuner (neither SD or HD). Not sure how it compares to Sky, it maybe crap too?

The TV anywhere application is very limited and few channels are available for live streaming.

The Good
3 tuners for recording
Internet Download speed

If the Tivo had all the feature enabled liked the USA variant it probably is a decent piece of kit. But VM have crippled the advanced features!

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Then the extra functionality of Tivo leaves the V+ standing.

Off the top of my head...

3 recordable tuners
Whishlists
Auto recording clash fix
Suggestions
A hard drive that will record more than a paltry 20 hours of HD
Built in Netflix (some people like everything in one box)
Series, season and Episode information
Backwards EPG for catchup
Youtube integration
Intelligent search with the ability to set a series link or a Whishlist

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

Sky don't have Netflix or Virgin Movies, which contain far more content than they can offer!

Re: Thinking of coming back
 

After your introductory offer through VM for Netflix you have to pay the minimum £5.99 sub the same as any Sky Subscriber can the only difference being VM allow access to Netflix on their STB.

Virgin Movies is PPV and has far less movies than Sky Store PPV which is available if you have your box connected to BB.

Both services have pros and cons.