TiVo General TiVo Discussion Part 2 - Page 342

zekeisaszekedoes · 29-09-2011, 14:27

Are you kidding?! Considering how many features the TiVo has, the interface is pretty straightforward. Now while I will admit the control method can vary and some things could be clearer (and faster), within only a couple of days of playing around even your average non-geek shouldn't have trouble with it.

Chances are this version of VM TiVo won't change much. I see bugfixes, additional apps, red button implementation, a few new features but not a complete UI overhaul. Which IMO is just fine.

Perfect Choice · 29-09-2011, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by zekeisaszekedoes

Are you kidding?! Considering how many features the TiVo has, the interface is pretty straightforward. Now while I will admit the control method can vary and some things could be clearer (and faster), within only a couple of days of playing around even your average non-geek shouldn't have trouble with it.

Chances are this version of VM TiVo won't change much. I see bugfixes, additional apps, red button implementation, a few new features but not a complete UI overhaul. Which IMO is just fine.

I am certainly not kidding, I didn't say a UI update is high priority but ultimately it needs it IMHO.

I am not at home right now to check but isn't is a case right now that if you want to access information about a programme on the EPG you have to press the record button not the info button! Utter madness and is one example which frustrates consumers. This is just a single example where the usability design really needs sorting out or in this specific case, just make it logical i.e. info button for information.

BenMcr · 29-09-2011, 14:54

That are changing in the next release (based on the leaked list) so that the info button will work on the EPG for programmes currently on

ShadowTD · 29-09-2011, 15:14

I gave in. Just ordered 500gb TiVO and a V+ relocate. Install on the 12th. Hope this doesn't prove to be a mistake!

Perfect Choice · 29-09-2011, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

That are changing in the next release (based on the leaked list) so that the info button will work on the EPG for programmes currently on

That is good news; 1 down, many UI/usability enhancements to go.

SwgLee · 29-09-2011, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowTD

I gave in. Just ordered 500gb TiVO and a V+ relocate. Install on the 12th. Hope this doesn't prove to be a mistake!

I felt like that. Was quite happy with my V+ box but it started to play up, ie id record a movie but when going to view it later, despite taking up the space on the hardrive i was left only with a blanc screen and no sound.
Rather than get a new box sent to me i upgraded to Tivo (500gb).

Now, i was a little worried as my current set up worked 100% fine, HD Tv etc, and i had read good and bad things on here re the Tivo.

Anyhow had it installed, takes about 1 hour.
It does take a little bit of getting used to, as anything new does (i hated play.com new look site at 1st but now realise its better).
There are a few niggles that can be improved ie i cant set a reminder when a show is on and auto change channel but these are tiny niggles.

The postives 95% outweigh the niggles. Its alot faster to navigate, the TV guide now shows series and episode numbers on shows (ideal if u like stuff like CSI), when recording series you can select new episodes only, you can choose to set up the recording 15 mins before and upto 1.5 hours after.

You can "search" TV. ie type if Queen and any Queen TV shows will show up (group Queen). You can browse TV and this browse is fantastic. Can see new shows and set up recordings from there, search by catargory etc.
And Youtube. Didnt think i would use this much, but after watching an idiot abroad i was in the mood for more and easily found some Karl Pilkentons podcasts on Youtube.

Overall, im so so glad my V+ box started to play up and i got Tivo

gaz2810i · 29-09-2011, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

UKTV uses Red Bee for it's channel playout facilities http://www.redbeemedia.com/news/uktv...-red-bee-media

Same people who do Channel 4's playout

As they already have HD facilities I doubt that the costs would be that much greater than for SD playout

Actually it does! Each channel, or suite of channels has their own setup. For any new HD channels, even those already in existence via SD, a whole new system needs to be installed. For example it is only last week that BBC One @ Redbee media, converted entirely to HD. The channel needed to have two new servers installed, a new automation suite, a new mixer, a whole load of new monitoring suites, Audio server etc etc etc all of which costs money. All this and the BBC HD channels has been launched for ages.

---------- Post added at 20:37 ---------- Previous post was at 20:34 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by zantarous

But they would still need to pay to male use of their HD suites look at Paramount they still won't pay to have Comedy Central or music MTV channels moved to widescreen cable suites even though the play out facility they use has them.

This I would argue is a policy issue rather than a technical or cost one. I have dealt with Widescreen transmission for years and I doubt it would cost much extra if any at all to start transmitting in it. Most programmes will be delivered in a widescreen format, if possible and it would actually cost more to transmit in a different format than it would in its natural one. Each clip would have to go through an Arc that would change the material to 4:3, 14:9 etc

I also might add that most transmission companies cater for each network individually and do not have HD suites per-say but will build in a HD suite into the current set-up.

HDFootyMan · 29-09-2011, 22:00

Quickie (and probably cheeky) question:

For those like me who got the special mulitiroom offer when ordering TiVo (where we kept the existing V+ HD and had the Â£6.50 additional box fee waived) - If I wanted to upgrade the V+ HD to a 500Gb TiVo, would I have to pay the additional box fee?

BenMcr · 29-09-2011, 22:49

Not sure, will check tomorrow

HD Boy · 29-09-2011, 22:53

Ben I am considering getting tivo. Could i move my existing box into another room for free or would it cost Â£ 6.50 per month and also

BenMcr · 29-09-2011, 22:55

You would have to speak to Customer Services regarding any offers available to you

HD Boy · 29-09-2011, 22:57

Will there be a update after the big update to Tivo which includes BBC and Sky Sports Red button this year ?

pythagoras · 29-09-2011, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Boy

Will there be a update after the big update to Tivo which includes BBC and Sky Sports Red button this year ?
http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/...ve/td-p/705605

No one knows the answer to that question.

Regards

John

HD Boy · 29-09-2011, 23:00

So there will be another update after the big update. I will get tivo if it is coming before the end of the year

Quote:

Bcfc,

As I've said in a separate post, the introduction of new features to TiVo planned for the second half of this year will not come all in a single update.

I just hope to set expectations because it seems that a rumour has been heavily perpetuated on this board that there is one all encompassing update to come. In actuality, there will be a large update, but other feature updates will follow very soon after this update (as their introduction had the update itself as a dependency).

Nick
Nick Ontiveros
TV Strategy, Digital Entertainment

http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/...ve/td-p/705605

spiderplant · 29-09-2011, 23:51

In most cases applications don't require a box update at all. The Red Button mechanism itself has worked from before TiVo launched. The applications become available as soon as they are published without any need for a software update.

For example, the CNBC app was added recently without an update, including the red button link from the CNBC channel.