TiVo TiVo STB's - how reliable?

SmartMart · 10-09-2012, 10:49

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 .....

carlwaring · 10-09-2012, 10:52

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

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

SmartMart · 10-09-2012, 11:24

How long have you had the box?

Stephen · 10-09-2012, 11:40

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.

Hom3r · 10-09-2012, 11:41

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

oliver1948uk · 10-09-2012, 11:50

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

andy_m · 10-09-2012, 12:07

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.

MalteseFalcon · 10-09-2012, 12:15

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.

carlwaring · 10-09-2012, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartMart

How long have you had the box?

Feb or March last year, IIRC.

nicko · 10-09-2012, 12:49

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

denphone · 10-09-2012, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliver1948uk

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

Same here with our two boxes.

passingbat · 10-09-2012, 14:06

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 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkC1984

Apart from not recording my NFL last night, .

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

heavyside · 10-09-2012, 14:33

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.

MalteseFalcon · 10-09-2012, 15:19

@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.

Chad · 10-09-2012, 18:18

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!