Adventures in DVRs
I’ve been contemplating whether or not to get one of the new TiVo Series 3 (high-def w/ dual-tuner support). The motivation is centered on all the issues I’ve been having with the Comcast DVR. I had to have it replaced about a month ago because it had stopped recording ANY shows (the whole purpose of having a DVR right?) and since it likes to reset itself frequently (typically during prime time). It also likes to frequently freeze in fast-forward mode — doesn’t sound that awful but it is (it’ll fast forward through the rest of the show during which you get spoilers into upcoming scenes). The only thing that’s been holding me back on the TiVo is all the horror stories with dealing with the cable companies on getting the TiVo setup. Given the new series 3 acts as a digital decoder it requires a couple of CableCards (one for each tuner) which “authorizes” the device with the cable provider as to which content you’re allowed to receive. If you read the ‘TiVo Community’ message boards you’ll realize what a task it can be to obtain the CableCards. There are posts indicating some cable providers (Comcast included) have refused to provide the cards citing they’re only allowed to install the cards in televisions. The FCC mandates that they provide the cards for any Cable Labs certified device (TiVo included) though I have no motivation to have to deal with a bunch of bureaucracy. I’ve also seen posts indicating that if they do agree to provide the cards that professional installation is typically required – costing anywhere from $17 to $70; in addition the on-going costs have been quoted anywhere from both cards being free upwards to $15/month. After reading everyone else’s experiences there’s no wonder I had no idea what to expect. So before making the investment on the TiVo I wanted to ensure that I’ll be able to use it without getting raped on installation and monthly fees – so I on Thursday I headed down to the Comcast office in Redmond to see what it was going to cost — I walked out less than 5 minutes later with two CableCards in hand…at no cost.
So I decided to make the leap and have placed an order for the unit (I couldn’t find any locally) and it should be here by Wednesday… more to come later once it’s in hand and setup.
