Considering moving to TiVo Premiere DVR

[tmar89]

I've been using Beyond TV what seems like forever now But with no evolution in the product, and the crazy setup of HD-PVRs, HVR-2250, USB-UIRTs, and now some issues with the 2250s stuttering and the HD-PVR not putting out the same quality picture and sound as newer DVRs, I really just want new technology.

I've been doing a comparison of what BTV does for me and my cable company offers a TiVo Premiere DVR for $12.95 a month, no TiVo subscription necessary. And with TiVo Desktop, I think I can do everything that BTV does, except the SmartSkip. Anyone out there using TiVo now after using BTV, or has experience with the TiVo system?

[tmar89]

So I played with the TiVo Premiere for a week and I decided that I like BTV so much better.

TiVo negatives
1- The TiVo interface is SO sluggish, especially compared to BTV.
2- No commercial detect, and skipping through isn't customizable other than a 30 second skip forward and 5 second skip back
3- No ShowSqueeze
4- Limited capabilities to expand hard drive. It has an eSata port but it only supports a specific WD drive. I couldn't use my eSata drive. That was the killing point.
5- Recording Manager is so much better than their Season Manager
6- Better web interface on BTV

TiVo positives
1- Richer interface with artwork
2- Integrated with Podcasts, YouTube and other Web content.
3- Still supported with software updates, so it could get better.
4- Quality is better compared with HD-PVR since HD-PVR is limited to Component.

TiVo going back to RCN tomorrow!

[cartoonman]

Thanks for posting this feedback and reassuring BTV users about the product with your reviews. It is tempting with new technology. It reinforces users to keep utilizing this forum to help keep BTV working smoothly as technology changes.