Tivo advice

[PurdueBrad]

Alright guys, I'm finally (and happily) giving in to the Tivo idea. I like the Tivo HD XL with 150 HD hours of recording time. Here are my questions:

1- I have Comcast, how do I go about getting this set-up?

2- Are there any other accessories I need to buy?

3- Is the lifetime programming deal @ $399 worth it over the 3 year deal @ $299?

Thanks and any other advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

[stevew]

I'd search for the recent foz thread, lots of helpful advice. For the lifetime to be worth it, you'd have to get at least 4 years out of the unit. I'm skeptical that any consumer(non TV) electronics device is built to last that long. Maybe TIVO's are easily repairable, hard to say. You'd definitely have to make sure to keep dust from building up inside of it. At some points they have let you transfer lifetime service to a new receiver, but it's not a given.

I'd definitely be looking to get one if I still had cable. Especially since they oftentimes will run promo subscription prices for retail workers.

I'm definitely not sure why the XL would be worth that much extra(at least 300 bucks) than the standard HD one. Although I suppose the remote does look nice, and it's THX certified fwiw. I mean, you can move stuff off of it onto the computer network as well.

[SirFozzie]

1) if Comcast is like Verizon, you will need to call them and request that they either send you two CableCARD's or come on site to install CableCARDs.

2) if you want more space, look at this item: Amazon.com: Western Digital WDG1S5000VN 500GB My DVR Expander eSATA: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WDG1S5000VN-500GB-Expander/dp/B0018O77Q2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226993387&sr=8-1) . This plug in eSATA drive will provide another 65 hours HD/300 Hours Standard storage space. It's fairly cheap too.

3) I would hesitate to get the lifetime service. I really think yearly is best, with how fast all the various services are upgrading.

[stevew]

Very good point about the lifetime service.

-wireless adapter for #2, unless the XL has it built in.

[PurdueBrad]

Thanks a ton for the advice guys!

[lordscarlet]

Make sure to get a compatible usb wifi device.

[SirFozzie]

In my case, I have a wired network, so I don't need the wireless thing :)

[kingnebwsu]

I just bought the HD XL. It's amazing. Lifetime is definitely worth it versus the monthly. There was another thread about a week ago on TiVo & there was some good info in there.

Cablecard was a nightmare to get installed, but it's amazing now. Good luck :)