TiVo FAQs

What is TiVo?

TiVo is a digital video recorder (DVR) that automatically finds and records programming that you request for later viewing. It can search and record by show title, channel, actor, keyword, etc. so you can watch what you want and when you like. Plus, viewers can use the remote to pause, rewind, and slow-mo live TV, and advance through commercials on recorded programming. The popular “Season Pass” function records future episodes of your favorite show every time it comes on, with the option of not recording reruns, so you don’t have to reprogram every week. Unlike tape-based recorders, a program that is still being recorded can be viewed from the beginning. Fans of DVRs fondly say that this technology has changed their life because they can watch their favorite programs when it’s convenient for them instead of being tied to the television during certain hours of the day.

How do the pause, fast forward and rewind functions work?

The TiVo unit constantly records the incoming television signal, allowing users to pause or rewind "live" TV within a 30 minute buffer. Many viewers use this capability to watch "live" TV with limited interruption from commercials by starting to watch from the beginning of the program 10-15 minutes after it’s started, then fast-forwarding through commercials. It’s also a convenient feature for watching sporting events, allowing viewers to review exciting plays, pause for bathroom breaks or fast forward through boring commentary.

How is TiVo different than other digital video recorders (DVRs)?

Customers can get DVRs at varying costs and capabilities from cable providers, satellite providers or directly from set top box providers TiVo and ReplayTV. In contrast to other DVR providers, TiVo is well-known for loyalty of their users who testify that they love TiVo so much that they cannot imagine watching TV without it. In addition to the other capabilities, TiVo subscribers get a user-friendly interface, home networking capabilities, features such as Season Passes, Wishlists, and Smart Recording based on previous viewing habits.

However, some argue that DVRs like TiVo are too complicated and consumers that are not comfortable with technology tend to prefer cheaper, more familiar systems like traditional tape recorders. In general, the cable companies' DVRs are less sophisticated and user-friendly with fewer capabilities than the TiVo, but they are also less expensive. DVRs from other satellite providers, such as Dish Networks, can be just as much or more expensive as TiVo with fewer capabilities.

Will TiVo work with my current TV set up?

Yes, a TiVo box works with cable, satellite, roof-top antenna and can also be used in a set up that includes VCRs and DVD players. If you are a current or future DIRECTV customer there is a DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service that combines these services into one set-top box. If you are already committed to another satellite provider, you may want to consider using the DVR they offer for convenience and to prevent new set up costs.

What are the pros and cons of having the TiVo and DIRECTV combination?

One of the most popular capabilities of this combination is that the DIRECTV set top box has two tuners, which allows you to record two programs showing at the same time, or watch live TV while a show is recording on the other tuner. This capability is possible because these TiVo systems are integrated with DirecTV receivers and record the incoming satellite MPEG-2 digital stream directly to hard disk without conversion. In addition, the lack of digital conversion allows recorded video to be of the same quality as live video. You also get the benefit of the breath of DIRECTV programming and special features such as NFL Sunday Ticket.

In the past the “DIRECTiVo” could be quite expensive with the up front costs of the set top box and monthly charges for DIRECTV programming and the TiVo service. The two companies are now offering dramatically less expensive promotions. However, you still have to buy the DIRECTV programming and they do not have a bare-bones option as a cable provider might have. Also you must have a clear view of the Southern sky for the dish to receive programming properly.

Where can I get TiVo?

A TiVo box can be bought at most major electronics stores, or can be bought in combination with service contracts from TiVo or DIRECTV. Be sure to shop around for current promotions as prices can vary significantly.

What are the costs?

There are two costs associated with owning TiVo. The up front cost is the TiVo box, which range in price depending on recording capacity. Also, TiVo subscribers pay a subscription fee which varies from $5.00 - $13.00 per month depending on your set up. TiVo also offers a one-time lifetime subscription fee of $299.

Does TiVo collect personal information about my viewing habits through the television connection?

Yes, TiVo does have the ability to collect usage data from units via the telephone line and some users have privacy concerns with this. TiVo stipulates that (currently) all usage data is aggregated by zip code, so that no information about individual viewing habits is being collected. In the U.S. users can request that TiVo block the collection of usage information from their TiVo DVR by calling 1-877-367-8486.

What is Smart Recording?

In addition to recording programs specified by the users, a feature pioneered by TiVo is the recording of additional programs based on the viewing habits of the household. TiVo users can also rate programs favorably or unfavorably (ranging from three "thumbs up" to three "thumbs down"). These ratings as viewing habits are correlated with the content of other programs to identify similar programs that the viewer is likely to find favorable. This feature can be turned off if you’d rather the unit not fill your hard drive space with programming you have not requested.