The Bolt has 4 tuners for whatever source you have it hooked up to, whether you use OTA or cable.
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Slightly off topic but any TiVo users here?
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The Bolt has 4 tuners for whatever source you have it hooked up to, whether you use OTA or cable.
Does the TIVO Mini's take a turner? I have the FIOS Media Server with 6 turners and the STB small "Clients" take up a turner each. Now with Hulu (no commercials) I no longer have a need for all of the turners. There have been times where I would record 4 shows on maybe 1 night. Part of the problem has been the start times of like 9:01 and end times of 10:01. This creates a problem with recordings. Since my 6 turner I have no problems. Also, the Clients only take the turner when in use. They are not dedicated. I was hoping for a ATV TIVO Client App. If it took a turner per active client the 4 turners would be a minimum. Anyway, still think DVR's are on the way out once we have on demand without commercials (like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon etc.).
2 is absolutely unacceptable in our house, and I would imagine it is in many households with families with different tastes in programming. There are nights a week 4 tuners are recording a program at the same time. Depending on live sports, we can have 5. I've never maxed out all 6 tuners at once recording. I have 2 4-tuner models and a 6-tuner model.
Also, if you have a TiVo Mini or stream via the TiVo app, it "steals" one of the unused tuners. So if someone in our guest bedroom is watching something via the Mini, our box only has 5 usable tuners. If someone decides to watch via the app, it goes down to 4.
I love our Roamios. And the out-of-home streaming is vastly superior to using our Slingbox. The Bolt seems pretty pointless to me for now, other than the auto-skip (which isn't on ever channel anyway). If they had a 6-tuner one I maybe would've considered. We replaced our Comcast boxes with TiVos about 8 years ago. Then when FiOS was available in our area, switched to FiOS but kept the TiVos and have just upgraded our TiVo boxes along the way. FiOS (at least in my area) has no copy protection on channels other than HBO and Cinemax (that I've tried), so I can pull any show off the TiVo.
I very much dislike the Netflix app on the TiVo, I use my AppleTV for that. It does have Prime Instant, which is nice. The Spotify app is also crap (unless they've updated it recently). Part of the problem was up until recently, all of the apps on TiVos were in Flash. They just started doing them all in HTML5 and the newer ones are much better.
When in use, yes. So your box has 1 less available tuner when someone is watching something on the Mini.
For what it's worth, my parents have an old Tivo with two tuners, and it still conflicts occasionally (even though there are only about four good OTA channels over here!)
With pretty much the standard with CABLE company's to have 6 turner boxes I think TIVO should start with 6 to be competitive.
If you meant me, yes, I'm antenna only. One big reason for wanting more tuners is the shows do not all begin/end at the same minute. Some say right in the guide that they end late, some just end late and you'll want to adjust the recording setup. While "soft" beginning/ending recordings are now automatic in TiVo, simply having spare tuners is still preferred to make sure you get your whole show.
I used to have 3 two-tuner tivos and would miss recordings. With a four-tuner, nothing is ever missed. Much better all in one. If I had cable, I could definitely see the use for six-in-one.
I'm thinking about getting one as well.
but I'm really confused, how does TiVO get contents? do i still need a cable service (like comcast), or do i need an antenna to receive 'wireless broadcasting'. or it's just simply streaming from their server?
but I'm really confused, how does TiVO get contents? do i still need a cable service (like comcast), or do i need an antenna to receive 'wireless broadcasting'. or it's just simply streaming from their server?
Simple version:
It can be any of or a combo. The basic OTA TiVO is just that - OTA. No cable needed but you can connect it to your streaming services as well. The higher end TiVOs are for people with cable services and get content from whoever your local provider is. These models can also be used with streaming services. But as previously mentioned, none of the models have HBO GO/NOW or Showtime Anytime. You can get showtime anytime w/ Hulu as an add-on though. TiVO also requires a subscription to their services - either for the lifetime of your device or as a monthly or yearly subscription.
so what do i get from their (TIVO) subscription?
plus, if i just want to watch live new (CNN/Fox/whatever), without paying for a cable service, would a TiVo be sufficient for my need?
It comes with the awesome on-screen guide & UI with all the features other pl in this thread have been talking about. There's a video on their web site you can watch. You can not watch cable tv without a cable subscription. TiVO replaces your cable box. If the channel is available OTA and you have a OTA TiVO, you can watch it just like regular TV.
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I had a Roamio Basic and now have a 500GB Bolt, connected to Comcast now but I did test both on OTA HD channels. The Bolt is IMO a much better and nicer set-top box. 4 tuners is enough for me, and I've read that the 6-tuner units will be out early next year. I have a Winegard amplified HD antenna (made in Iowa!) connected to my HDTV so it's effectively a 5-tuner set up. Comcast charges me $1.99 per month for the cablecard but credits my account $2.50 per month, so it's a wash (a cheap wash, at that).
Don't buy a Roamio. The Bolt's picture and sound output is much nicer, the interface is much faster, and there's a year's worth of fees included (I was month to month with the Roamio). I tried an X1, but returned it - too tied up in the Comcast cloud and a buggy interface were the turnoffs. I'm also using my older Slide Pro remote with the Bolt (bought on sale from Amazon) - the slide out keypad is helpful for searching. If I need more space I can either put in a larger hard drive or connect an eSATA drive and Bolt (or the Roamio) will automatically format the new drive. The Bolt ties into the Tivo like my Roamio never did - viewing over wifi on iOS devices is built in now - nice, that.
I'd hazard a guess that Tivo's fees will go down sometime next year when their patents expire.
I'm using it with my Amazon Prime and Netflix accounts, waiting for Hulu Plus (I have the no-ads sub). There's one post here that offered some account access isn't available - I'll offer that I can access all of my premium subscription programming via an app in My Shows, and I can watch any available programming any time; Comcast made all of their streaming programming available earlier this year.
Don't buy a Roamio. The Bolt's picture and sound output is much nicer, the interface is much faster, and there's a year's worth of fees included (I was month to month with the Roamio). I tried an X1, but returned it - too tied up in the Comcast cloud and a buggy interface were the turnoffs. I'm also using my older Slide Pro remote with the Bolt (bought on sale from Amazon) - the slide out keypad is helpful for searching. If I need more space I can either put in a larger hard drive or connect an eSATA drive and Bolt (or the Roamio) will automatically format the new drive. The Bolt ties into the Tivo like my Roamio never did - viewing over wifi on iOS devices is built in now - nice, that.
I'd hazard a guess that Tivo's fees will go down sometime next year when their patents expire.
I'm using it with my Amazon Prime and Netflix accounts, waiting for Hulu Plus (I have the no-ads sub). There's one post here that offered some account access isn't available - I'll offer that I can access all of my premium subscription programming via an app in My Shows, and I can watch any available programming any time; Comcast made all of their streaming programming available earlier this year.
Yes, cord-cutter here. We got a Roamio with lifetime service (and TiVo Stream) and love it. Hooked up to the antenna and get everything that's broadcast. Totally worth it. Between it and the Apple TV, we're all set - all we could need or want. Perfect setup for us.
It seems as though the OP posted then disappeared, so for the interested others there's this recent add to the Tivo platform - watching your programming online and away from home, forgot to mention this earlier:
http://online.tivo.com/start
https://www.tivo.com/support/how-to/tivo-online
http://online.tivo.com/start
https://www.tivo.com/support/how-to/tivo-online
I use the older Tivo Premiere with an external hard drive. I record things I want from the local channels and have the Lifetime subscription so I don't pay a DVR fee. You can buy them used with Lifetime on ebay. Tivo is wanting $599 for Lifetime now which is ridiculous. I also have an Apple TV and a Roku 3.
Roamio plus tivo user with networked tivo minis. Works great.
I really like the universal search across comcast, on-demand, netflix, amazon prime, yahoo, etc.
I am not a cord cutter yet. I like live sports, etc. but will cut the cord if/when I can.
I also have an apple tv3 but don't use it much. So I don't plan to get the new apple tv until it can do what I have now.
I really like the universal search across comcast, on-demand, netflix, amazon prime, yahoo, etc.
I am not a cord cutter yet. I like live sports, etc. but will cut the cord if/when I can.
I also have an apple tv3 but don't use it much. So I don't plan to get the new apple tv until it can do what I have now.
After much difficulty I finally have been able to get the TiVO Bolt to work properly and in cooperation with my Charter cable box and subscription.
The TiVO box required multiple attempts in order to connect with the internet (Wi-Fi was never successful and I had to use Ethernet cable to wire it directly to my router), download and update software, and the whole process took at least 2 days and multiple failed attempts and restarts. After finally getting it to work, the TiVO itself was functional but the cable channels did not come through. A call to Charter (at least my third call over a span of five days or so) finally got the tuning adaptor and cable card to interface properly and then the TiVO finally began to display the cable channels and work as intended.
It looks like an excellent setup and the interface is much better and more intuitive than Charter, which was my first objective. I also like the easy incorporation of other services - I've already used it to connect to my Amazon Prime account, and adding other subscriptions such as Netflix will be easy if I sign up for any of those.
The TiVO box required multiple attempts in order to connect with the internet (Wi-Fi was never successful and I had to use Ethernet cable to wire it directly to my router), download and update software, and the whole process took at least 2 days and multiple failed attempts and restarts. After finally getting it to work, the TiVO itself was functional but the cable channels did not come through. A call to Charter (at least my third call over a span of five days or so) finally got the tuning adaptor and cable card to interface properly and then the TiVO finally began to display the cable channels and work as intended.
It looks like an excellent setup and the interface is much better and more intuitive than Charter, which was my first objective. I also like the easy incorporation of other services - I've already used it to connect to my Amazon Prime account, and adding other subscriptions such as Netflix will be easy if I sign up for any of those.
Just an update to keep TIVO discussions going (and no, a 100 post count isn't motivating me). The Roamio's I have were updated with the latest software.
1. Fast Mode
2. Commercial skip (which is awesome!)
3. TiVo app
4. No ATV support, but there is for Amazon Fire Stick
The TIVO app is a bit handcuffed by copyright coding. It's more energy efficient than Sling
Skip Mode is AWESOME. It showed up on my Roamio Pro & Minis the other day and it works great. I like Quick Mode for some shows but it's not good for anything dialogue heavy. You miss too much but it's great for sitcoms.
The TiVo app has improved a lot but it's still kind of a pain to download for offline. On the iOS app, you have to keep the app open while it downloads. Is there a way around this? Download doesn't seem to work in the background. I've basically taken to overnight cTivo downloads direct to my Plex folders and letting it sync there.
Had it, used it and loved it. Was totally bumbed when Directv dropped it and even more bummed when they brought it back but didn't allow network sharing. Absolutely flawless product. Pricey though and for us we'd have to use cable because OTA is horrible here due to terrain. In the grand scheme of things staying with Directv and their Genie product just makes better financial sense.
Tivo works great for me in this configuration. The newer TIVO can skip (not just quickly skim) commercials and it handles apps better, with fewer delays. Also Tivo supports searching across multiple sources, e.g. cable, Netflix, Amazon...
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Netflix app on older Tivos is pretty bad. I've heard it is much better on the new Tivos.
I almost bought my first TiVo a couple months ago - a Bolt. The specs looked impressive and the price is reasonable. I use Comcast cable and was getting tired of the monthly DVR rental fee. Joined a TiVo forum to get more info and user experience before taking the plunge.
After a couple weeks on the forum I changed my mind about the purchase. In addition to the goofy-looking curved case and white color, there were two major issues that concerned me: The fan in the unit is apparently very audible even when it is just in standby. I hate fan noise -and LOVE my iMac for this very reason. Secondly, the experience of getting the Comcast cable card to install and pair with the TiVo can be very time consuming and frustrating, with multiple tech visits and/or phone calls sometimes required. Just something I wasn't interested in putting myself through.
Current plan is to stick with Comcast for a few more months and then transition to OTA reception in combination with Apple TV apps as more ala carte content becomes available. Will also look at other new DVR options that should appear in the future.
I do appreciate that this forum does discuss TiVo, etc. as well as other solutions for cord cutting. Thanks!
After a couple weeks on the forum I changed my mind about the purchase. In addition to the goofy-looking curved case and white color, there were two major issues that concerned me: The fan in the unit is apparently very audible even when it is just in standby. I hate fan noise -and LOVE my iMac for this very reason. Secondly, the experience of getting the Comcast cable card to install and pair with the TiVo can be very time consuming and frustrating, with multiple tech visits and/or phone calls sometimes required. Just something I wasn't interested in putting myself through.
Current plan is to stick with Comcast for a few more months and then transition to OTA reception in combination with Apple TV apps as more ala carte content becomes available. Will also look at other new DVR options that should appear in the future.
I do appreciate that this forum does discuss TiVo, etc. as well as other solutions for cord cutting. Thanks!
The CableCARD is easily paired. Just have to know the right number to call. Literally takes 5 minutes on the phone and sometimes up to 30 minutes for it to become active. PM me if you need the number if you make the plunge.
I wouldn't get a Bolt since it only has 4 tuners. I would get a Roamio Pro, although it's about 3 years old now and hopefully they will be coming out with a 4K version soon.
I have a Roamio Pro and 7 Minis in my house. Absolutely love the setup and now that the bugs have been ironed out, I have absolutely no problems with it. I can stream live TV, prerecorded TV (pause and pick up in another room), stream Netflix/Amazon Prime, and watch Xfinity Video on Demand without problems.
I wouldn't get a Bolt since it only has 4 tuners. I would get a Roamio Pro, although it's about 3 years old now and hopefully they will be coming out with a 4K version soon.
I have a Roamio Pro and 7 Minis in my house. Absolutely love the setup and now that the bugs have been ironed out, I have absolutely no problems with it. I can stream live TV, prerecorded TV (pause and pick up in another room), stream Netflix/Amazon Prime, and watch Xfinity Video on Demand without problems.
When my COX bill went from $156 to $223 for a service with no premium channels, one DVR, on regular box, phone and internet I cut the cable TV portion and use a Tivo Romio with an over the air antenna. I also have an Apple TV 2 (waiting for more applications before I buy a 4.) The Tivo has several applications including Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Video that we use (Netflix crashes after a few minutes on our Apple TV 2.) The Tivo program guide and recording capabilities are as good as COX TV.
I would concur with this. I purchased a TiVo as a gift recently, and set it up on Comcast. Dropped by a Comcast location to pick up the cable card which was the business equivalent of a war zone with about a 20 minute wait time. I did ask the rep, based on my decades of experience with TWC, for a cable card activation number. She had to ask for assistance as it's not a common request, but was able to get one. I installed the card, called the number, and it was a surprisingly pleasant experience.
I've been using Cable Cards since the Tivo Series 3, and not all my experiences have been this good. The cable cards themselves have improved greatly over time, too. I'm not surprised you've heard horror stories as I've experienced some.
I'll sum up my guidance with:
1. Get the Cable Card Activation Number. Both Comcast and TWC have one.
2. Take a picture with your phone of the cable card to get all the numbers, including serial numbers, off the back. Removing the cable card unpairs everything, so you have to start the process again. Don't take the card out was installed. The TIVO software now displays the information, but it's good to have a "reference copy" for the process, and taking a picture is easy.
3. Once the cable card is installed, you have to re-run set-up. TiVos now boot significantly faster than they used to. (I recall a 12 minute boot time at one point)
4. Be patient. Once everything is installed and up and running, it's not an "instant on" with Comcast. The channels will slowly start appearing over the next 30 minutes or so. I'd suggest letting it sit for everything to link. If things aren't looking right, write down the range of channels you're seeing versus not seeing. Call the Cable Card number with this information.
5. Some channels have weaker signals than other ones. I was getting a some pixelation on a few. I added a motorola coaxial amp and the problem was solved. I'm not sure how amping a digital signal solved matters, but I'll take a quick solution. My initial attempts at working through the cable company weren't worth the time.
6. I connect my TiVos to my home network using Airport Extremes (purchased through the Refurb store) as extended network hotspots. The TiVo wireless adapters are between good and very good, but new they are about 70% fo the cost of a refurb Airport. Ethernet would be ideal, but that's not something i'm willing to invest in at this time.
7. I've not noticed any fan noise with a Roamio. Can't speak to a Bolt
8. TiVo still has Roamio's for sale on their site. I'm not sure there's any features now on the Bolt that the Roamio can't use. 6 tuners are great. I record sporting events at times and provide a lot of "overage" buffer to accommodate "red flags" or "overtime". 4 tuners can get exhausted quickly by this.
9. Buy from TiVo directly over a big box store/online. At times they haven't allowed the lifetime service purchase from other vendors.
10. From time to time TiVo runs promotions to convert monthly service to lifetime or transfer your lifetime to a new box for a fee. I haven't seen this in a while, but I have lifetime on all my boxes.
11. TiVo has a discount formula for upgrading boxes. They're sensitive to losing existing customers. You can get discounts if you want to replace yourbox on the "I was thinking of moving to the cable company dvr inquiry..."
12. I use TiVo for recording, downloading (when you can due to copy protection) and remote viewing (when you can..). As others have noted it's near-perfect in this regard. Massively better than the motorola dvr box my cable company offers.
13. The full commercial skip works surprisingly well. Awesome feature. Awesome.
14. TiVo to Go on the mac is gone, and replaced by their more robust App. You used to be able to download a TiVo program into Toast on your mac, and burn/create a file from it. That noted, "the concept" was a lot better than the reality. Was a slow process from download to burn/conversion.
I appreciate both Sling and TIVO are trying to be creative with their external packaging. I still find the stackable box design more attractive, but that's just my preference.