Don’t Have Tivo? Try These Alternatives
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune gives a short but interesting overview of all the different options you have for getting a DVR. Steve Woodward writes that although Tivo is the “gold standard� for DVRs, it isn’t the only show in town. Companies are now offering consumers excellent alternatives to Tivo such as:
Cable TV: (Like Comcast). These are great ways of getting introduced to DVRs since they have many of the same features as Tivo.
Satellite TV: (Like DirecTV). Another great option, but they don’t offer advanced features such as TivoToGo.
Freestanding DVRs: (Manufacturers like Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony and Phillips). The main differences will be the user-interface, and the electronic program guides. But oftentimes these freestanding devices come with extras like a DVD recorder for archiving shows. They can be more expensive, however, than other options.
PCs with DVR software: (Like Windows Media Center).Although a great feature, it’s not going to be popular for those not willing to use a PC as their method of watching TV. Great for geeks and other technies, however.
And the last one he mentions are DVR-capable TVs . These are TVs that can connect directly to external hard drives so you avoid buying a separate box altogether. They use the fancy new CableCARDs, as well. I’m not sure how handy these might be since they will likely not have an easy-to-use interface and you’ll still need to connect a hard drive close to the TV. But it’s still technology to keep an eye on.
Yet another category are the build your own or DIY personal video recorders, such as those powered by MythTV open source software. Anyone can now use a spare computer and build their own PC-based PVR, or buy a pre-built one such as the Monolith using MythTV.
Again, this is best for techies that are comfortable tinkering with PCs and Linux, but it’s yet another way people are looking for an all-in-one digital media experience with no monthly Tivo service fees.
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