Product Features
- Dual-tuner TiVo box can record programming from two different channels at once; optimized for cable users
- Digitally record up to 80 hours of programming
- USB and Ethernet ports offer ability to stream digital music and photos from a computer to TiVo and transfer programming to PCs
- TiVo service includes Season Pass, WishList, program guide, digital music, digital photos, and online scheduling
- Everything required for installation is supplied; subscription to TiVo service is additional requirement
Technical Details
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Length: 15.0 inches
- Height: 3.3 inches
- Width: 12.5 inches
- Weight: 8.0 pounds
Click To Get A "TiVo TCD649080 Series2 80-Hour Dual-Tuner Digital Video Recorder"
The Series2 has a USB port and an Ethernet connection, offering users with home networks the ability to stream photos and music to their TiVo, or send programs from one TiVo to another. This connectivity also lets TiVo subscribers access exciting entertainment services through the TiVo Home Media Features, which consists of the TiVo Digital Music Player, TiVo Digital Photo Viewer, and Multi-Room Viewing. The TiVo Digital Music Player lets you enjoy your computer's MP3 collection through your home entertainment sound system. Access and control your entire digital music collection via your TV; shuffle your music library by artist, album, or type of music; and create a custom playlist on your computer or use third-party software to develop playlists for every mood. The TiVo Digital Photo Viewer accesses digital photos stored on your computer and showcases them on your TV. View photo albums and slideshows on your TV screen, easily navigate, search, and view your computer's entire digital photo library, play and control slideshows of photo albums, and use the remote control to select and view individual photos. |
TiVo's Series2 DVR allows users to view photos and listen to music stored on their computer or other peripheral device. |
| With the Multi-Room Viewing feature, users can pause live TV and resume viewing in another room. | Multi-Room Viewing is designed for households with two Series2 DVRs and allows you to record a show on one DVR and send it to another if your kids are watching in the living room, say, and you're watching in the bedroom. You can also start a program on one DVR and pick up where you left off on your other DVR, as well as access the Now Playing list of a connected Series2 DVR at any time. You can also find and schedule recordings even when you're away from home. With Online Scheduling, you'll have the freedom to schedule programs from anywhere you have a computer with an Internet connection. Just sign in to TiVo Central Online to access the same recording options you have at home. Broadband connected Series2 subscribers can also view both their own photo slideshows and those shared by friends with Yahoo! Photos, and check local weather and traffic from Yahoo!. Additionally, subscribers can browse and buy movie tickets from Fandango, discover new music on Live365, and listen to entertaining podcasts. The Series2 DVR is compatible with virtually every television available. It also works with VCRs, TV antennas, cable systems, and satellite systems. A patented universal remote control simplifies program recording and controls multiple TiVos within the home (2 devices can share your existing phone line). Connections include: 3 video inputs and outputs (S-video, composite-video, and RF coaxial), 1 set of stereo RCA analog audio inputs, and 2 sets of stereo audio outputs. |
TiVo service requires a monthly subscription fee; see tivo.com for current rates. Other benefits of TiVo service include but are by no means limited to: Season Pass (TiVo automatically finds and records every episode of a series all season long, even if the network schedule changes), WishList (TiVo finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, team, or even topic), Smart Recording (TiVo detects line-up changes for you and suggests programs to match your interests, if desired), and Showcases (exclusive entertainment plus recording shortcuts from some of the most popular networks on TV). You can even train TiVo to autorecord more shows you'll love when you use the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down buttons on the supplied remote. Parental controls let you lock channels or set ratings limits based on content.
What's in the BoxProduct Description
TiVo Series 2 Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder The world´s first, best, and easiest-to-use digital video recorder just got better. Now, record two shows at once! New enhancements to the Series2 DT DVR include a built-in Ethernet port to make connecting to your home network even easier. A new bezel featuring a gloss black center section and real brushed aluminum surround gives the Series2 DT DVR a modern, upscale look. But we know enough not to mess with a good thing: the same TiVo peanut remote that TiVo subscribers have come to know and love is included. Only the TiVo® service gives you the freedom to watch your favorite shows any time, anywhere.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
254 of 258 people found the following review helpful:
By N. Schweitzer "aznick" (Tempe, AZ United States)
After years of sticking to a single-tuner model (except for the DirecTv versions), Tivo has finally released a dual-tuner model. For the most part, the only difference between this model and previous Series 2 Tivos is the ability to record two channels at once.
The box keeps the look of the more recent series 2 Tivos, except for a black-accented faceplate. The connections in the rear are laid out largely the same as past versions, with the exception of an ethernet port that has been added for wired networking.
The software has minor changes, particularly slight modifications to the menu background images and the newer "tivo introduction skit" that appears when the tivo is powered on. The software and hardware work smoothly. There seems to be a faster processor included, as navigation through the menus is quick and smooth.
The dual-tuner functions work well. Having grown accustom to the single-tuner model, it took me some time to get used to the ability to change channels while recording (and that what is on screen is not necessarily what is being recorded). It was also pleasant to schedule 25 season passes without a single conflict-such is the benefit of being able to record two shows at once.
But the dual-tuner function needs some explanation. The people who benefit most from the DT function are those who have analog cable without a cable box (as I do). I simply plug in the coax cable into the tivo, and it is ready to go. (Note: there is only one coax input-the signal is split internally and sent to the dual tuners.) If you have a cable box or digital cable, things start to get a bit trickier. In fact, in order to use the dual-tuner feature, you MUST be able to receive at least some channels through an analog cable connection. This means that if you have purely digital cable that requires a digital cable box, you will NOT be able use the dual tuner functions, as there is only one connection allowed between the cable box and tivo. I suggest you go to tivo's website and download the product manual for the DT tivo and read the part about connecting tivo to your cable. If it seems like too big of a hassle, you might want to wait for the series 3 tivos that will include cable-card technology (which allows you to use digital cable without the cable box).
One additional note, tivo has stopped supporting over-the-air antenna tuning with this model. If you hook up an antenna to tivo, it will only receive channels 2-13. Any broadcast channels above 13 will not be received.
And for those who are thinking of "upgrading" this tivo to a larger hard drive-the DT tivo is upgradeable in the same ways that past series 2 models were. I used the standard methods (which are published all over the internet) and replaced the 80GB hard drive with a 250GB one. Upgrading, however, voids your warranty (which is only 3 months anyway).
Overall, I am happy with the DT tivo, but that is in large part due to fact that I receive analog cable without a cable box. Many of you who have been using antennas, cable boxes or digital cable will likely be somewhat less satisfied with this model
34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
By Mark F. Braun (Norridge, IL)
WOW! My wife bought me this for Father's Day. I'm not a jewelry type of guy, but TiVo is drop-dead freakin' awesome, speechlessly amazing!
If you don't know TiVo: plug it in, let it set itself up, and every time you turn on your set, it quietly records as you watch, so if you get up to take a call or get a snack, no problem: TiVo's got you covered.
Watch "The Dead Zone?" Take a 20 minute break and let TiVo start taping for you: you'll zip through what you don't want and back up to what you want to see again. No tape, no picture loss.
TiVo starts with a 15 second or so guide over your picture of what's on that show, how long and whatever else you need to know; not even "Today Show" is immune from TiVo knowing what's coming up. If you think there's nothing good on, use TiVo to search it all out. Cut your cable back to basic, bud; you'll have more finds with a lot less, guaranteed.
Program what you want to copy via the net. Yahoo! support for photos and junk.
Fandango ticket purchases, movie previews, it will even learn, if you want it to, what you like to watch. Very, very easy to hook up although working it into my LCD TV has yet to figure out what hook up is best, although we rewired it and the picture dramatically improved, so thanks Tivo for showing me a few options that were better!
I do NOT use TiVo's alphabetical directory of shows: slow. I DO use Yahoo! TV guides to just click and pick: fast and easy as pie.
My eMac still can't use TiVo's desktop app, but one'a these days I'll get it working.
Slide shows: better than I thought I'd ever use. Love it!
Check out the newest features and tutorials; you'll just flip and keep flipping.
Recommended: Sign up for the 3-year plan and f'get about it. By the time it's paid up, the next generation of Tivo will be around. It is a safe bet.
Anybody who trash-talks TiVo doesn't know it, so tune out critics and tune in devotees and never, ever miss a good show again.
25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
By the_emperor_of_ice_cream (Ft Washington, Pa United States)
I have listened to the hype about TIVO for a couple of years now. With the hundred dollar plus rebates on the hardware, as well as substantial discounts on the service, I thought I'd break down and give it a try. Here' my experience...
The Good...
1. Very intuitive user interface for the set-up screens and remote; it could be argued that Tivo is the gold standard for ease of use
2. Very secure packaging of unit
3. Included cabling is of unusally high quality (not Monster cable grade, but still very good for included cabling)
4. Installation directions are very easy to follow (though not as good as Dell's color coded design)
5. There is a 30 day money back guarantee
6. Customer reps are friendly and well trained (and they speak english too!)
The Bad...
1. The front of the box says all required cables are included; the directions state that a second A/V cable -- required for the recommended installation method -- is "user provided" (i.e., sold separately)
2. The service is not compatible with some VoIP services
3. Though set-up is easy, it is a one to two hour ordeal, requiring multiple visits to websites and countless button presses to ensure interoperablity with the cable box
4. The remote is pretty low tech looking; it also has a lower quality feel tha leads me to belive that I'll be shopping for a replacement in a year or less
The Ugly...
1. They try to get you to sign up for a three year, pre-paid service contract; if after 30 days you find that you don't like/need Tivo, you forteit all that money -- ouch!
2. When I attempted to use the website to activate the service, the site was unstable and wouldn't allow me to complete the order. I then called the 800 number for service, where the hold time exceed 25 minutes. Hope I never have cause to call again as this is a totally unacceptable wait time
Net/net: this is a well thought out product that does just what it says it does -- enables consumers to watch TV on their terms.
Click To Get A "TiVo TCD649080 Series2 80-Hour Dual-Tuner Digital Video Recorder"
