TiVo questions

Because I'm so not an early adapter, I'm just getting around to joining the TiVo revolution.

So here are my questions:

1. How much memory do I need? Is the 80-hour machine where I can record two things at once big enough? Or should I drop the extra 100 bucks and get the 180-hour machine?

2. Is it true that if I have DSL through my phone company that the TiVo won't be able to connect through the phone?

Thanks much for the help.

 

Not sure what the phone line is for.
We had to get a land line at our last place for DirecTV (and Tivo). It was just a way for the home office to occasionally update our box, I guess.
We just moved and when we called DirecTV expressing interest in switching to Dish, they gave us the free move, upgraded our box and told us we didn't need a phone line. The box got all the info it needed off the satellite -- same place it gets programming.
The guy that installed it at our new place asked for our land line to hook it up; we told him we were told we didn't need it; he shrugged, said okay and finished up. We haven't had any problems.

 

get as big of a hard drive as you can afford. i got tivo early on when the memories were 40 hours. i had to get two to fill my needs.


the second question is simply not true.

 

With TIVO, the phone line updates the TV menus each week.

 

My Dish Network box needs the phone line if you want to order any pay-per-view movies.

 

and for pay-per-view i think you need the phone line.

 

\
oops .... i wasn't quick enough

 

Make sure you get an actual TiVo. Not the DirecTV DVR. My TiVo recently went out and I replaced it with the DirecTV DVR. Possibly the biggest electronic-purchase mistake of my life (I was too young for Betamax, probably would have gone that way too).

 

Did you invest in a laser disc player in the early '90s?

Giant discs + a humongous player = can't miss!!!

 

Sadly, no. But who wouldn't want a copy of "Footloose" as big as the soundtrack LP?

 

Anyone know how to take a TIVO clip off the TV?

 

I went to Walmart and bought a wireless adapter, so I don't need a landline to update. That was the only reason I could find for having a home phone.