Questions on DirectTV Tivo, outputs, cost?

[mirko]

I have dicided on a direct TV Tivo system. I want a three room system, with Tivo in one room and regular receivers in the others.

I have my home theater set up now so that the signal from my DVD goes to my receiver and then to my new plasma TV. That signal is 3-wire component. I would like the DirectTivo unit to have the same output so that I can route everything to the receiver and then out from there. Is there such a unit? I know that I can wire something direct to the monitor but I would rather not do that, if possible.

Also, if I get a Tivo unit, can I watch the recorded material only on that TV/monitor or is there some commonality so that the recorded program can be watin other rooms as well?

Lastly, how about a suggestion for a good source for this equipment. I'm talking to a bunch of bozos at my local Best Buy.

Thanks,

Mirko

[bonscott87]

DirecTivo has S-Video, composite (RCA) and coax outputs.
Go to the DirecTv website and you'll get screenshots as well as manuals with all the technical specs.

You could watch something recorded on the Tivo in another room if you run an output to that room or have a video distribution system. It's no different in that respect then your DVD player.

[boba]

Mirko look for a local dealer not a mass merchandiser for answers. I would suggest Directv's promotion that starts today 3X Free. Get three receivers installed free with 1 year commitment. After you get your first bill go to Directv's website and order a TIVO under FFDVR code for $99.00. Directv will install the TIVO for free. You can replace one of your 3 free receivers or add the TIVO as a 4th receiver they will provide switches and installation FREE. So use their system to your advantage.

[SouthernSky]

Mirko look for a local dealer .

From what I've heard, most dealers will NOT be participating (it is voluntary) in the 3X promotion because the dealer is offered no additional incentive for providing a third receiver. It's bad enough trying to give one or two away for free.

Unless the dealer can charge for a multi-switch or triple dish or something extra, I can't see why a dealer would participate. This promo is a loser for all independant retailers/dealers.

DirecTV's argument is that since many dealers are "already giving away two receivers for free, you should give away three now to win the business." The cost of hardware and residuals doesn't warrant the extra expense. We'll pass.

[tivosmart]

Mirko look for a local dealer not a mass merchandiser for answers. I would suggest Directv's promotion that starts today 3X Free. Get three receivers installed free with 1 year commitment. After you get your first bill go to Directv's website and order a TIVO under FFDVR code for $99.00. Directv will install the TIVO for free. You can replace one of your 3 free receivers or add the TIVO as a 4th receiver they will provide switches and installation FREE. So use their system to your advantage.

I didn't go to local dealers for my new Directv system and got:

- better price (1 Tivo + 1 Director + 3-LNB Dish for future HDTV expansion) for about $82 shipped (after shipping rebate and friend's split of referral), a 3 unit system would cost me just $10 bucks more - if you don't need the 3-LNB price drops about $10 bucks.
- took 2 days for equipment to arrive via Fedex and 3 extra days for it to be installed at my home... pretty good service in my opinion.
- the convenience to order from home via web page.
- variety... there are several different combinations of packages you can choose from, not only Tivos... they give you for free up to 4 non-Tivo receivers if you want.

I am now considering to add a SECOND Tivo unit (beware, Tivo is addictive) using the FFDVR promotion above. In theory, you can't use the promotion twice (it's limited to one per household).

Here is my post detailing the exact same option I bought for myself: link (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?postid=150520&postcount=46)

To my knowledge, this is the best deal around for new subscribers.
Hope this helps you save a few bucks and get good quality and variety.

[tivosmart]

Ops, almost forgot the original questions.

I have my home theater set up now so that the signal from my DVD goes to my receiver and then to my new plasma TV. That signal is 3-wire component. I would like the DirectTivo unit to have the same output so that I can route everything to the receiver and then out from there. Is there such a unit? I know that I can wire something direct to the monitor but I would rather not do that, if possible.


The 3-wire output is called component video. It's better than S-Video which is better than Composite video, which in its turn is MUCH better then RF (F-plug, coaxial). Right now, there's no normal SDTV-based receiver that has component video output to my knowledge. You will find it only in HDTV-capable receivers, which are much more expensive.


Also, if I get a Tivo unit, can I watch the recorded material only on that TV/monitor or is there some commonality so that the recorded program can be watin other rooms as well?


If your question is to watch recorded programs in other TVs without moving your Tivo phisically to the other TV, the answer is: maybe... you can only do that if you get the TV-out coaxial output from your Tivo receiver and combine it to your coaxial cable feed while sending it to other TVs. This would give you not-good-quality video distribution to channel 3 in your home, but you would have to buy additional equipment to do this... and if you want, a bit more would give you the option to modulate it to higher frequency UHF channels too, like 82, 84, 86, etc.

Of course, I could be totally wrong about your intention with the question, so if you want you can always phisically more your Tivo to other TVs and watch your recorded shows there, no problem here.


Lastly, how about a suggestion for a good source for this equipment. I'm talking to a bunch of bozos at my local Best Buy.


See my previous post for the cheapest price I could find. Equipment is all the same once you get it installed, so I recommend someone with a mix of good price and good customer support, and this is what I've found. For the best source of information, the best place to ask is in boards like this, since both online sellers and bozos at Brick&Mortar stores are usually clueless about several important questions you might not have now but that you will find out when you get your equipment, and most of the folks here already have real problems/tips/recommendations on how to maximize your Tivo experience, so I would stick with info from here in order to make a purchase decision.