Key Factors needed by DirecTV HDTIVO to win my approval over the Dish 921

[DonLandis]

As a 921 satisfied owner, I will start this off by suggesting that I am looking forward to HDTIVO offering-

1. Local OTA program guide.
2. Name based recording.
3. Additional OTA tuner.
4. Ability to time shift NFL ST HD next season.
5. Starz HD channel

While I suspect that Dish will soon get the Local guides working on the 921, currently, I find it the most annoying issue with the 921. Fortunately, I got lucky in that my 921 works much better than many who have purchased them are reporting. Rebooting of the 921 is certainly annoying but fortunately I only experience it about once a week so I have tolerated it, since L146 version of the firmware. I look forward to a TIVO that does not have the reboot issue, ever!

In addition, having both receivers will give me the capability of recording up to 55 hours of HD channels. My current 921 experience with HD time shifting indicates that I need about 40 hours of record time and having both will accommodate that need. I also understand that TIVO is or should be Hard drive swappable, or at least Hard drive swap friendly. If possible, I see me having a juke box, hard drive swap system for archives. The 921 is not Hard drive swap friendly and proposes the Dishwire for this purpose but so far this is not a functioning feature.

Looking forward to filling that empty spot on my rack that is slated for the HDTIVO. I have it already prewired and just waiting for the reviews to come in before making the purchase.

[Chris Blount]

Hi Don,

It's going to be interesting to see what happens with the HD Tivo. From what the beta testers are saying, it's quite a machine but I am reserving judgment until I actually have one in my hands.

Local OTA recording is my main reason for getting an HD time shift device. I like to watch network programming in HD. Everything else is secondary. I was disappointed with the 921 not showing local programing in the guide. This was a big turnoff to me. On the other hand, you gotta love being able to time shift any HD programming. Quite an amazing technological jump.

I guess the jury will be out until we get our hands on the HD Tivo. I also have cables ready and waiting. They just need something to feed. :)

[Throwbot]

Well vescere bracis meis!
("Eat my shorts" if you must know)
Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves for being filthy rich and wasting thousands of dollars on mindless electronics, as us poor people of the world try to get by, going day to day, show to show without any DVR's. We dream of DVR's at my house. We cope, with SD, with analog, getting by using , yes I'll say! it using VCR's while you two gorge yourselves on 921's and HDTivo's.
After reading this no doubt you will both decide to donate one of the two units to the poor. If you email me I will give you an address were you can send them to, and cleanse your soul of this greed!

[JStanton]

Oh, yeah. I'm super ashamed that I work my a** off to support my electronics habit.

[Throwbot]

Sorry, that was a private message to Don and Chris
This is a new special kind of thread.
It's spontaneous and it's called wit.
It was never intended for people who lack the ability to see the difference.
So please don't take offense.
Sorry!

[Jedk1]

Ability to time shift NFL ST HD next season.

What does time shift mean? Is that the same as pausing live television?

Thanks,
JedK

[Mark Lamutt]

Timeshifting is recording something that is on now to watch later at your convenience without commercials, or in this case probably, annoying commentary.

[Danny R]

having both receivers will give me the capability of recording up to 55 hours of HD channels

If the HD Tivo is as hackable as its predecessors, I'll probably be switching and loading it up with two 400GB drives (http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,115146,00.asp).

[MedMech]

I think a unit thats works would be my first choice, features don't mean squat if my $1000 investment is traveling back and forth from repairs.

HD Tivo gets the nod.