UPS for DirectTivo

[rrbhokies]

There is discussion in the Dish forum about people using UPS to protect their equipment. Just wanted to find out what DirecTV customers are using for their Tivos, TVs, etc. and what kind of runtimes people are getting. APC seems to be the favorite over in the Dish forum, with most people using at least a 450watt unit.

[HarryD]

I use a APC 350 for my TV and Philips Directivo. No problems..

[EricG]

I also have APC 350s on all my TiVos, I get about 40 minutes of run time.

[SParker]

I use a APC ES 725BB on my HD Tivo it works quite well.

[Mark Holtz]

A Tripp-Lite Internet 500 UPS purchased on February 13, 1999.

I want to have a newer UPS that can gracefully shutdown my PCs. That's on my wish list.

[HappyGoLucky]

On my main computer I have an APC BackUPS700 that can automatically shutdown the system before the battery is drained. For my computer equipment I trust APC.

For my TV and DirecTivo, I purchased a low-priced unit from Best Buy (cost me $39) that still provides over 5 hours of operation just for the Tivo if I don't have the TV on. With the TV on, I get about 5 minutes, but that's usually sufficient since the main thing that happens here is power blinking off for a second or two during a bad thunderstorm. In the past two years we've only had two long-term power outages.

[LarryS]

I've got a Cyberpower 325 for one Tivo and an APC 350 for the other. We don't get many power outages but the short ones we've had both UPS units worked. I also didn't pay more than $20 for either, rebates on both and the companies were prompt.

[gglockner]

Blackouts are very rare for us since we don't have severe storms. Though we do occasionally lose power due to earthquakes and rolling blackouts... :nono:

So I don't have a UPS, but I swear by the Tripp Lite surge protectors. I have an Isobar DBS (http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=109) to protect the TiVo power, modem, and satellite. I have used Tripp Lite for years and love their products. Among other things, they protect components from each other so that if your stereo has a surge, your TiVo would not be affected. They also make UPS devices. Highly recommended.

[Mike500]

For those who are close to a Staples, I just bought an Energizer 650VA for my Tivo for $20 instant savings and a $20 rebate. It will be $43 total, when I'm finished. This offer is good June 26. It comes with telephone, cable/satellite and usb surge protection; 4 USP outlets and 4 surge (non-UPS) outlets.

I hate rebates, but Staples has been very good on them. They will e-mail you, when they receive the application and e-mail you, when the rebate check is sent.

I now have my TiVo plugged into the UPS. The lnb cables go through a Panamax dbs surge protector plugged into the non-battery back up outlet.

If you don't have a Panamax, the UPS has both phone line and "F" connector protection.

[Mark Holtz]

Blackouts are very rare for us since we don't have severe storms. Though we do occasionally lose power due to earthquakes and rolling blackouts... :nono:

So I don't have a UPS, but I swear by the Tripp Lite surge protectors.The main reason I have a UPS is for the brief power outage. Since the TiVo is essentially a Linux computer, it takes about 5 minutes before the unit is fully operational and able to receive programming, plus you have to re-enter the codes. While I don't have my TV on the UPS (just surge protested), I can easily exit out of the recording I was watching by pushing the DirecTV button.

[rrbhokies]

I appreciate everyone's feedback. $40 for the Energizer UPS sounds like a great value, but not sure about Energizer brand as a UPS. Are there reviews out there to compare against APC, etc.?

Also, one other question. Is a UPS like an APC or Energizer also a surge protector and is this all that you need to use, or do you still need a surge protector and then plug the surge protector into the UPS? All my equipment is currently attached to a Monster Cable surge protector. Would a UPS replace it, or would I just plug the Monster protector into the UPS?

[LarryS]

I also have a Energizer 450 for use on my computer ( as the others I got for $20 after rebate from Staples ). Seems well built. I personally like my APC model the best but I think they're pretty much the same. The UPS is a better substitute for a surge protector and you could run into problems if you try to use both.

I don't see cable/coax protection on any of the UPS I have so if this is included on the 650 model it would be a plus for that model or you could use your Monster surge for it. I rely on the cable grounding to the electrical service box ground for my coax protection

[Mike500]

The promotion for the current model Energizer 650VA ups includes surge protection for one coax, one usb and one telephone/fax line.