Since it launched, I’ve been using Foxtel’s iQ2, and I’ve been happy. But for the past few weeks I’ve been playing around with a TiVo – in particular the new(ish) CASPA service, and I have to say that I’m really impressed.
I’m planning on writing about this in more detail over the next few weeks, but needless to say that the idea of video on demand is really appealing. And the TiVo UI is spectacularly simple. If it weren’t for The Daily Show being Pay TV only (I don’t want to watch TV on my laptop, sorry), I’d even be tempted to shift over.
But what I’m wondering today is what DVR has captured the hearts of Gizmodians around the country? Do you use an iQ? A TiVo? Or another brand, like Beyonwiz? Or do you just use one of the big brand names, like Sony or Panasonic’s DVR hardware?
Let us know in comments.
Rod
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11:52 AMLove the Foxtel IQ!
Am never home to watch all my favourite shows live – including many on Foxtel – so the IQ is a lifesaver. We have the IQ2 in the lounge and IQ1 in the bedroom.
Ashley
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 1:26 PMI use Windows Media Centre with 4 Digital tuners and 1 analog tuner to do the Foxtel.
so I can record 4 Digital channels and one foxtel channel. I use Media Browser Plugin to handle my TV and Movie Avi’s
And can extend the experiance to the bedroom with the Xbox 360
I might have to switch to IQ2 for foxtel, and the media centre only takes 4:3 Svideo input, and I am due to get a HD tv soon.
but I find we don’t watch Fox as much as we used to, Might end up switching to Channel BT or IPTV for the Foxtel shows
Jimmy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 1:53 PMTivo!
Very easy for everyone to use but waiting for them to refresh their GUI.
1) It looks like its made for a 29in TV not a 50in HDTV.
2) Changing between two channels is quick, but trying to flick through multiple channels is too slow. Almost never get to the right channel first time.
3) Customize the in-screen GUI. Being able to lock the size of the station info bar would stop a lot of frustration.
Paul
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 2:19 PMI have had a Tivo for 18 months and really like it. The recently released CASPA Video On Demand is promising though like with most (non torrent) services the range needs to be improved.
If I liked cable TV I’d get IQ2. At the moment though it’s free to air that’s my choice.
I got the networking pack and use the “now showing” widget on my Mac which works well when my wife is watching Tivo and I want to watch a previously recorded program on stored on my Tivo.
Ron
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 3:23 PMBeyonwiz DP-S1, to my knowledge the only box that functions as a DVR, Network player and DVD player, so no stack of boxes in my living room. I have it linked to my NAS, works like a dream. Love IceTV’s functionality. You can pick one up from eBay for about $600. So all-in-all a great combination of features and value
poedgirl
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 3:32 PMI’ve been using Windows Media Center for years. I have a dedicated HTPC in the living room which records a lot of TV each day. I can then stream it to other rooms using an Xbox 360 with the Windows Media Center Extender setup. By far the best option for my home.
Gradenko
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 4:29 PMI use a Beyonwiz DP-P2 and the folks have a couple of DP-P1′s. These things are fantastic. Shows recorded on one machine in the house can be watched on another, mkv support, icetv iphone app, dual tuner, its all win.