#269941 - 17/11/2005 12:06
Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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From the NYTimes:
Quote:
Still, some providers recognize that many TiVo owners are reluctant to give up their machines. So, next year, Comcast, in conjunction with Motorola, plans to release a set-top box with a DVR that includes TiVo software.
Does anybody know anything more about this? It sure sounds interesting.
-Zeke
Edit: A touch of Google turned up this link.
Edited by Ezekiel (17/11/2005 13:22)
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#269942 - 17/11/2005 16:21
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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I think that pretty much sums up how much of the deal is understood in public. This whole thing came together after the original TiVo management was ousted (among other things, for loosing the DirecTV deal) and the new management came in to make some deals. One amusing question is whether TiVo's going to make much money on the deal. Another perhaps more relevant question, is whether ComcastTivo's will be as brain damaged as DirecTiVo's, with respect to not supporting TiVoToGo, the Home Media Option, and so forth.
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#269943 - 17/11/2005 16:32
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Yeah, that's pretty much all we've known since March. I would find it very suprising if their Tivos did everything a standalone does, which makes me wonder why I'd want to buy one...
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Matt
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#269944 - 17/11/2005 19:19
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: DWallach]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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The article I linked to certainly seemed to say the Tivo-to-go would be supported, and yes I noticed that it was announced in March. I don't remember hearing about it (although I'm sure someone will dig me up a thread on this bbs- I never followed the tivo vs directivo vs whatever threads).
I guess I like Tivo functionality, but I have no brand loyalty. If Comcast gives me Tivo functionality, I'll get it and drop Tivo. If they give me a hobbled version, I'll stick with the original. I sure would like to be able to Tivo high def shows (I'm not willing to move from cable).
Long term though, I don't see how Tivo competes with cable co. boxes (assuming their software evolves). The box I have is pretty easy to navigate and the on-demand works pretty well. I guess I'm not familiar with Tivo's patent portfolio, which would seem to be their only defence against the cable beasts.
While Comshaft's not perfect, neither's Tivo, their music streaming leaves a lot to be desired. It chokes (crashing the server-side software) if I try to shuffle play my whole collection (a mere 7000 or so songs). Pathetic for software on release 2.
-Zeke
Edited by Ezekiel (17/11/2005 19:21)
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#269945 - 17/11/2005 22:41
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
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I hope this happens maybe mediacom would get it too since they have motorola stuff now.
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Matt
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#269946 - 17/11/2005 22:46
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Faulting Tivo for their music streaming service is sort of nitpicking. Clearly you've had more experience with alternate DVRs than I have, so I can't comment on how they compare, but IMO (and many other people's...O), nothing beats Tivo in terms of UI.
I and many others are eagerly awaiting a day when Tivo will switch to a software company. I can't really think of building my own HTPC without a Tivo interface. Either Tivo's going to do it, or they're going to go out of business, and someone will write a knockoff skin/theme for MythTV or WinMCE.
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Matt
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#269947 - 18/11/2005 00:09
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
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The SageTV software looks pretty close to having the same features as the Tivo but I doubt it could be a reliable.
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Matt
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#269948 - 18/11/2005 00:22
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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I completely agree about wanting Tivo to be a software company. I'd pay a subscription to add a Tivo app to any HTPC out there. As far as the music side goes, I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to killer little boxes doing everything imainable.  I'm also bitter about the music thing because I was one of the dumb people who paid for that option for 8 months before they gave it to everyone for free. Paying to be a beta tester wasn't what I had in mind. The server software is not very good either, it crashes on a good 1/3 of reboots on a machine with decent specs (2.8Ghz P4, 1Gig Ram, intel mobo). I don't have a lot of experience with other STB's just the few I've had through Comcast, the latest of which is pretty sophisticated - video on demand, reminders and what appears to be the interface for DVR functions, although I don't have a drive in my box. The best function is that it changes channels really fast (my old box was deathly slow). I just like the idea of Tivo with my regular Comcast box, less wiring & complexity. -Zeke
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#269949 - 18/11/2005 12:45
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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Quote:
I just like the idea of Tivo with my regular Comcast box, less wiring & complexity.
-Zeke
If they can make it as seamless as the DirecTV/Tivo boxes, you'll love it. Especially if you get :"lossless" encoding for digital (the signal would never be converted to analogue and back to digital) and dual tuners.
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Brad B.
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#269950 - 18/11/2005 13:55
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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My only problem with TiVo is that it can be deathly slow sometimes. Sometimes I can tell it to record a show and then go make a sandwich before it's ready again. Anyone with the HDDirecTiVo have the same problem? I'm trying to decide if my drive might be dying.
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Bitt Faulk
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#269951 - 18/11/2005 14:34
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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No, I think that's the Tivo. My parents have the HD Tivo, and depending on exactly what you're doing it takes forever to set up a recording. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it, either. Setting up a half hour standard def program can take three minutes, and setting up a hi-def football game can go through immediately.
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Matt
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#269952 - 18/11/2005 14:38
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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Mine is also deathly slow. If they built one using faster PC parts, it would cost more money, but would work much, much better. The idea of TiVo-on-HTPC is pretty interesting, given that TiVo is just running Linux under the hood. Combine that with Microsoft's announcement that next-genration HTPCs will support CableCARD, and you could have an interesting market opportunity for TiVo. If they can only survive that long.
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#269953 - 18/11/2005 15:07
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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addict
Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 498
Loc: Virginia, USA
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Quote:
My only problem with TiVo is that it can be deathly slow sometimes. Sometimes I can tell it to record a show and then go make a sandwich before it's ready again. Anyone with the HDDirecTiVo have the same problem? I'm trying to decide if my drive might be dying.
Yep, that's just the way it is. If you aren't having other problems then it's unlikely your drive is bad. You can speed it up by not having the live buffers on HD stations. The music stations are the best as then the buffer isn't recording at all and it frees up resources on the machine to access it's database.
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#269954 - 18/11/2005 15:08
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dylan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Quote:
Quote:
My only problem with TiVo is that it can be deathly slow sometimes. Sometimes I can tell it to record a show and then go make a sandwich before it's ready again. Anyone with the HDDirecTiVo have the same problem? I'm trying to decide if my drive might be dying.
Yep, that's just the way it is. If you aren't having other problems then it's unlikely your drive is bad. You can speed it up by not having the live buffer on a HD station. The music stations are the best as then the buffer isn't recording at all and it frees up resources on the machine to access it's database.
Great tip! I'll try that!
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Matt
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#269955 - 18/11/2005 15:31
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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addict
Registered: 01/03/2002
Posts: 598
Loc: Florida
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I remember on the SA TiVo's if you change to a channel you don't receive it would double the extraction speed. I've never really had anymenu slowdown on the TiVo.
I have two of the Comcast HDTV Dual Tuner DVR's and I would say it SUCKS. The unit connected to the receiver has to be restarted every time we use it or we don't get Dolby 5.0 output. The responce time on the remote is RANDOM and it queues the requests. Making a series Recording is easy for me but annoying.
I can't wait to have TiVo software on an HDTV cablebox and if TiVo releases a CableCard HDTV TiVo I will buy one.
I'm willing to pay 25 dollars a month for TiVo software that I can run on any PC.
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Chad
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#269956 - 18/11/2005 16:34
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Attack]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Quote:
The responce time on the remote is RANDOM and it queues the requests.
Ouch! That would drive me nuts. Occasionally the Tivo is a little slow to go from screen to screen, but I've learned where it queues commands from the remote and where it doesn't, because it at least does it consistently.
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Matt
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#269957 - 18/11/2005 16:56
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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addict
Registered: 01/03/2002
Posts: 598
Loc: Florida
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Quote:
Quote:
The responce time on the remote is RANDOM and it queues the requests.
Ouch! That would drive me nuts.
It does drive me nuts. I only use the DVR's to record movies on HDTV and a few Network TV shows (Alias, Lost, ER and soon 24). I watch the other network shows on my TiVo because I like the UI, Remote and system responce better.
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#269958 - 18/11/2005 18:04
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31575
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Quote:
My only problem with TiVo is that it can be deathly slow sometimes.... Anyone with the HDDirecTiVo have the same problem?
Yes, the HD DirecTivo is exactly as slow as my regular Tivo was in that respect.
Supposedly, the recent software upgrade that the Series 2 DirecTivo owners got (the one that gave them the folders) was supposed to improve speed somewhat. Unfortunately the HD unit's didn't get that software upgrade. So we're still waiting.
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#269959 - 18/11/2005 18:32
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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My HDDirecTiVo seems way slower than my old DirecTiVo. Actually, I think it may be so slow that it occasionally fails to start a recording on time and I miss the first minute or so.
Edited by wfaulk (18/11/2005 18:38)
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Bitt Faulk
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#269961 - 18/11/2005 18:58
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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No, I mean a long-established Season Pass and it'll only manage to record the last 59 minutes.
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Bitt Faulk
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#269962 - 18/11/2005 19:02
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Quote:
No, I mean a long-established Season Pass and it'll only manage to record the last 59 minutes.
Oh! Wow! I was indeed misunderstanding you. That's a little stranger, and I know I haven't seen that happen to me.
Now that I know that part, I can say no, this Tivo is not as slow as yours. It's slow when it's dealing with recordings, but not when it's performing its automated tasks, like time recording. Sorry to hear that.
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Matt
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#269963 - 18/11/2005 19:04
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31575
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Okay, *THAT* is a problem, I've never had that happen to me.
The only time I get a long wait is when I'm adding a new season pass or modifying an existing one so that it's gotta go sift through its database and re-prioritize. The more season passes I have on the box, the slower it operates during database scrapes.
Unless you've got a mind-boggling number of season passes and items in there, I would be suspicious of something wrong. It should never miss the first minute of a show unless the show genuinely started a minute too early.
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#269964 - 18/11/2005 19:15
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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addict
Registered: 01/03/2002
Posts: 598
Loc: Florida
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Quote:
No, I mean a long-established Season Pass and it'll only manage to record the last 59 minutes.
I've never heard anyone else say that before. How many Season Passes and Auto Recording Wish-Lists do you have?
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Chad
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#269965 - 18/11/2005 19:32
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Attack]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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I dunno. A few dozen, with only like 2 of those being autorecord wishlists.
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Bitt Faulk
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#269966 - 18/11/2005 19:50
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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addict
Registered: 01/03/2002
Posts: 598
Loc: Florida
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Quote:
I dunno. A few dozen, with only like 2 of those being autorecord wishlists.
From what I remember people started complaining around 30 and above 50 it would get really bad. You might need to do a clear & delete everything. Also do you let it record Suggestions?
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Chad
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#269967 - 18/11/2005 19:55
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Attack]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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But I don't want to delete everything. I do let it record suggestions.
I'll check to see if there are any extraneous season passes I can lose.
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Bitt Faulk
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#269968 - 18/11/2005 20:15
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
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Tony, this is probably a silly question, but does the cachecard work for S2 DirecTivos? Didn't it help this issue?
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Matt
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#269969 - 18/11/2005 20:29
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: Dignan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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No cachecard for S2, but 6.2 made the DirecTivos MUCH faster.
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-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736
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#269970 - 18/11/2005 22:26
Re: Tivo + Comcast + Motorola
[Re: wfaulk]
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addict
Registered: 10/11/2000
Posts: 497
Loc: Utah, USA
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Quote:
No, I mean a long-established Season Pass and it'll only manage to record the last 59 minutes.
I can't offer any help, but I can at least tell you I've seen this problem several times myself, exactly as you describe it. I have 370GB, about 45 season passes, and do record suggestions. Just another data point...
edit
Oh yeah, it's a Series 2 DirecTivo with 6.2, hacked six ways from Sunday.
Edited by adavidw (18/11/2005 22:29)
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-Aaron
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