How to Understand TiVo

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), such as TiVo, have really changed the way we watch TV! When was the last time you missed your favorite show because you were out the whole weekend? With TiVo, you can record shows while you're out. You can even store these on a hard disk. Here are a few basic features that will help you understand TiVo better.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Understand that a VCR and TiVo are not one and the same. A Video Cassette Recorder or VCR records the video and audio from the TV broadcast on removable magnetic tapes that can be viewed later. TiVo uses a sophisticated, much simpler technique along with a non-removable hard disk that can record several hours of programs. Once connected to your TV, TiVo communicates directly with your cable box or satellite receiver. All the TV that you watch is through TiVo.

2. Installing, setting up and programming TiVo are very simple and straightforward. A user can pick programs to record by time, by program title, or by combinations of genre, actors, and directors. So, TiVo will automatically record the programs that have been set up for recording regularly until its storage is full.

3. Record live TV programs without breaks with TiVo. With TiVo you can also pause a live sequence or rewind to repeat a scene you just watched.

4. You can use TiVo's built-in 'TV Guide' to preset shows you want to record.
   

5. Skip through the commercials with your TiVo. With your programs recorded for you, in real time, you can fast-forward the commercials and watch unadulterated television.

6. Search for programs that interest you and record them using TiVo's WishList feature. Plus, TiVo Online helps record programs that are rescheduled at the last minute.

7. Lock specific channels or set them based on predetermined ratings. With a parental control feature, you can also block adult channels.

8. Check out Internet Radio and Podcasts with TiVo. With TiVo, your TV is not just a TV anymore.

Tips & Warnings

• TiVo boxes can record from 40 to 180 hours and vary in price. Choose a system that fits what you need. In other words, do not stretch your budget just because a particular type of TiVo can record more hours.
• If your budget allows, buy the HUMAX 40-hour DVD Recorder with TiVo that comes with a built-in DVD recording unit. With this you can burn your favorite shows to DVD to keep them permanently.