I have always been a cable guy. I have been a Charter, Comcast, and most recently Time Warner customer. For the past two years I gave Direct TV a shot. Though impressed with the quality of the service, I just couldn't help feeling I was paying too much for what I actually use. When my two year agreement was up I dropped the service vowing I was going to cut the cord. I wouldn't actually say I cut the cord. More like I cut the crap.
I live in Arcadia CA. Not more than 5 miles from all transmitters. I put a Clearstream HD antenna on my roof and was 90% happy with the reception. Because I live at the foot of the mountain, I am unable to receive the CBS broadcast signal. All others are perfect, and in fact more crisp and clear than anything I got from satellite or cable. As much as I tried to convince myself I could, I just could not live without CBS. Being a Time Warner Internet subscriber I was always able to pull broadcast and any unscrambled signals through my cable connection. It was all part of my internet plan. However, to get your TiVo to pull the signals you need a cable card, and of course, a TV plan.
Because I subscribed to the Extreme package for internet, Time Warner offered me the cable card and their "Starter TV" package for only $10 more per month. The cable card activation process is not a simple task. My guess is that is intentional. However, I was finally able to get it working and am really happy with the cost and the picture.
Now for the TiVo. Setup is a breeze. The remote is fantastic and the unit itself is very sleek. I love this thing. At first I set it up with the HD antenna. Crystal clear and perfect with the exception of CBS. Setup via the cable card was a bit of a struggle but Time Warner was helpful and we eventually got it done. I get all the channels I would want and more. Not as many as if I pull in true OTA via the HD antenna but everything I need.
The TiVo iPad app is amazing as well. Total control of your TV viewing and DVR. There is some confusion regarding a "tuning adapter" for Time Warner customers. With the Roamio, I do not need a tuning adapter to pick up the channels in the starter TV package (which is basically any channel you can get OTA). I have the cable card installed and activated and the TiVo is plugged right into the coax jack in the wall. I may need a tuning adapter if I upgrade the package to pick up other channels. If that happens I will edit this review.
I recorded my first show last night, Saturday Night Live. Totally happy. I never really paid attention to people that spoke so wonderfully about TiVo. I always thought, how good could it be compared to the equipment from the providers. Well, I am now a believer. This machine is sweet. And the best part is, I own it. The subscription is well worth the service.
By dropping satellite, adding a TiVo, Apple TV, Netflix, and other streaming video choices, I have cut my cable bill by $1,200 per year. I actually feel I have more options now than I ever did with cable or satellite. I highly recommend evaluating your TV viewing services. Educate yourself and make the change. You will get more of what you actually want and you will pay less.
One last comment on the TiVo as a streaming device. Not the best use of the machine. Access to Netflix and MLB is cool but I will continue to use my Apple TV for that. There is access to Amazon but it is not your Prime account. I suppose that is the way you access pay on-demand services. The Apple TV or the Roku 3 are much better options as a streamer.
Go for it. The investment will pay for itself.
| Brand Name | TiVo |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 7.35 x 14.4 x 1.83 inches |
| Item model number | TCD846500 |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Black |
| Special Features | TiVo Stream Compatible, TiVo Mini Compatible |
