> Definitely not me -- I built my own Home Theater PC ( > http://www.terrystockdale.com/htpc/htpc_1.shtml ). I replaced 3 VCR's with > three tuners in my HTPC.
Your setup looks very sweet! I called Cox friday. They said, "come on down to the office and pick up a box, you'll be ready to go". So, that's what I did. Friday night I was recording and pausing live TV! > Whether you use a Cox DVR, TiVo or build your own HTPC, it will change the > way you watch TV. I can't wait! > Of course, if you want to record multiple simultanteous shows, then either > go with a HTPC or get multiple DVR's/TiVo's. Also, pay attention to the > specs -- does it record as MPEG2 files or a proprietary format.? Can you > get the recording off the device? How much storage space? Can you store > (and use) multiple drives on one machine? On multiple machines? If you > get multiple boxes, will they automatically sync together (it doesn't help > if they both record the same "favorite"). Considering the Motorola 6412 box that Cox offers is around $400, renting it for $4.95 a month isn't bad. And it'll take a few years of paying $5/month to pay off a TIVO or the Motorola. For now I'd rather rent the box. The Motorola 6412 has two tuners, so I can record two shows at once, record while I'm watching a previously recorded show, record while I'm watching a live show... The down side is that, so far from what i've found, you canNOT get the videos/files off the DVR box. But you can connect a windows PC and record to that. Here's a thread for anyone who's interested. I haven't finished reading the entire thing, but it has a lot of good info: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=7c59f7a878a4a5c69770c0467f1ee69b&threadid=403695&perpage=20&pagenumber=1 The 6412 has a 120GB drive in it. I'm not sure of the Max storage, but you can store more Standard Definition than HDTV. Which is another feature as someone mentioned. Cox's DVR can record HDTV also. What extra spectacular features does TIVO offer that make it so much better? I can record a title, time and series with the Motorola. I certainly don't need a wishlist. However, online scheduling would be very cool. TivoToGo is nice too. I think it's a great setup for the price i've paid. so far that is! at least I have something to start with. now I'll be able to better appreciate tivo or a pc home setup. BB
