A TiVo recorder that also burns DVDs? I so want. We’re talking serious gadget-lust over here. I used to think the “save to VCR” feature on current models would be convenient, but in practice, it’s not much fun transferring your TiVo programming to tape, since you have to do it in real time. However, burning a show to DVD, of course, takes a fraction of the actual running time. I guess the analogy would be making a mix tape (yes, audiocassettes, remember those?) versus burning a CD.
Since I got my TiVo earlier this year, with my constant wealth of stored programming I occasionally tell my non-TiVo friends, “Oh, I’ll put [this or that show] on to tape for you.” And it takes me forever to get around to it, if at all. But how cool to be all, “What? You missed the last Alias? I’ll put it onto DVD.”
Suggested retail price for the Pioneer 80-hour model (DVR-810H) is $1,199. Yikes. But I’m finding it online at a few places for considerably less. The other thing is I have a lifetime subscription for my current TiVo recorder, so if I get a new one, I’d probably get rid of the old one (hello, eBay) and have to re-subscribe. Decisions, decisions. I don’t already have a dedicated DVD player—I just use my laptop which I hook up via S-video to my TV—so that’s value added right there, right? (Last night, trying to talk myself out of getting yet another gadget, I asked Thom, “So tell me, I don’t need an iPod, right?” He replied, “You’re asking the wrong person.” He’s lusting too.)
We’ve been lusting over the Pioneer TiVo/DVD-R combo ourselves. Toshiba also has one for about half the price of the Pioneer, but it’s not as pretty. Having to sign up for another “lifetime” subscription isn’t appealing, though.
When we upgraded from our original TiVo box to TiVo 2, it was because TiVo was running a special promotion where you’d be able to transfer your lifetime subscription to the new box. If they ever do something like that again, it’ll be a lot more tempting to go DVD…
Everyone needs an iPod. A) It’s Apple, which everyone needs a little more of in their life. B) It’s musical goodness everywhere! I love my baby. :)
Speaking of getting around to recording things… :-)
I’m lusting after an iPod, yes, but my problem right now is that I also need a new heat pump (which a member of my condo board says will likely run me around $4K) before winter and a new car (probably four to five times that much) in the same time frame. My dishwasher also has been broken since last October and my television shows occasional signs of dying, too, so I’m trying to keep some of my other less essential gadget lust in check (yeah, right!).
And then there’s that hopelessly romantic part of me that keeps thinking about arrangements that could mean Jeff and I wouldn’t /each/ have to acquire one of everything.
Oh Jeffy, you know how to brighten up a Monday! And hey, if anyone is thinking “wedding gift” go right ahead.
I have to get a second TiVo anyway for when I move. I refuse to have any TV in my house be TiVo-less. I might have to put it in my vows.
If it weren’t for having to purchase another lifetime subscription, I’d be all over the Pioneer TiVo/DVD-R combo. It’s a pain to record to VCR, and I never do it. Burning would be much easier.
Santa?
Jeff… Just buy it in the January sales. It’s a guilt-free time of year to buy because… well, it’s on sale and listen, you’re worth it. Start saving your pennies now. I imagine this particular remote control could easily be the second most favourite thing in your right hand come the Spring. ;)