You know what it's like .... you're busy working away in the office and you lose track time "****, I should have set the VCR to record XYZ tonight"
So what product will allow me to remotely access a video recording device at home either using an SMS on the mobile (preferred) or via the web somehow ?
Is there a piece of hardware that will do this or a software based product ?

TIA,

Russell

PS looking at getting an iMac at the mo.....

You guessed it - a TiVo!!

Although this functionality isn't available out of the box for UK TiVos, many people have added a network card (TurboNet) and some freeware (TiVoWeb) to allow just this!

With a network card and TiVoWeb, assuming you have Broadband, you can set your TiVo up to appear as a website on your home IP address. Then, using your browser, you can fully control your TiVo from your computer at work etc. There is also a WAP version of TiVoWeb for use in mobile phones!

For more info, see the TiVo Community Forums (closed today for archiving) and do a search for "TiVoWeb".

[MAW]

the downside of this in uk is that ip addresses are dynamically assigned, ie you get a new one every time you sign on, yes even for broadband, yes even for NTL ot Telewest, who 'refresh' ie cut off, your connection every 4-6 weeks, which means a new IP, which is why they include in their T&C a rule saying 'no hosting'. Whilst technically feasible, it's nowhere near as simple as Mr Tivo here would have you think. A pc and remote control software controlled by telephone is the only reliable way I can think of, but highly unsatisfactory from every other point of view. Blindlemon, I'll admit tivo is superior in every other way.

Originally posted by MAW
Whilst technically feasible, it's nowhere near as simple as Mr Tivo here would have you think.

OK, OK, I admit I glossed over the techy stuff

But if you're into computers, know what an IP address, router and firewall are, can change an IDE drive, can read and follow instructions (or even better know a smattering of linux or unix) and enjoy messing around with that sort of thing - then you'l have great fun

And if you get stuck there are loads of helpful people on the TiVo Community Forum who just love to give advice...

Originally posted by MAW
Blindlemon, I'll admit tivo is superior in every other way.

[MAW]

Don't forget to check your IP address every morning before leaving for work....

Or use a broadband supplier that offers a fixed IP address, like
f2s.co.uk

Thanks for the help guys.
So is there anything other than a Tivo that would help me ?
ie. any of the up and coming Freeview PVRs ?

I here what you say about Static IP addresses.
I've been looking for a broadband ISP recently and after a lot of research I've decided to go for Firefly
1Mb download, unlimited POP E-mail addresses, 200Mb webspace, 3 month contract, free static IP (from end Feb), excellent support and ISP rating all for £30/month + half price activation (£30)
I'll be signing up for this tonight.

Russell

[Loada]

Or use dyndns (www.dyndns.org) - as a bonus, Netgear routers support updating a dyndns ip automatically.

This gives you a "static" address e.g. myninjadomain.dyndns.org which will always map onto your IP, regardless if it's changed (providing you keep it updated).