Mark Ward - I was interested to read your comments. I have a few questions:
OK....
1. You mentioned TIVO giving an e-mail report and being able to access recordings on your PC. Is this simply just setting up the hardware or do I need some sfotware to do this as well?
This is very far from simple, though perfectly possible so long as you're prepared to read instructions and research what's available and possible. I pointed Messiah in the direction of these features and within a couple of weeks he also got them installed.
2. If so, does the software come with TIVO?
3. Do I need to pay any extra for these features or are they included in the price of the subscription?
They are add on programs written by TiVo enthusiasts, they are for the most part free. Check out the
Tivo Community Forum and the
Deal Database Forum for an idea of what's envolved.
One I use are:-
IRBlast - Red Dot Removal
EndPad - Recording Front & End Padding
Dailymail_Jazz - The Email report program
mfsstreamweb - Allows realtime streaming along with TyShow (TiVo file CoDec) on the PC
TyServer - Allows direct access to files on TiVo for DVD making.
TivoWebPlus (TWP) - Web server on your TiVo, allows access to just about every aspect of your TiVo and has loads of addon modules.
Addon modules I use (from memory):-
Folders - Sorts shows into configuarable topic headings on TWP
MovieSort - Scan entire Movie Database to find mivies I want to record more easily (I had to slightly modify the program file of this one to work with TWP.)
ReOrder Season Passes - Nice Simple way to do it.
Backup - Backup & Restore Season Passes and some other settings.
MFStream - Rename programs & description etc. and simply click a show to download it to your PC.
There are others I'm sure..
4. How easy is it to install and set up new HDD in TIVO?
There's an online guide called the
Hinsdale Guide , I found that following theis guide it wasn't too traumatic. I also found the
UKHA TiVo HowTo Guide a big help in setting up my TiVo for future modification.
Long and short of it is that it's not easy, you'll have to spend a fair bit of time researching and will no doubt have to post on a TiVo forum when you get stuck, but it's worth it in the end.
Mark.