NOW AVAILABLE FROM LVC

The new TiVo HD DVR is the most popular HD "cable box" on our system because of its ease of use, and fast response. Our $599 price includes lifetime TiVo service (compare with $648 recommended retail.)


The New TiVo HD DVR

 

Digital Video Recorders (TiVo)

TiVos Are Back in Stock

Once high-definition became a priority among our customers, we stopped stocking the Series II DVR because we didn't want our customers to be stuck with equipment that we knew was rapidly becoming obsolete. When the Series III HD TiVo arrived, we recommended against purchasing it because we knew it would not receive the ATSC-on-cable-channels that was our former method of carrying HD signals, and we were not sure that would work with the new clear-QAM method that we adopted at the beginning of 2009. The initial Series III units also required two CableCARDs -- one for each tuner. When the new TiVo HD came out, however, we decided to give TiVo another look. This unit supports our "M-Card," meaning that one CableCARD works for both of its two tuners. A TiVo HD was purchased and passed all of our tests with flying colors. So many of our customers purchased this new unit that we decided to add them to our list of "cable boxes."

TiVo, of course, is not intended to be a cable box. But when equipped with a CableCARD ($3.99 per month lease from Lucas Valley Cable), it takes on all the functions of our most advanced cable box. And it does so with a wonderful simplicity and ease of operation that has made it very popular among high-definition cable subscribers. Use the TiVo HD for regular TV programs, or add as many digital paks as you wish -- it is all seamless and easy on this attractive box and its distinctive "peanut" remote.

Just what is a "TiVo," Anyway?

These Dual-Tuner TiVo HD boxes can record two different TV programs at the same time, whether they are analog, digital, high-definition, or even if they are part of a digital pak to which you subscribe. See the FAQ, below for details.

Never miss your favorite program again. TiVo will record all of the programs that you pick from its programming guide and will suggest additional programs by interest, actor, or title. It will give you instant replays on live TV and even allows you to effortlessly skip commercials. New features include automatic season passes for specified programs, and you can even add programming when you are away.

New optional features include adding your TiVo to your home network to access photos and music stored on your computer or move a TV program to your computer, laptop, or DVD burner. If you have more than one TiVo, you may now add them to your home network to share or transfer programming. And, of course, can transfer anything that TiVo records to your VHS or DVD recorder!

KID ZONE is now available on all TiVos as a free upgrade. Allows you to pre-approve shows that kids can watch and lets you pick among four kid-friendly guides.

Why Buy TiVo from Lucas Valley Cable?

We provide free installation as part of your purchase. We have all the necessary cables to do an optimal TiVo installation for your particular situation.

Each TiVo needs a connection to a telephone jack or a broadband Internet connection. If you don't have an Ethernet connection near your TV, we can provide the wiring necessary to provide one (at our usual wiring rates) or we can furnish a Wireless Adaptor ($60 plus tax) to work with your Wireless Internet, if you have one.

TiVo FAQs

Do I need a CableCARD?
The cable card furnishes the TiVo with the information it needs to access digital programming. It also decrypts any of the optional digital paks that you may have ordered. Without the CableCARD, a TiVo will only receive analog programming. Cards are available for lease at $3.99 per month.
Can I install my own CableCARD?
CableCARDs only work when authorized by signals sent over the cable. They cannot be authorized outside of the host device. If you want to move a cable card from one device to another, we must de-authorize the card in the old device and re-authorize it in the new one.
Can I stack my DVD player on top of a TiVo HD?
Because the TiVo HD has an internal fan, you can stack other devices over or under it provided that some reasonable attention is made to provide air-flow. This is not possible with the DSR470 or any of the DCT cable boxes, which require ample ventilation.
Will TiVo HD handle my surround-sound system?
The TiVo HD has composite, component, and HDMI outputs, and it also has an optical output to provide surround-sound to your AV receiver.
I don't have a high-definition TV. Can I use TiVo HD?
TiVo works with any TV that has at least an available composite video input. If you want a DVR to work with an ordinary TV but plan to replace the TV with an HDTV in the future, you should still consider the TiVo HD unit.
I only have Lucas Valley Community TV. What will TiVo do for me?
Lucas Valley Community TV, which is part of homeowner's dues, has all of the most popular Bay Area local channels in HD, representing all major networks and independent stations. A TiVo HD will record more TV than you will ever have time to watch, even if you only have this plan. And, of course, TiVo's on-screen guide feature is among the best in the industry.
How many hours can I record?
A TiVo HD will record 20 hours of HDTV content or 180 hours of standard-defintion or analog programming, or a combination. If that's not enough for you, a connector on the back of the unit can attach to a DVR Expander that will add 65 hours of HD programming or 600 hours of SD programming ($199 plus tax list price, not available from Lucas Valley Cable).
Connecting to the TiVo Service.
Every TiVo box needs to connect to the TiVo service either by telephone or Internet. The new TiVo HD boxes can plug into your wired Internet router (USB-Ethernet adaptors are no longer necessary). There are several benefits of using the Internet connection, including easier KidZone programming, Tivo access to photos and music stored on one or more of your PCs, etc. If you have wireless Internet, we can provide a TiVo wireless adaptor that plugs into TiVo's USB port (Photo at right. $60 plus tax).
How does KIDZONE work?
The KidZone guides are lists of quality kid's TV shows recommended by national children's organizations. You can select one or more of the guides, or can choose individual programs from the guides. Requires broadband connection to select guides from TiVo menus.
How about the DMX Music Channels?
TiVo receives the music channels, but does not display individual song information the way our regular cable boxes do. That's because TiVo uses its own guide system and ignores the song details that are part of the guide signal on the cable. If DMX is a priority for you, TiVo may not be your first choice.