TiVo (page 2)

HDD drives used in today's systems should satisfy the following requirements:

Have low worst-case seek latency.
Be quiet (disk motor and the voice-coil actuator are the main sources of noise in the HDD).
Work at high temperatures.
Be inexpensive.

The first requirement explains why recordable DVD technology can't be used here: seek time of DVD drives is usually about ten times longer. Plus, transfer rates of DVD drives are lower and writing takes longer than reading.

The noise associated with HDD is a serious problem. Special seek cycle optimization and acoustic enclosure are used to reduce the noise level. The drives in the current TiVo receivers are Quantum Quickview drives which have been optimized for TiVo needs.

When HDD is used inside TiVo unit, it is very difficult to cool the drive, and the failure rate due to overheating may increase.

Basic specifications of the TiVo PVR are summarized below:

Available only in USA (now).
Compression: Supports MPEG-2 - MP/ML for high quality digitaltelevision.
Uses Power PC processor running Linux.
Storage: 14 or 30 hours of programs (13.6 GB and 27.2 GB HDD). Upgradeable!
Inputs: cable-ready tuner, S-Video, Composite Video. Supports all US standards.
Outputs: RF, S-Video, two Composite Video.
Remote control: 30 buttons.
Telephone: RJ-11 connector.
Dimensions: 17 1/8" Width x 12 5/8" Depth x 4 1/8" Height.
Compatible with all Cable, Satellite (DBS), andTerrestrial Broadcast TV systems in the US.
Privacy: Latest encryption technology.

Cost of TiVo
The TiVo service is $10 per month. There are currently two Phillips PTV receiver models available: for 14-hour recording ($400) and for 30-hour recording ($700). The upgrade from one to another or to the future models is possible.

FAQ
Check FAQ here.

Buying TiVo
Find all the necessary information here.

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