Tivo Series 1 questions

[Blodg8]

Hi there,

On another forum, someone mentioned that the Philips HDRx12 and the Sony SVR2000 are the only Series 1 Tivo out there. Now, my question is which one of these Brand and model works best for upgrade and for modifying it. I also know that these Series 1 Tivo can be use for the reocrding without the Service Subscribe.


Also, I found a Sony SVR2000 selling for $125 + shipping. Can someone tell me if this is a good deal and is it worth it?

Please reply soon since this guy want to sell it to me and it would not be nice to have him hold on to it.

Thanks much

[cojonesdetoro]

My preference would be a Philips unit but that's what I own so TIFWIW. I did, however, own a Sony unit briefly. It had problems so I got a refund.

I'm not sure what features you're getting (drive size, cachecard, accessories, etc) but the price doesn't sound too bad. You can get a driveless Philips unit on Ebay for $100 shipped but then you'd need to a drive and an image to load it. I believe the only real difference is that the Sony uses a different remote and different remote codes. The Sony remote also has a button for going directly to the "Now Playing List" whereas the Philips requires a double-click of the "Tivo" key. The Sony will also control a Sony VCR if you want to transfer movies. I can say that I did not like the Sony remote when compared to the Philips 'peanut' remote.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the cachecard and/or turbonet work on the Sony. I believe they do. Cachecard is the best piece of hardware available for S1. it makes an S1 faster than an S2 (in user interface).

The differences are such that you'll get about as many people agreeing with me as will disagree with me. All in all, it may not matter as long as you're getting a unit that works well and has all cables, etc.

As far as hackability goes, I think the S1 still has it beat but that keeps changing. The S2 can run Tivo software versions with more features (folders, HMO) but that same software is further locked against hacks.

if it were me, I would get an S1. It can do just about everything the S2 can do except HMO but HMO is not important to me. HMO costs $100 (per goddam unit!) and there are ways to get nearly the same thing in the S1 world. Did you know that a modified Xbox will do just about everything you can do with HMO? Xbox costs more than $100 but it's got some great 'Bang' for the buck.

[eastwind]

IIRC the main differences between Philips and Sony boxes (other than the remote and Sony VCR control) were cosmetic. I think the mainboard was the same and the internals were the same (or very close to it). I think the Sony is in a silver case and the Philips in a black case (I have the Philips), so whatever matches your A/V equiptment best might be what you want. Be sure to ask about the modem (is it working or fried) and the size of the HD and whether it is the original or not (and whether it is functional). Might also ask about the subscription status (or not) as the lifetime subs for the SA S1s went with the unit.

ew

[Blodg8]

Thanks guys,

I also have another question is that the Philips model comes in HDRx12 and what is the model for PTV300? Also, other forum mentioned that to look for the manufacture date before Oct/2001. Does that make any differences? If so, what and how?

I found multiply units on Ebay and some mentioned 30 hours, 80 hours Philips Series 1. Now Some said PTV 300 Philips. Is the HDRx12 is the model? and PTV300 is the type of Series 1 model? I am a little bit confuse.

I also want to know what I need to find out when buying from people on Ebay. What do I have to ask them? I know expansion/cache board. What about the software version? Does that make a difference? Btw...how much does the Philips Series 1 SA unit run for?

Thanks