TivoToGo First Impressions
I got my TivoToGo update a few days ago and played with it over the weekend. I loaded up the TivoToGo software on a Windows XP laptop in the house and gave it a test run. It was easy to set up, to see a list of the programs currently on the Tivo, but the disappointment came when I tried to copy a show. I chose a one hour show and the software said that copying this program would take roughly five hours. My Tivo is attached to the network via a 802.11b WiFi adapter, which of course is the reason why it takes so long for the program to copy. I’m sure if I hooked it to the network via Ethernet cable the transfer time would be dramatically reduced, but this is not an option with my current setup. Adding to the problem, Tivo does not currently support 802.11g WiFi adapters which would certainly help.
In short, TivoToGo isn’t really usable for me unless I seriously plan ahead or until Tivo adds support for 802.11g adapters. This is disappointing to say the least as I had been waiting for this feature for some time. I’m surprised Tivo didn’t make sure to support at least one faster adapter in anticipation of TivoToGo.
Some Minor Updates As Well
The version number between this release and the last is a jump from 4.x to 7.x. Strange jump, but it supports what I’ve been seeing, that this update has a number of improvements to Tivo, not just TivoToGo. The Guide loads faster, the menu’s load a bit differently and some items have had their names adjusted. The only downside that I’ve seen to this general update is, on occasion, the starting screen doesn’t load as fast as it should when I hit the Tivo button.
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TivoToGo First Impressions (ObviousDiversion.com)
ObviousDiversion.com received his TivoToGo upgrade, and has some mixed first impressions on the service. I’m eager to try it, but it’s good to know that other people are starting to get the update downloaded on their Tivo. My update can’t…
TivoToGo a NoGo?
Good thing it’s free… though waiting 5 hours to copy a 1 hour program on your network hardly justifies the service. I’ll be interested in reading more when more people connect and we get some public feedback with how well wired ethernet works.
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I can’t comment on the TiVo-to-go software because I have a Series 1 box, but I have modded it so I can extract video to my PC over 802.11g. The technique I used might be useful to Series 2 owners like you. I added an ethernet card to the TiVo, then connected that to WiFi using a Linksys 802.11g “game adapter” - which is essentially a wireless bridge (it’s just cheaper than their bridge product). It’s fast and works great.
At the risk of being…well…obvious…anyone who thought that even 802.11g would be ideal for high-quality video transmission is dreaming. If it took five hours to transmit on b, it’s going to still take a long time on g. I assume that’s not HD either. 100 or 1000 Mb Ethernet would currently be the way to go (wireless rarely gets the transmission rate to the spec) or in the future Ultra Wideband for wireless.
Well I got it in both ends… I bought a new series 2 in hopes of the TivoToGo feature and come to find out when it was being released that MY UNIT was not planned for it until later this year. So much for a 500.00 Humax… BTW - they changed the Codec compressing chip etc…quality at best rate is = my Serias 1 sony at medium.
It only takes me 45 mins to transfer a 1 hr show (recorded at Best Quality). My Tivo is hooked directly to the Router, my PC is Wifi.
So the issue you are really having is that your router cannot handle that amount of data coming in and out wifi at the same time…or your network is not optimal. Kinda hard to blame Tivo for that.
IS TIVO TOGO A BUST?
Since I use a Motorola PVR box with my cable service, I really haven’t seen a reason to get Tivo. Once the TivoToGo service was announced I was ready to run out and get Tivo; but with all of the…
Has anyone mentioned the significantly delayed channel changing that came along with the TiVoToGo upgrade? I called TiVo support and was told that they are aware of the channel changing delay that accompanies the upgrade and apologize for the inconvenience; however, channel changing or surfing has never been a priority for TiVo. If a fix does not come soon, I will have to seriously reconsider my TiVo subscription. Currently it is taking 11 seconds to change the channel after the pixilization and “jumpy” graphics cease.