. . there is no degradation of the signal when recorded because it is already digital;
I hear you on the signal degradation, but I ask you, in the grand scheme of things, at this stage, how discernible is the loss in picture quality. Mind you, if I strive for the cleanest picture I would either (1) set the record mode for the highest quality, which consumes the greatest amount of space on the hard drive, or (2) just watch the program live (i.e. sporting event). Nevertheless, your point on signal degradation is well taken.
. . . the reuse of parts (MPEG2 decoder) saves costs . . . the box can be subsidized when combined with a programming contract
Yes, these, too, are also arguments in favor of a single box. But, in addition to the "what if there's a problem" issue I raise, I would also question whether I would want TiVo embedded into my TV receiver for privacy reasons. Do I want TiVo gathering my viewing habits for sale to the increasingly invasive world of digital marketers? Sure, I might save on the programming contract, but at what cost? Do I want my TV viewing experience to emulate the experience NZRO now offers PC customers who are just a little too tight-fisted to spring for monthly Internet access, who sacrifice their privacy & subject their time online to invasive banner advertising and webpage detours that require a click today, maybe another one or two tomorrow?
Once you buy TiVo along with your satellite receiver you're stuck with it, and I really don't know, but perhaps you do, whether you can switch it off if you decide you don't like the invasive aspects TiVo "offers." If your TiVo is part of your programming contract, then I would think that your option to shut-off TiVo would not exist w/o a "modification" to the contract. Perhaps, you can see what I am getting at by the problems that arise with too much bundling.
. . . such as dual-tuner PTV receivers which allow for recording of one program while watching another.
I dunno what you mean by "dual-tuner" exactly, but interesting enough, I can watch a pre-recorded show on my Replay at the same time it records another show. In addition, I have easily remedied the problem of watching a live show while recording a show on Replay by installing a splitter on the coax line from my cable outlet to feed both my Replay as well as the TV. |
