Just recently I started to optimize my TiVo setup for TiVoToGo. I ran CAT5 directly to my TiVo so that I don’t have to use 802.11b. I know that TiVo does not currently support USB2.0 however; once the anticipated upgrade comes out, I will be all set. Along with the network drop directly to my TiVo, I’ve also put a couple drops in other rooms throughout the house. Hopefully this extra speed with allow me to transfer my shows in near real-time. Another thing that I’ve considered doing is upgrading my server with more disc space. I know that once I start copying my shows to the server I will find that the space gets eaten up pretty quick. If you are interested in running CAT5 to your TiVo I would recommend going with the USB200M adapter from Linksys. My series 2 TiVo detected the adapter as soon as I plugged it in. I was up and running within five minutes!

As a side note, I’ve also noticed that HMO seems to be a lot faster. I’ve especially noticed the speed while viewing my pictures.

I just got off the phone with a TiVo rep who may have provided me with some good news about TiVoToGo! I called because I wanted to know the status of my rewards points TiVo. While I was on the phone with the rep, I asked the question that everybody is wondering about, “When is TiVoToGo going to be released?” The rep told me it would be pretty soon because TiVo was in the process of adding a “Media Access Key” to everybody’s account. Apparently this key is will be used with the software I’ll download in order to provide me with access to my recordings. I logged into my account and sure enough there is a new link to retrieve my Media Access Key! Hopefully this means that TiVoToGo is coming soon!

Obvious Diversion has posted an interesting article which talks about the main reason why you should consider purchasing a TiVo instead of a Media Center PC. The author points out the fact that a TiVo costs ~$99 while a standard Media Center PC costs ~$974.99! Check out the article for some more insight…

TiVo’s rebate program has made their DVRs extremely inexpensive. A couple of my friends have purchased a TiVo for around $50! That’s cheap compared to the $200 I spent on my TiVo a little over a year ago.

Just yesterday I ordered my 140 hr TiVo from the rewards program! As I said in a previous post, I plan on giving my current 60 hr TiVo to my Mom. I’m not sure that she completely understands the benefit of TiVo however; like most people I’m sure she’ll really enjoy it once she gets it.

TiVo’s rewards program is really a great thing. In just over 5 months I’ve been able to rack up the points required to get a top of the line TiVo! If you haven’t signed up for the program I suggest you do. When I first signed up, I thought to myself how am I ever going to get the referrals that I need. Once you get one referral the rest of them start coming. I had a couple family members and several friends purchase a TiVo and use me as the referrer. After all, I’m probably the only family member/friend of there�s who has a TiVo website. As you can imagine I talk about TiVo often and tout it as the next best thing since slice bread :).

Like I said before, you need to sign up for the program and get yourself a new TiVo!

Leon has just informed that Beta 6 of JavaHMO 2.0 has just been released. Leon hopes that is will be the last beta release for version 2.0! Try it out and let him know if you find any problems.

Version 2.0 Beta 6:
1. Fixed bug that repeats last item in each folder
2. Fixed bugs related to special characters
3. Fixed playlist bug for online stations
4. Fixed various reload issues

Ok, I’ll admit it; the fact that TiVo is going to display an advertising pop-up while you fast-forward through commercials isn’t that big of a deal. To be perfectly honest, at first I was a little disappointed with TiVo and their decision however; after further review, I understand why they want to do this. While this isn’t really a big deal, the thing I want to point out is the fact that TiVo hasn’t handled the back-lash from their decision. Ever since the news came out, there has been countless number of articles which talk about the new feature and how TiVo is no longer “TV your way”. It’s gotten so bad that the other day a friend of mine who doesn’t have a TiVo asked me about why TiVo is going to no longer allow me to skip commercials! I know that TiVo has come out on TiVoCommunity and discussed the pop-ups however; it may be a good idea for them to officially announce the feature in order to kill some of the rumors. If TiVo has officially announced the pop-ups please let me know. I haven’t seen anything as of yet…