Netflix on TiVo: Update

Jan 05

RyanMovies, tech, television , , , No Comments

This is an update from my previous post regarding Netflix on TiVo. Since that post, the Netflix service on TiVo has gone downhill. Anytime I try to watch a title in my Instant Queue, the video constantly buffers.

When a title loads, the video starts downloading and picks a video quality (which is always low). Once this initial buffer is done, the title plays for no more than 5 seconds and then buffers again. This goes on repeatedly until I decide I’ve had enough and can’t stand 5 seconds of video and 10-30 seconds of buffering.

Initially, I thought it was my network, or my broadband connection with Comcast. I did multiple bandwidth tests and even powered down everything on my network (except the TiVo) so as to alleviate any other processes that could be taking up bandwidth. No improvement. I also have the latest TiVo firmware.

Since the Netflix software on my PS3 works flawlessly (and has more features), I finally realized it must be the Netflix software that is on the TiVo. Or perhaps it is the TiVo server I am connected to which provides all my subscription information. This is unfortunate. Netflix on TiVo, and being able to stream music and photos to my TV, was the main reason I purchased the TiVo box and the subscription.

Now I wonder why I pay for the monthly TiVo service if I can get the same and more features (which seem to work better in my case) on my PS3.

Has anyone else had similar performance issues with their TiVo and Netflix? I welcome any comments regarding this issue.

Acquiring a CableCARD from Comcast

Jan 29

Ryantech, television , , 2 Comments

UPDATE: The comcast trickery continues. What they don’t tell you on the website is that if you have additional services, the pricing for a second CableCARD rapidly increases. For example, the digital preferred package (which I have) brings the price of a second CableCARD to $7.95 as opposed to $2.95. Talk about getting nickled and dimed….

Comcast customers beware. If you are want to get a CableCARD to replace your current cable box, you might notice on comcast.com that your first CableCard from them is free. CableCARDs are a necessity if you want more advanced DVR services like TiVo.

Before you start jumping for joy, nothing is free… the CableCARD is free, yes… but in order to get the CableCARD, you must schedule an installation appointment, which will cost you $24 (in my area).

Despite all this, I scheduled an installation appointment. I eventually got the appointment free of charge because there are some major issues between what the 1-888 number folks tell you compared to what the actual local office offers. Evidently there are self-installation CableCARD kits you can pick up from your local Comcast office, but the local office in my area doesn’t offer that option. After going down to my local office and complaining about the inconsistencies of the information I got from the 1-888 number and the information I got from the office, they waived the installation fee.

Once the tech arrived he informed me that they don’t use multi-stream cards because they “don’t always work as expected” with TiVo boxes. So he had to install two single-stream cards. Conspiracy to get you to pay more for not using their Digital Service? I think so… link here.

The Comcast verbage regarding the cost of CableCARDs reads:

…additional regulated fee of up to $2.05 for the second CableCARD in addition to the digital service charge…

I get my cable bill this month and I am being charged for both single-stream cards… $7.95 extra per month.

Thanks Comcast… I have really enjoyed the web of contradicting information regarding your services. I wish Insight still existed.

So be fair-warned. You can research the price difference between CableCARDs and a standard cable box, but what you find out will most likely not be what Comcast decides to charge.

Netflix on Tivo

Dec 10

RyanMovies, tech, television , , , 1 Comment

Overall, I am very satisfied with this new feature! This is one of the main reasons I bought a Tivo and it is finally here.

The activation process is very easy and straight forward. Once you get the activation code from you Tivo box, simply navigate this address: http://www.netflix.com/Activate and activate to view your queue.

Two things that need improvement.

  1. The ability to view all available titles that can be viewed instantly. Currently, you can only view your Instant Queue titles. I have two separate queues (one for me and one for my wife) and I can only see the main queue. Would be nice to see both Instant Queues. It would also be nice to see all titles that are available for instant viewing.
  2. There is an issue if you are streaming a title and your Tivo is also recording. This was especially apparent when both tuners on the Tivo were recording AND I was streaming a movie. The streaming movie stopped playing and the Tivo box went directly to Tivo Central. This happened a few times, but didn’t occur again once the recordings stopped. It wasn’t a big deal since you can simply go back to your Instant Queue, select the movie you were watching and resume playing from where it stopped playing previously. Hopefully this is a minor glitch that will be fixed in the next firmware.

With that said, it is very easy to add titles to your queue if you goto netflix.com or use the mobile version for your iPhone or iPod touch. The changes are immediate on your Tivo as well.

This is a great feature to Tivo, the first release is amazingly polished. I hope they work on fixing a few minor glitches.

My Dad is Better Than Your Dad

Mar 10

Ryantelevision No Comments

My Dad is Better Than Your DadI have to admit, the show is pretty entertaining. How can you beat the comedy of pimply, snot-nosed kids screaming relentlessly at their parent for not “doing it right”? The Dad never gets a break… but alas, that is the nature of the game. The peculiar thing about the show is that even if you and your Dad lose, you still get an Xbox 360. I thought the idea of this show was to increase the bond between Dad and child… but instead it supports the current trend of kids turning into isolationists and not bonding with their parents. Diving into their video games and losing out on those important social skills needed once they mature to an adult. But I digress, it’s only a gameshow.