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What is TiVo? TiVo is a digital
video recorder (DVR) that allows users to record shows
of their liking, much like a more familiar recording
device, the VCR. However, unlike VCRs, television
programs recorded on TiVo are stored on a
self-contained, internal hard disk, so there's no need
to purchase tapes. TiVo boats a myriad of fabulous
features that make watching TV an enjoyable experience.
For one, programs can be paused while you are watching.
If the telephone rings, just hit the pause button, and
when the call is over, push the pause button again and
resume watching the show where you left off. If
you come up to a commercial break, just fast forward (at
three different speeds) through the ads to catch up to
the show (depending on how long your pause was, you may
be able to catch up to the program in real time!).
Beyond the ease of pausing, rewinding, and
fast-forwarding, TiVo also provides users the ability to record
pre-designated programs, up to multiple showings in the
future. Additionally, users can give "thumbs up"
and "thumbs down" ratings to particular programs, and based on
those ratings, TiVo will intuitively and automatically
record programs - or not record programs - based on user
interests and disinterests.
The features of TiVo go far beyond
what is discussed here. Nevertheless, what TiVo
does is provides the user with an efficient, and
sometimes targeted, way to watch TV. The clean,
fast- forwarding feature will allow him to watch
pre-recorded programs faster, and interacting with TiVo
will keep the "junk" from showing up on the hard drive,
usually allowing him to review only the programs in
which he is interested.
He has to have his TV; it's going to
be difficult to deprive him of that pleasure.
Giving him TiVo will augment that viewing experience and
make his TV time more efficient, ultimately allowing him
to spend more time with you! |
