Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Michael Godo photo
1 Level
1341 Review
104 Karma

Review on πŸ“Ί TiVo BOLT 500GB DVR: Advanced Digital Video Recorder and Streaming Media Player - 4K UHD Capability - Compatible with Digital Cable or HD Antenna by Michael Godo

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Slow start, nice ecosystem, slightly frustrating OTA tuner

This is my first Tivo. I was looking for a device with a good OTA tuner for local DTV channels, DVR functionality and the ability to stream signals to other TVs or projectors around the house. Upon unboxing, I was disappointed to see that a plastic corner of the device didn't snap or stick out. Even though I squeezed it, I couldn't get it to snap into place. Obviously defective processing of the plastic housing of the device! Next, turn on the device - have a book or other distraction ready! This device takes a long time to turn on! Mine went through a full cycle of "prepare, connect, get info, disconnect, download info (the longest part)", then did it all over again, then told me it needed a major software update, then restarted and cycled through the 3rd deployment. Loading information page! And I connected the Tivo to a fast Ethernet connection, not Wi-Fi! Anyway, after all that, I finally got to see something! It was then connected to an OTA tuner. I was a bit disappointed with the OTA tuner on this device. I have almost all my local channels except ABC. The built in tuner on my 5 year old Panasonic Ultra Thin TV can fine tune ABC using the same antenna, but the Tivo set is having trouble with that particular channel. I have to play with the angle of the antenna and even then the Tivo signal just isn't very stable for ABC! Anyway, I have to keep working on it. After you search for channels, you'll be asked to provide a credit card and choose a Tivo plan, monthly, yearly (ca die?!?). A few things I liked about connecting to the Tivo system: There is a OnePass option to record every episode of the show throughout the season. I clicked on a few shows that I really like. A few other features that I hope to use soon is streaming to another TV or projector with Tivo mini. The Tivo system is expensive compared to other options - it's impossible to stream live TV to other TVs in the house without buying a Tivo mini. However, some other alternatives offer relatively easy streaming and an HDMI output on the main tuner/DVR to connect to a nearby TV. The picture quality is good, otherwise the device works (except for a somewhat disappointing 1-channel OTA tuner). Overall I would give the device 3 stars, docking station due to poor case construction (one corner of the case is no longer flush and protrudes straight out of the box!), relatively poor OTA tuner compared to my old plasma TV with the same antenna. , and slightly overpriced. Benefits include easy selection of favorite shows to record with OnePass, Suggestions (the suggested shows based on what you already like or what you are currently recording), what's on the schedule, viewing different shows with the menu icon, and the ability Stream it on Netflix, Hulu, and Revain. Services. Let's see if that suits me or if I get fed up with the monthly fee and move on to other options like Tablo or SiliconDust.

Pros
  • Your favorite streaming apps are fully integrated: no more switching inputs, remotes or devices. Access Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, Hulu, Pandora and more from a single integrated interface.(2)
Cons
  • disappears