Comcast. Ew.

[tfabris]

Due to several factors out of my control, I'm investigating Comcast cable TV for the new place (also bundling Internet service).

Normally I'd run screaming from cable companies, having been wronged by them too many times in the past. But I've been given no choice.

Does anyone have experience with their so-called Tivo service? Supposedly, via a Comcast+Tivo partnership, you can run Tivo software on their cable DVR boxes. But having been a long time DirecTv+Tivo fan, and having seen Comcast's cable DVR boxes, I am leery. I worry that this option is little more than a Tivo logo slapped on top of Comcast's generally awful DVR software. How is the responsiveness (menu and guide screen speed) on a Tivo-fied Comcast box as opposed to a real Tivo?

Update: Getting a Tivo-fied Comcast box is apparently not available in my area. So I'm now looking at buying a standalone HD Tivo box with a CableCard slot. Anyone got a used one to sell?

Comments

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

Don't know about Tivo compatibility, but the cable DVR interface is buggy. You tell it to record new shows only and it still records all occurrences of the show (even ones that clearly say "repeat" in the description). Also, when you go to the recording list and individually cancel things showing by showing, the next day or two it ends up being set to record again. Or anytime you make a change in your line-up you have to re-tweak that again.

That being said I'm rather happy with Comcast overall. Their internet provision is better than most places I've worked and with expanded basic cable (1 step up from basic, you get BBC, SciFi & home/garden networks) there's lots of viewing options.

Anyway, hope my 2 cents helps.