The Bottom Line
Everything you ever wanted to know about TiVo (and more)
Leo Laporte's Guide to TiVo is a well-written and often times hilarious look at everything TiVo. It appeals to a wide variety of people, from TiVo "newbies" to hardcore TiVo "fanatics". I found myself reading the book, both for the entertainment value, as well as for all the great technical information. If you're interested in a great book about TiVo, check this one out!
Leo Laporte's Guide to TiVo is a well-written and often times hilarious look at everything TiVo. It appeals to a wide variety of people, from TiVo "newbies" to hardcore TiVo "fanatics". I found myself reading the book, both for the entertainment value, as well as for all the great technical information. If you're interested in a great book about TiVo, check this one out!
Pros
- Excellent overview of the TiVo DVR
- Info for TiVo beginners as well as TiVo fanatics
- Fun and easy to read style
- Lots of Tips and Hacks for getting the most out of your TiVo
Cons
- A bit harsh on Cable DVRs
- A lot about "hacking" a TiVo which may not interest casual TiVo users
- Only lightly touches on DVD Recorders with built-in TiVo Service
Description
- All you need to know about the TiVo Digital Video Recorder.
- Covers all TiVo features and functions.
- TiVo experts will appreciate the information on "hacking" the TiVo.
- Lots of great information and fun to read.
Guide Review - Leo Laporte's Guide to TiVo
Leo Laporte's Guide to TiVo gives people thinking about buying a TiVo an excellent look at what TiVo is capable of. New TiVo owners will also benefit from all the useful information laid out in the first few chapters. TiVo experts may want to skip ahead to the TiVo "hacks" discussed in later chapters. The book contains a total of 17 Chapters in 3 Parts and 3 Appendixes. Within each chapter there are notes and tips along the sidebar and occasional interjections from the books other author, Gareth Branwyn. The tips, notes and commentary by Mr. Branwyn add a lot of additional insight.
The book is broken up into 3 Parts. Part 1 begins with a look at the different TiVo models, the TiVo Service Plans, the Home Media Features, TiVoToGo, and accessories for your TiVo. It gives readers an inside look at how TiVo actually works, with internal pictures of the TiVo box and discusses the TiVo software, user interface and TiVo set-up. Part 1 continues with how you actually use the TiVo Interface to record TV shows and use the TiVo to pause, rewind and instant replay live TV. Also covered is Wishlist Searches and Season Pass.
Part 2 delves into how to hack the TiVo hardware, for example, to upgrade the hard drive or network a Series 1 TiVo.
Part 3 is all about changing the TiVo software inside the box to customize the TiVo's functions.
Lastly, the Appendices provide resources on the Web and in print about TiVo and information about the included CD-ROM.
The book is broken up into 3 Parts. Part 1 begins with a look at the different TiVo models, the TiVo Service Plans, the Home Media Features, TiVoToGo, and accessories for your TiVo. It gives readers an inside look at how TiVo actually works, with internal pictures of the TiVo box and discusses the TiVo software, user interface and TiVo set-up. Part 1 continues with how you actually use the TiVo Interface to record TV shows and use the TiVo to pause, rewind and instant replay live TV. Also covered is Wishlist Searches and Season Pass.
Part 2 delves into how to hack the TiVo hardware, for example, to upgrade the hard drive or network a Series 1 TiVo.
Part 3 is all about changing the TiVo software inside the box to customize the TiVo's functions.
Lastly, the Appendices provide resources on the Web and in print about TiVo and information about the included CD-ROM.
