Episode #150
I’m looking for a set top DVR box for my parents. Do you have any suggestion? EPG and show suggestion is not necessary, just need to record to hard drive and export to DVD or record directly to DVD. Though prefer to have hard drive. Also would the box be able to work with cable’s digital set top box?
Luisa, Mountain View, PA
It’s often easiest to use the cable company’s DVR - it usually is built-into their digital box so it saves space and complexity. Unfortunately the cable company boxes aren’t nearly as easy to use or powerful as TiVo. TiVo is still the best DVR made. You can get them to work with cable boxes, but it can be tricky. If you’re willing to get it all working that’s probably the best way to go.
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Air Date: February 20, 2008
TranscriptCaller Questions
- Ron, Dieppe, NB
- Peter, Vancouver, BC
- Mark, Beavorton
- Luisa, Mountain View, PA
Yewell's Jewels
- jMemorizewindowslinux
jMemorize is a Java application that manages your flashcards by the famous Leitner system and makes memorizing facts not only more efficient but also more fun. It manages your whole learning progress and features categories, statistics and a visually appealing and intuitive interface.
Sean's Shinies
- Roomba 560 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
$349
Who wants to vacuum anyhow? Not me. iRobot has introduced new Roomba Vacuum Cleaning robots, including this particular model. You can set up your robot to vacuum on a schedule or you can just tap the “clean” button on top and off it’ll go…and if all goes well it should vacuum up the grit and then find its own way back to the charging cradle. It comes with two beacons that can be used as a “lighthouse” or as a “virtual wall”, to make sure the Roomba goes to places you want it to go…or to stay away from them entirely. The Roomba DOES seem to follow a fairly erratic path (scaring housepets as it goes)…but it DOES seem to get the job done.
Shiny
- auto-cleans room
- adjusts for floor type
- avoids falling down stairs
- finds charging dock when battery low
Dull
- cleaning seems random
- scares housepetsRoomba 560
iRobot
Kate’s Tips
- Ideal Bite
Green-lifestyle websites seem to be sprouting up all over, but Ideal Bite serves up eco-friendly tips with a mixture of heart and sass, and doesn’t ask you to compromise your personal style or comfort. Call it Green Lite; down to earth and practical, not preachy, Ideal Bite supplements its guidance with “Bang for the Bite” fun tidbits and “cocktail factoids” that speak to its playful approach. The advice is well-researched and delivered in series of persuasive and concise bullet points, followed by links to online shops that sell Earth-friendly goods like recycled wrapping paper and beeswax candles. One recent tip gave lazy gardeners permission to just leave the grass clippings where they lie after mowing the lawn; the clippings serve as a natural fertilizer, Ideal Bite pointed out, plus you’ll use fewer plastic bags and keep yard waste out of the local landfill. Sign up to receive a daily tip via email, or read them all in the site’s tip library.