Know what though? There’s really nothing good on right now anyway. They canceled The 4400, Journeyman, and The Dresden Files, and the surviving good shows (Heroes, 24, Dexter) are off-season.

Please tell me you’re not Tivoing American Idol.

I’ve only watched American Idol once, and it was an accident. A horrible, horrible accident. What am I recording? That’s a fine question! I smell another blog entry cooking.

Please tell me you’re not Tivoing American Idol.

I’ve found that delay between button pushes and response on the screen often has more to do with the batteries I’m using than anything else. It may not be your problem, but at least it’s something to try.

Speaking of remotes, we use a universal. You’ve got to spend three digits for a good one, but it’s worth it, especially if it’s replacing a total piece of sh*t. We’ve got a Radio Shack model that does the trick, although I’d bet that Logitech one is far superior.

Bottom line here is that Tivo is a good company with tried and true software. The reason their name is synonymous with DVR is because they’re just damn good. Plus, I’ve got a grudge against DirecTV.

1. What kind of wine?
2. What type of cajoling?

1. Perhaps a nice Reisling.
2. What type would you prefer?

1. What kind of wine?
2. What type of cajoling?

I’ve noticed the same things. There have to be hidden shortcuts somewhere to skip around programs. That is annoying.

Also, missing the “power everything on” button sucks. I can get it to turn on the receiver power and TV power, but I have to flip to AVX to turn on the stereo. You didn’t even need to turn on the TiVo. I’m tempted to find an all-in-one programmable remote to replace the DTV one.

I’ve managed to get used to the remote and receiver, but it’s more of an acceptance thing. Then again, the HD channels almost offset the disappointments.

The Logitech Harmony remote has been recommended to me, but it’s going to take a bottle of wine and a lot of cajoling to convince Laura that we should spend $150-250 on a remote control.

Also, missing the “power everything on” button sucks. I can get it to turn on the receiver power and TV power, but I have to flip to AVX to turn on the stereo. You didn’t even need to turn on the TiVo. I’m tempted to find an all-in-one programmable remote to replace the DTV one.

I’ve managed to get used to the remote and receiver, but it’s more of an acceptance thing. Then again, the HD channels almost offset the disappointments.