If you think that once you program the TiVo to record a program that it will definitely record it you may have a rude awakening when the program fails to record for no valid reason (except it doesn't feel like it).

Randomly (and regularly) programs do NOT record as programmed and in the "to do" list.

One example: An explanation as to why a program was not recorded: "This program was not recorded because either the TiVo DVR is not authorized for this channel (it was), the program was not purchased (was on free over-the-air TV), or the program was not available in your area (it was).

There are three valid reasons that a program will not record (which do not apply to this situation): A higher priority progam was recorded, no signal available or the program was removed from the program guide. These three reasons provide a different error message when they apply.

Also note that if a higher-priority program is removed from the program guide (or the "to do" list) the TiVo will NOT necessarily record a lower-priority program in its place. You have to "double-check" to see if the other program will record as there is a good chance it won't.

TO MAKE SURE YOUR TiVo RECORDS EVERY PROGRAM YOU ASK IT TO, you need to constantly monitor it hour by hour to be SURE it is actually recording your requested programs. You cannot assume that all of your programs are being recorded, even if the "to do list" SAYS they will be.

The TiVo software is seriously flawed in other ways, including saying a program will be recorded and also saying it won't be recorded (it appears in both lists), saying a program will not be recorded because it will be recording the same identical program. This list goes on and on and as I think of more of them they will be included here.

Technical support always gives "excuses" (or no reason) as to why something didn't work right and "apologizes" for the error, while you have been greatly inconvenienced because you couldn't see the program you wanted to see. An apology is inadequate. Fixing the software so that it works right IS the only solution. This they seem incapable of doing!

Technical support gives such "solutions" such as "restart" the TiVo or "erase everything and start over." Question, how often must this be done, daily? The TiVo was restarted less than a week before the above problem. These are not solutions, they are "excuses."

OR, technical support offers to "exchange the unit." Then they send you a "refurbished" unit, not a new one (you paid for a new one, didn't you?). You also lose all your "season passes" and/or any programs you are saving on the unit for future viewing. A refurbushed unit is one that was "returned" by someone else, probably because it didn't work right!

Last updated on January 10, 2008.