TiVo Releases the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR

TiVo releases the TiVo BOLT OTA DVR that is made just for Cord Cutters. The TiVo BOLT OTA DVR is the most powerful and feature rich TiVo DVR, and made to work with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. The TiVo Bolt OTA DVR does not work with cable or satellite TV.

The antenna-ready TiVo BOLT OTA is for Cord Cutters and available starting September 28, 2018.

TiVo Releases the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR

The easiest and cheapest way to watch Live TV is by using an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna. A TV antenna can receive FREE High-Definition digital broadcast signals from local stations like ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, FOX, PBS, and more.

A DVR allows Cord Cutters to really get the most out of their Live TV OTA antenna. Having a DVR to record Live TV from your over-the-antenna allows you to your recorded TV shows and watch them later, when you want to.

Now, TiVo releases the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR. TiVo DVRs are very popular with Cord Cutters because they are easy to set-up and use. Plus, TiVo DVRs are both feature-rich with a great user experience.

Plug your OTA antenna into the TiVo to get local OTA channels. And right from your TiVo you can also watch shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video subscription services. You do NOT need to switch inputs to go from your DVR to Netflix!

Read more about the TiVo user experience… TiVo Rollout of a New TiVo Experience (Hydra).

TiVo Bolt OTA DVR Features

• 4 Tuners – Record four shows at once
• Up to 150 hours of HD programming
• Voice Remote – Search across your live TV, DVR recordings and streaming content
• Integrated Streaming Apps – No more switching inputs or remotes to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Pandora, and Plex
• 4K Streaming (On Apps – When Available)
• Skip Mode – Skip entire commercial breaks with the press of a button! (Read more about TiVo SkipMode.)
• Quick Mode – Speed through recorded shows 30% faster, with pitch-corrected audio
• Works with TiVo Mini VOX – extend the power of TiVo to TV’s in other rooms

The TiVo Bolt OTA DVR requires a separate service plan fee. The Monthly service plan is $6.99/mo with a 1-year commitment. The Annual service plan is $69.99/yr. The All-In service plan is a one-time purchase of $249.99.

The TiVo Bolt is a great way to watch FREE TV. If you are already a Cord Cutter, a TiVo DVR is a great way to watch Live TV from OTA broadcasts. If are thinking of Cutting The Cord, let the premium experience of the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR help you make the transition to Cord Cutting, and drop the cost of cable or satellite TV. 

Indoor or Outdoor TV Antenna

For the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR, you will need a plug-in an antenna to record Live TV shows from local Over-The-Air (OTA) broadcasts.

Check to see what stations are available in your area: Find out what FREE local HDTV channels are available in your area.

Here are several types and brands of indoor and outdoor TV antennas.

• Mohu: Home of the #1 rated Indoor HDTV Antenna
• AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor Antenna (25/35/50 Mile Range)
• RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna with 70 Mile Range
• Antennas Direct: Outdoor antenna
• Mohu Leaf 50 TV Antenna, Indoor, Amplified, 60 Mile Range

TiVo Mini – Extend TiVo To TV’s In Other Rooms

Do you want to watch shows recorded on your TiVo in other rooms? No problem.

Extend the power of your TiVo to TV’s in other rooms with the TiVo MINI VOX (TCDA95000).

The TiVo MINI VOX does NOT need a subscription. You buy it and you own it. No monthly subscription fee. 

TiVo Roamio OTA DVR

The TiVo Roamio OTA DVR was released on August 20, 2013. While this is an older TiVo model, it is still a great option for Cord Cutters.

With no monthly service fees, the TiVo Roamio OTA DVR is also built for Cord Cutters. The TiVo Roamio is compatible only with a OTA antenna. The TiVo Roamio OTA DVR does not work with cable or satellite TV.

TiVo Roamio OTA DVR Features

• Record four shows at once and up to 150 hours of HD programming
• Compatible only with HDTV antennas – Does not work with cable or satellite TV
• No monthly TiVo service plan fee required
• TiVo’s new Voice Remote
• Integrated Apps – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, Plex
• Skip Mode skips entire commercial breaks (Read more about TiVo SkipMode.)
• Quick Mode – Speed through recorded shows 30% faster, with pitch-corrected audio

TiVo BOLT OTA vs TiVo Roamio OTA

Their are just a few differences between the TiVo BOLT OTA vs the TiVo Roamio OTA.

• TiVo Bolt OTA supports 4K Streaming (Where Available), while the TiVo Roamio OTA supports 1080p.
• The TiVo Bolt OTA is faster – integrated apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu will load faster.
• The TiVo Bolt OTA supports 802.11ac for WiFi, while the TiVo Roamio OTA uses 802.11n.
• TiVo Stream is built into the TiVo Bolt OTA, while the TiVo Roamio requires the TiVo Stream device. The TiVo Stream streams content to iOS and Android devices.
• The TiVo Bolt OTA has GB (GigaBit) Ethernet, while the TiVo Roamio OTA uses 100 MB Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet is useful for 4k streaming, so GB Ethernet is not needed on the TiVo Roamio OTA.

Also… The TiVo BOLT OTA comes with the new Voice Remote. Older TiVo Roamio OTA models did not come with the voice remote… but the new Roamio OTA models do. So, the Voice Remote isn’t a factor if you are buying a new TiVo, but if you have the older model of the TiVo Roamio OTA, it may be worth considering an upgrade to the new TiVo BOLT OTA if you want the Voice Remote and 4K streaming. Or, you could upgrade your TiVo Roamio OTA with the new Voice Remote.

And don’t forget about the difference in price! The retail price of the new TiVo BOLT OTA is $249.99 and the All-In service plan costs another $249.99 – for a total price of $499.98. The TiVo Roamio OTA typically sells for $399.00 and includes the All-In service plan. 

In Summary

The TiVo Roamio OTA DVR is cheaper ($399.99) and there is no monthly TiVo service plan fee. The TiVo guide subscription is included.

You get some nice upgrades with the new TiVo Bolt OTA DVR like 4K streaming, built in TiVo Stream, a faster system, and better WiFi. The TiVo Bolt OTA DVR costs more ($249.99) and requires a separate service plan fee. The Monthly service plan is $6.99/mo with a 1-year commitment. The Annual service plan is $69.99/yr. Or I recommend the All-In service plan one-time purchase of $249.99.