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Using the Moxi HD DVR System

Once you have Moxi up and running, there are the usual housekeeping tasks, such as setting the output resolution, TV aspect ratio, and audio output preferences, as well as installing the analog cable TV tuner, if applicable in your situation. However, the next major task is to scan for your available Cable TV channels and then "map" the channels so that the channel logos are displayed and program information for each channel can be accessed for either viewing or recording.


Other things to do are to activate any online audio/video streaming services you want, such as Rhapsody, Netflix, YouTube, etc... Also, if you want to access content stored on a PC or install a Moxi Mate, you need to set that up so that both are communicating properly with Moxi HD DVR.

Running the Moxi 3-Tuner HD DVR, Moxi Mate, and Analog Cable TV Tuner, I found that the system provides a lot flexibility for TV viewing. The integration of TV programming, online streaming, and PC audio/video/still image content one box certainly has advantages in decreasing the number of devices that need to be connected to a TV.

In addition, since the Moxi Mate is able to access anything stored on the HD DVR and network accessible content, you only need one DVR to feed up to two additional televisions (just add a Moxi Mate for each TV), the options are increased three-fold.

Recording With Moxi

Recording a TV program is really easy. If you want to record the program you are watching currently, just press the record button on the remote.

Moxi knows how much time there is left in the program and will stop recording when the program ends. This function is great if you start watching a program and get interrupted.

On the other hand, if you want to schedule a recording in advance, just go to the program, click on it, view the summary information and decide whether you want to record it or watch it. You don't have go into a menu and figure out the starting and stopping times, although you do have the option, in setting up your recording preferences, to start your recordings 5 minutes early or on time.

Also, if the program is part of a series, you can set your preferences so that up to five first-run or first-run and repeated episodes can be recorded, without any further action on your part. You can even decide how long you want to keep your recorded TV program on the hard drive.

Another flexible recording option, especially when traveling, is to go online and schedule a recording via your online Moxi account. Since Moxi is on all the time, and, hopefully always connected to your home network, it will get the information and record the program(s) you setup via your online account.

The Pros and Cons of Moxi

The Moxi HD DVR system is very versatile, but there are some important things to note.

First, this is definitely a system the requires the user to not only glance at the Quick Start Guide, but requires a good reading of the entire User Guide to really understand everything you need know to navigate through the Moxi system easily.

Also, if you have a laptop PC bring it into the room with you (connected to the internet) during the initial Moxi setup. If your PC is in another room, you will find yourself going back and forth during the initial setup procedure.

Another thing to be aware of is when using the Moxi for viewing live TV is that the scanning through or direct dialing in channels is extremely slow. Sometimes it takes up to three seconds for the next channel to lock in. This is especially bothersome if you are jumping between two channels during commercials hoping to check in on what's happening in the other program, or going between two sporting events.

Of course, one way to solve this problem, especially with the Moxi's recording capabilities, is to just record the other channel and view it later, rather than jumping between two programs during commercial breaks.

On the other hand, once you get used to the onscreen menu system, it is easy to understand, and the more you "dig" into it, the more things you find out that you can do. For instance, you can display all of the available TV channels as a list, or as a grid. In either case, you have, in most cases, access to a content summary of each program, as well was what is coming on in subsequent time slots.

Also, the video output quality of Moxi is very good. HD channels look as detailed as they should, and since the Moxi has built-in scaling for any analog video signals, they look a little cleaner - although sometimes artifacts can become visible if the source signal is not stable.

Final Take

I don't have the space to discuss, in more detail, all the ways that Moxi functions, but I can definitely say that the Moxi HD DVR system is certainly a DVR system to consider, especially if you watch and record a lot of TV. Also, the internet streaming and network capabilities are not only a nice bonus, but also makes the Moxi a great all-in-one network media player solution, in addition to being a versatile DVR system.

One possible drawback for some is that the Moxi system in this review is not something you would lease or rent from your cable service. The Moxi 3-Tuner HD DVR is $599, and each supplementary Moxi Mate unit is $299.

Also, if you haven't upgraded to a digital cable service, is it highly recommended that you do so, as using an analog cable tuner adapter restricts how many programs can be recorded at the same time. On the other hand, there are no monthly DVR rental fees, other than subscription fees for local cable service and any additional subscription fees needed to access (at your option) some online streaming content, such as Rhapsody and NetFlix.

For a viusal look at the Moxi 3-Tuner HD DVR, Moxi Mate, and Analog Cable Tuner Adapter, including some examples of the onscreen menu system, check out my supplementary Photo Gallery.

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