OK, so the story I'm about to share is not as dramatic as my title suggests, but let's be honest... for many of us TV fanatics, forgetting to set our DVR to record our favorite show(s) often does seem like life or death.
Let's take a few steps back and talk about what Remote DVR is. In fact, maybe I should moonwalk a little further and talk about what DVR itself is because, believe it or not, I still get asked this question on the regular.
DVR, which stands for Digital Video Recorder, is the greatest thing since sliced bread. And I'm not just saying that because I work for the company. It's basically a smarter, "nu skool"-ier version of the beloved VHS recorder. Instead of using tapes like the VHS, it uses an internal hard drive (like a computer). And instead of relying on you and your fading memory (let's face it, we're getting old) to check the guide in the daily paper and set your recordings manually, the DVR automatically syncs to the on-screen guide through which you can set all of your recordings. You can even set it to record a whole series of shows, adjust start and end times, and much more!
Remote DVR, which was recently launched here in the Hawaii market, takes this convenience to the next level. You can now log in to http://dvr.timewarnercable.com (using TimeWarnerCable.com's MyServices portal) from any Internet connected device, and manage your DVR recordings even when you aren't home.
For Apple iPad users, you can leverage the power of our uber popular TWCable TV iPad App to similarly manage your DVR recordings. As a new father, I've found this service particularly useful & convenient because once baby goes to bed, the wife mandates that the TV be off. Not a problem. If I forgot to set a recording, I'll just whip out my trusty iPad...
TWCable TV App on the iPad
fire up the TWCable TV app...
TWCable TV app launching
go into the DVR screen, and record away.
On this particular occasion, I forgot to set all of my UFC 137 related recordings. As a HUGE UFC and MMA fan in general, this event was of particular interest to me - as well as the rest of the state - because our local boy BJ Penn was headlining the card. (Read an interview I did with BJ Penn back in 2009.)
Since the "no TV when baby is sleeping" rule was in full effect, I simply did a search for "UFC" in the TWCable TV app and found all shows in the next 7 days with "UFC" in the title.
Searching for "UFC" in the TWCable TV app
From there, I simply selected the shows I wanted to record and, bingo-bango, they were all automagically set to record without even having to turn on my TV. Sweet right? Here's what one sequence looked like when I scheduled a show (UFC 137 Prelims) to record on Spike HD.
Selecting UFC 137 Prelims in the search results brought up this options window
Selecting the HD version brought up this window that displayed additional show info and the Record button.
Pressing the Record button brought up the options screen where you could adjust the Save Time ("Until space needed" or "Do not delete") and the Start and End times.
Pressing the Confirm Changes button set my recording
Not exactly life saving, but definitely time saving. With all the extra time, I was able to concentrate on preparing for my UFC 137 BBQ/Party! 8)
UFC 137 Poster (Poster Art Courtesy: UFC)
Unfortunately, BJ didn't do as well as any of us had hoped, but he is still a living legend in my mind. Mahalo for the many years you put into this sport BJ. Your fights will live in our memories forever bruddah.
For Oceanic Time Warner Cable customers here in Hawaii, you can follow along through our UFC Video Content page. For more information on how to order future events, click here.
Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Community Website
