Yeah, I had one of the original Ethernet-converted TiVos, made by my roommate at the time who hand-soldered the debug port to ISA adapter from a blank PCB and a bag of parts. We rooted it, put an NE-2000 card in it, and then didn't need our home phone line anymore. (Also tossed an 80GB WD drive in it to replace the pathetic 20GB it came with.)
Network-connected download of the guide data stopped working a number of years ago. I was still using mine connected to basic cable, which still had standard-def channels. (And yes, the ATSC to NTSC converter boxes could be persuaded to work.) Eventually, something like an HDHomeRun setup is a lot easier... but nothing will ever replace the "feel" of the TiVo remote. Particularly the 15-second skip button!
Network-connected download of the guide data stopped working a number of years ago. I was still using mine connected to basic cable, which still had standard-def channels. (And yes, the ATSC to NTSC converter boxes could be persuaded to work.) Eventually, something like an HDHomeRun setup is a lot easier... but nothing will ever replace the "feel" of the TiVo remote. Particularly the 15-second skip button!