If you’re like me (but I doubt many of you are), you wonder just how you got along without TiVo. I’ve had DIRECTV for a number of years now, but it didn’t really shine until I got a TiVo and was suddenly able to record programs in a way so simple that it could make a brave man weep (hat tip to the late, great Douglas Adams), as well as stop, pause, rewind and fast-forward through shows.

Now, I’ve had TiVo for several years, and have discovered a new (for me) gadget that makes it even more valuable. It’s a wireless USB network adapter (much like the ones I recommended recently, only it’s just for TiVo) and lets me connect my TiVo to the Internet, through my broadband connection.

Simply plug in the adapter to the back of your TiVo, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your home network. With the link established, you now have access to Internet content on your TiVo and, hence, your TV.

So, once you’re set up, what can you do? How about downloading movies from Netflix, if you have an account? Or link your TiVo account with your Amazon.com account, and rent or buy movies or TV shows from the more than 30,000 available? Or browse and watch YouTube videos? Heck, with the right software, you can download almost anything video-related from the Internet and watch it via TiVo.

I need to stop now. I’m getting giddy!