TiVo TCD652160 HD Digital Video Recorder

I know most cable companies have started offering DVRs with their service (including Charter, which I have), but there is just something I love about my TIVO. I upgraded to the HD unit so that I could use both cable and an antenna, since Charter doesn't offer HD service for all of the local channels. So far it works great!

Be aware that TIVO HD does NOT use a cable box!! If you have digital cable (usually channels 100 and above), premium channels, or HD cable, you need to call your cable company and lease a CableCard. You cannot hook your cable box to the TIVO HD - it will not recognize the signals for anything beyond the basic analog channels. Also, if you use digital features like Video On Demand or pay-per-view, those won't work without a cable box. It is best to contact your cable provider to verify what you will need if you get this TIVO HD.

Moving on to the unit....I like that I can set it to change the output resolution automatically (based on the video source) or set it to static resolutions. The remote also allows you to change the aspect on the fly without having to use your TV's display controls. It displays hi-def resolutions fantastically, but remember that you have to have HD signal for it to display in HD (not just digital signals).

When I first hooked it up and got everything setup, it seemed to have a few problems when changing channels - it would display a brief "searching for signal" message (usually just a few seconds). After about 4 days, the service downloaded the latest update and now everything seems to be working correctly, with no delays.

Another caveat...I'm using it with an HDMI cable and when I set the TIVO to allow low sounds (the little 'doodoop' noise it makes when you use the DVR functions on the remote), it causes an interruption in the audio for whatever I am watching at that moment. I believe this has to do with the way HDMI cables handle audio signals and is not related to the TIVO itself, so it probably wouldn't have been a problem using component cables. I just set the TIVO audio control to silent and it doesn't interfere anymore.

The other reason I wanted to upgrade to HD is for the new Netflix streaming video feature. It hasn't started yet (it launches in December), but I can use both Amazon and Jaman to rent movies, TV shows, etc. I prefer this to the cable company's Video On Demand, which requires a cable box and doesn't offer as much variety. When the Netflix is added, TIVO will completely smoke the cable company offerings in this regard!!

Overall, I am very happy that I upgraded to the TIVO Series 3 HD!!

Ages ago I owned a Replay TV. I loved it, but, I wanted to be able to record HD and more video, so I bought a Media Center PC. The PC was kind of quirky due to Windows limitations (couldn't play back DVD's over component video, for instance), so I decided to give this a try.

The quality of video is really great, but, this is probably the most unreliable home theater product I have ever owned. It crashes AT LEAST once a day, for no apparent reason. And there is no power off button, so I have to unplug it, wait a few seconds and then plug it back in. And it takes forever to reboot.

The other thing that really annoys me is all the advertising. I pay about $10/month for service and there are tons of ads in the menus. WHAT???

It is great that other services like Rhapsody and Amazon Unbox are integrated. But, how do you archive the video you purchase or record? I guess you could use Tivo to go, but good luck. I've never had it work EVER on my laptop that is only a few months old.

I would NEVER EVER buy this again, but, now I'm stuck with it and I prepaid for a year of service.

Apple TV combined with Eye TV for the Mac or a cheap USB tv tuner on the PC, is a way better option, plus the recordings go into iTunes/iPod/iPhone pretty easily.

I knew about the subscription service but I was surprised to find out that 802.11g connection only works with their network adaptor. I spent another $60 for the adapter. Everything was going well until I found out that Tivo wasn't picking up some of the HD channels that I was receiving on my cable. We decided to return it & cancel the subscription since it came with 30 day cancelation policy. I'm on the phone waiting for 50 mins or so trying to cancel. The firt time I called, the call was just simply disconnected after 20 mins. I'm very disappointed with the way they do business. I'll see how many product reviews I can submit before they finally answer the phone.

Ok - here goes !
First - The Love:
* TiVo's best feature- its great being able to watching programs on "your" schedule and not the "TV program" schedule.
* Skipping thru the junk and commercials is heaven.
You can watch 2 or 3 programs using TiVo in the same time you watch
one live show.
* Menus are easy to use and it's "smart" ! TiVo can find your programs, advise if you have recording conflicts, has a program recommendation feature based on your preferences, can download movies from Amazon and Netflix, watch You Tube, and a whole list of great feature that is growing.
* Dual channel HD is very nice and Tivo is addictive !
It will drive you nuts to have to watch a "live" program once your use to Tivo and you will soon be buying another unit once the other member of the family horde in on "your TiVo" - lol.

Now the Hate:
* DO NOT purchase the lifetime subscription service !!
Unless you're a addicted gambler or a fool - there is a very very good chance you will be parted from a huge (400.00) chunk of your wallet. The service subscription is for the life of the "unit" and
--- TiVo reliability is abysmal !!! ---
Some research on diff web forums as well as TiVo's 30 day replacement (no charge) and 1 yr limited replacement (min of 40.00 charge) will attest to the this.
* I bought 2 TiVo HD units and both have failed in the first year. I have read a lot of reviews about folks having units for years with no problems - but beware..
there are also a LOT of units that have had problems, been replaced multiple times, and or just become useless after the 1 year limited warranty is up.
* And if you are thinking - Wow what a great rebate !
O-boy... another disaster ! Several calls to customer service, rebate service, tech service, and the janitor and you may finally get it. Let me know cause I'm still waiting.

As much as I love the Tivo when its working,
I would not recommend this unit to anyone due to very lousy warranty and reliability. And PLEASE don't get sucked into buying a "lifetime" Tivo subscription unless you like just love to gamble or waste money !!!

Vann's was terrific. They mailed the TIVO Digital Video Recorder to me promptly in a well wrapped container. I would not hesitate to purchase another product from them!