You've probably seen those television ADs from Cable TV providers about their new services that include an HD-DVR. However, are Cable DVRs worth it, or are they just a lot of hassle that just makes the Cable Company more money? By the same token, is the new TIVO Series 3 HD DVR a better alternative? For a review of Comcast Cable's HD DVR and the new standalone TIVO Series 3 HD DVR, and which option may be the best deal, check out the report from Sal Prince, About.com Guide for Digital Video Recording (DVRs).
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Comments
TiVo . . .hands down ! No question!
We have both and I HATE the cable DVR . . .That is actually why I am writing . . .I JUST had ANOTHER bad experience and I am fired up . . . . I hate it . . .We had TiVo first and I guess I was spoiled by TiVo . . . It is just so easy . . .better searches for upcoming movies and programs, so easy . . . selecting upcoming programs to record . . .. so easy. . if you don’t know what you want to record in particular. . .TiVo is a so easy to search by movie . .by actor etc. I know cable offers these features but it is NOT easy. I much work to go through the menus etc . . . . TiVo has easier controller functions . . .much better forward and rewinds through recorded shows. . .I just can’t believe anyone who has actually compared the two would be able to say they like the cable DVR better . . .If anyone says that they are LYING . . . It just does not compare. TiVo hands down . . . my concern is that Cable DVR, due to it convenience and availability, will win out. Why pay for quality when you can get crap for free!
I agree with Sandy’s (6/26/07)comments. I tried Cox’s Motorola DVR for 2 months. I just ordered a new Tivo HD XL. I too have been spoiled by the superior Tivo interface and features. Especially, the added program info Tivo provides like the year the program aired and in particular, if you go to the extended Info, you can even get the Episode number and originally aired info. This is very useful info if you are trying to decide what to record.
previous tivo eser-went to hd cable with their dvr-it sucks but tivo way too much money -have to live with crap dvr
Ok heres the thing…I have had a cable dvr service for many years. I have also been through 3 free DVR replacements. I see where the TIVO warranty is only 90 days. If the DVR takes a crap after a year you are s.o.l. right? I would love to switch to TIVO but I can get the cable DVRs replaced when they take a dump. Can someone give me an idea of how well the product lasts?
I’ve had my regular non-HD TiVo for 3 years now. No problems. Charter recently gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse which included a Motorola DVR. It’s horrible! The cable only lists about the next 8-12 hours. You have to wait until a show comes on to set up weekly recordings. Money’s tight, but I went on and ordered a new HD TiVo. I can save the money or I can be happy. I chose happy.
I am in the same boat. i want tivo but TW only charges 10.00 per month for their dvr and if I want to use tivo they charge me 5.00 per month for the cable card decoder. Financially I am stuck. TW ends up being less expensive. Tivo should try to strike a deal with the cable companies????
My 3 year Tivo activation is about to go out and have looked at getting TW DVR. You get what you pay for. Tivo is far superior but costs big bucks – mainly for the equipment as the service part is near a wash. However you can actually cut your TW bill down about $5/month by getting a Tivo HD: use a MCard which can do 2 channels. Dump the cable box as you can record and still watch live TV with Tivo. You loose PPV and on-demand TW movies but I don’t use those (on-demand movies can get from Amazon to Tivo and they have much bigger selection). Sticking with Tivo.
I agree – I have been working on DW ever since we went to HD and got the cable DVR – it totally sucks. It’s like comparing my Commodore 64 to a new PC. It’s not even close. I can’t believe there should be so much difference. Did no one at the cable companies ever use a Tivo?
When I signed up for it the cable rep said it would change our lives. I told him we’ve had a Tivo for many years. He replied that we won’t be impressed. He was right!
I’m a 10 year TiVo user, and I tried out the Cable DVR. I was very dissapointed with it’s lack of features.
I jsut ordered TiVo Premiere XL, and I don’t plan on going back.
Tivo!
People say TiVo does not support HD, while this is true on older models they were not made in the time of HD. the newer HD and premiere offer HD and even format SD channels and programs to 1080i with the format button. How cool is that?
Video on Demand is even better with TiVo! TiVo supports Netflix, Amazon, Blockbuster and even web based material through YouTube and other sources.
With TiVo there is no need for a stereo! its compatibility with its THX certification u can listen to music, watch music video and stream music through your TiVo on what is usually the best sound system in the household. TiVo supports Pandora and Music Choice music videos. also it has its own feature called 365 Radio which offers every genre for free!
Every1 says TiVo is just too expensive. while it is true that it has the highest monthy fee, there is no lease fee like most cable companies. with the cable DVR, that is not UR DVR. u are leasing it and must return it at the end of its usage. with TiVo u OWN ur TiVo!
There is an option on service charges… U HAVE A CHOICE! ;-D the annual pre-paid subscription is the same price as the rivals… better yet, TiVo offers a LIFETIME payment. that means for the life of that TiVo you pay once. one charge at 399.99 and u will never pay again for service so long as that TiVo remains. after 3 years the service more than pays for itself and seeing as the average lifespan of a TiVo (including mistreated TiVo’s outside the 90 day warranty) lasts 6 years. Thats 3 years for free at minimum! take care of ur TiVo and it could be 10+ years like mine.
TiVo does offer a warranty, actually 2 outside the 90 day warranty that is no charge. While the warranty does not cover theft or personal damage (lets be honest, its not a football its an electronic device and should be used as such)
There really isnt anything to lose!