TiVo Series3: Worth $800?

Many of us can't wait to get our hands on the latest HD DVR; the TiVo Series 3, but others are left wondering why it costs $799, not to mention the monthly service fee. Other than the fact that you hate your SA8300 or Motorola 6412 or DirecTV is letting you down with their HD selection, these are some the reason the TiVo series 3 should be so great. The Series 3 is the first stand alone dual tuner HD DVR for cable or OTA. It will not be the same as the TiVo made available via Comcast or Cox, those boxes will run on existing Cable Co hardware. ie. Motorola

Confirmed features
CableCARD support for recording two encrypted digital cable channels at once or one multi-stream Card when available. (Cable Co is required by the FCC to support)
NTSC, analog cable and un-encrypted QAM support.
Record OTA or Cable, with two inputs, which will enable the two sources to be integrated.
Expand your storage with a external eSATA hard drive.
Front panel display, which will show what is recording among other things.
New remote that is weighted to make it easier to find the top and back-lit which makes it easier to use in the dark.
Home Media Engine
Ethernet port
Dual USB ports
HDMI TOSLINK and Component Out

Expected
Multi-Room Viewing
TiVoToGo
Requires monthly TiVo subscription, $13-$20 month depending on Monthly commitment.
All sources will integrate into one guide.
Bring your own eSATA drive or only support TiVo brand.
Map un-encrypted QAM channels without a CableCARD.
Support for MPEG2, AVC and VC-1.
External Drive will not be easily moved to other units.
Initial call via Internet.
Hackable to add features or storage.
300 GB drive.

Left out
Will not work with VOD or PPV. (requires CableCARD 2.0)
No Support for Switched Digital Cable Systems.
No 1394 aka Firewire. (No archive to DVHS or PC)
Not able to record via component. (Will not record Satellite)
No S-Video/Composite in. (not able to record SD via external tuner)
No 500 GB drive option.

Features we really want.
Multi-Room Viewing (MRV) for those who aren't familiar with this feature, it enables multiple TiVo's to play together on your home network. Want to watch a program that is on another TiVo, no problem, do you already have two shows scheduled to record, TiVo will ask if you want to record it on your other TiVo.

TiVoToGo; this feature goes without saying, this should make up for the lack of 1394 port and enable you to transfer your shows to your computer and even a DVD, but don't expect to fit more than a half hour on a single layer disc, it may be time for the next generation optical disc.

CableCARD support, this will be the first of it's kind, sure you may be able to build your own Windows Media Center PC for less than the price of a Series 3, but you won't be recording Hi-Def digital cable.

Is it worth the price?
Those are just the specs and features, there are more immeasurable reasons that can only be known to those who have owned a TiVo. The best part is that you have another choice, you can choose the inexpensive version from your cable company or you can step up and buy the ultimate HD DVR available. For all practical purposes the Series 3 will be a high-end product for those who demand the best and are willing to pay for it. Sure it may not be right for everyone at that price, but when you are ready to step up, TiVo will be there for you and in the meantime they will push your cable company to improve their offerings. Is the Series 3 worth the price? How much would you be willing to pay?

Check back for a full review when it hits the street.

[Thanks, Dave Zatz and megazone for the details and pictures!]

[wryker Posted Sep 13th 2006 11:32AM]

The Comcast HD PVR already does everything the S3 does. It's just not as 'pretty' or user friendly. TiVo owns many patents that prohibit PVRs from being as 'friendly' however Comcast and TiVo inked the deal in 2005 and I see TiVo bowing out of manufacturing and focusing more of what they do best: software. So, putting a TiVo interface on the current Comcast PVR will give you everything the current S3 does except the wireless network of pictures and mp3s (which most people use an mp3 portable hooked up to the main amp nowadays) and the S3 does not support TiVoToGo. So is home media really that important? Considering there are so many other ways that are inexpensive to port your mp3's and pics to your TV? My Toshiba came with an ethernet port built in - i plugged it into my router and voila - all my pictures and mp3s available over my network. Home Media PC software etc makes it easy and economical to stream your media to your TV. So buying the new box AND paying a monthly fee if you don't have a lifetime subscription makes no sen$e. Currently the HDPVR box is $9.99 a month. I estimate another 5-6$ for the TiVo interface so that's $15 a month. It'll take you 5 1/2 years to make up the $1,000 outlay (providing you HAVE a lifetime subscription already). So no, I'll wait. The TiVo interface will solve the 'buggy' problems now, provide a 'friendlier' interface and provide the dual-HD recording etc etc. For those that want the TiVoToGo? - Wait until they have it for the S3, and then see how much it'll cost - and how much additional software/hardware you might need on your PC to stream an HD show...and how long will that take? I love TiVo and have been a fan for over 5 years, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'll wait for the Comcast TiVo box (and yes, they've slipped before on their timelines but it's been a 'guarantee' to have it out before end of 2006).

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2006 12:03PM]

TW required a tech to install the Cable Card in my TV, so expect a several day wait.

Many Cable Companies DVRs and tuners do not allow you to edit the Guide (block the listing of channels) you do not subscribe, or have absolutely no interest.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2006 10:11AM]

Ready to step it up and get serious; NOT ME. I can afford the 800 bucks because I manage my money. That being said, spending $800 on a HD DVR is not good money management. I think TiVo's market researchers should consider a sample group out of the 90210 zip code. Better luck next time TiVo. You're losing a current subscriber.