Sony SVR 3000 - DVR - TiVo - 80 hour(s)
Great little unit
I am currently getting digital cable and when I got this unit back in January 2003 my ONLY option was to use the infrared sensor. The infrared sensor is similar to a remote control as it transmits a signal to the cable box to change channels, etc. It is taped to the cable box so the tivo unit can change the channels on the cable box. The infrared sensor had SERIOUS problems with my cable. I missed about 25% of my shows due to the faulty infrared sensor set up. It mostly recorded the wrong channels. For example if I want to record channel 536, it might record, 53, 56, or 36, etc. (simply missing one of the digits).   <br />The other option is the serial cable connection where it connects to the back of the cable box (if you have a serial port) and is able to change channels directly. This option only became available (for cable) in April 2003 when the new software for Home Media Option came out. Now I've switched to the serial connection and things are MUCH better. I never miss a show anymore and when I change channels using the remote control I can go through the channels MUCH faster.<br />If you are interested in getting this unit I would strongly urge you to use the serial connection as opposed to the infrared sensor (The difference between 5 stars and 2 stars). If you have cable or direct TV make sure you have a box with a serial port in the back of the box. For Direct TV, I've seen the serial port on some of the high end units (i.e. the HD direct TV receivers all have them). If you have to settle with the free (with rebates) direct TV receiver, it probably does not have the serial port and you might want to upgrade to one that does before you get this.<br />If you are using the serial connection, this unit gets 5 stars. The only drawback I see now is that the remote does not have a TV/VIDEO button. With the remote you are able to turn on the TV, turn up the volume, mute, but you can't switch VIDEO1 and VIDEO2, with the included remote. This is a big headache when I sit down after someone has just watched a DVD and I have to find another remote to change to VIDEO1. <br />Others commented on installing 2 hard drives to add to the memory. Understand that doing this voids the warranty and if you are a lifetime subscriber you will probably have to pay the fee ($249) again if something goes wrong with your unit. If you are still under warranty you might want to atleast wait until the initial warranty is up before installing another drive and voiding the warranty. <br />I would recommend this unit...