TiVo TCD648250B Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder (2008 Model)
Best HDTV Option - throw away your cable DVR with a smile
I've had the new HDTV Tivo for a week. As with other reviewers I previously had a Comcast provided Motorola/Microsoft DVR (Microsoft did the software/guide in the Seattle area at least).  The Comcast unit was slow to respond, awkward to use and frequently missed recording programs partially if not completely. It is a terrible device and I went through several.  I switched from my old Tivo Series 2 to the Comcast HD recorder only to get HD recording. <br /> <br />So far the Tivo Series 3 is an HD capable and otherwise improved machine to the series 2. For some reason, you need cable cards even if you don't subscribe to non-basic content. Although local HD channels are not encrypted, the HD content schedule won't work without the cards. Not too big of an issue since the cards are free at least with Comcast.  The device has a few notable improvements from the Series 2. <br /> <br />Improvements: <br />   Silent Operation. The series 2 was easily audible in a quiet room. Not so now. <br />   Enhanced Remote. It's now backlit and has controls for your TV's input, power up and aspect control as well as your audio receivers volume. Nice ! <br />   30 second skip !! I missed this on the Comcast box perhaps more then any other single feature and it remains with the HD box. Thank goodness ! <br /> <br />Downgrades:  <br />   This is only minor but switching channels is a bit slow. I believe this is common for HD tuners but you definitely can't flip quickly between channels. <br />   Expensive ! $800 is kind of steep for a DVR. Within a year or two, media PC's may superceed this kind of device. <br />   Missed one program so far in a week. I'm not sure why but the Tivo missed about 1/2 of the evening news. I'm unsure as to whether this was a cable outtage or a software failure so I can't blame Tivo for certain. <br />    <br />Summary: Same great features of the original Tivo plus HD. Exactly what I wanted. The interface alone is worth the price. I will never miss wrestling with the FF RW buttons on my Comcast nor just about any other thing about it.  You don't know what you're missing till it's gone. If you have a Cable provided DVR, you'll be absolutely thrilled with the Tivo. If  you don't have one, then just get the Tivo and be content to know it's worth the money.