Toshiba SD-H400 Combination Progressive-Scan DVD Player and TiVo Digital Media Server
Almost perfect
Purchased Jan, 2004.  Since we prefer to limit the amount of visible A/V equipment in our house, this TiVo/DVD combo unit seemed perfect.  (One less ugly box to look at.)<br />Setup was a piece of cake.  A little time consuming due to the phone calls, but I was up and running with Basic within an hour.  Another 20 minutes and I had Plus working.<br />The first thing I noticed was the lack of noise about which others were complaining.  While not accessing the hard drive the unit makes no audible noise from watching distance.  In fact, to hear anything at all I had to put my ear within 6 inches of the unit.  The fan is absolutely quite.  I can only hear the hard drive when right next to it.  And I can safely assume this is standard for all DVRs using hard drives.<br />While this is my first TiVo, I could not imagine it being any more user friendly.  The only reason I read the manual was for learning tricks or less needed functions.  Normal recording/viewing was almost to easy.<br />Picture quality (both live and recorded) was indistinguishable from the live cable feed.  In fact, I almost never use best quality recording any more.  Although, we only have a 30\\" TV.  I think others have had more signal degredation with large screens.  I've been told using S-video would make it better.  <br />During programs, pause, fast forward, reverse, pause, and play work instantly.  No annoying time lags.<br />I also don't mind the two different interfaces between the DVD and TiVo.  The TiVo interface works as TiVo should and the DVD interface works as a DVD should.  Pushing one button easily switches to the other mode.<br />The few controls on the front of the unit help occasionally.<br />My only complaint is the remote.  For only TiVo/DVD/TV it is great.  Everything makes sense and there are no problems at all.  The number pad is a bit too low, but I don't seem to use it all that much.  The main problem is that it is not a true universal remote.  I cannot control my CD player and the bulk of my pre-amp.  I was down to one remote previously, but am back to two for need of the new TiVo buttons and control of the other A/V equipment.  A couple more buttons (I know, too many already) and a few learning commands would have been great.  Hence, I take away one star for the limitations of the remote.  (I have yet to find a suitable replacement.)<br />Overall, I highly recommend this product.