TiVo TCD649080 Series 2 80-Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder (2008 Model)
Lives Up to the Hype
I have listened to the hype about TIVO for a couple of years now.  With the hundred dollar plus rebates on the hardware, as well as substantial discounts on the service, I thought I'd break down and give it a try.  Here' my experience... <br /> <br />The Good... <br />1. Very intuitive user interface for the set-up screens and remote; it could be argued that Tivo is the gold standard for ease of use <br />2. Very secure packaging of unit <br />3. Included cabling is of unusally high quality (not Monster cable grade, but still very good for included cabling) <br />4. Installation directions are very easy to follow (though not as good as Dell's color coded design) <br />5. There is a 30 day money back guarantee <br />6. Customer reps are friendly and well trained (and they speak english too!) <br /> <br />The Bad... <br />1. The front of the box says all required cables are included; the directions state that a second A/V cable -- required for the recommended installation method -- is \\"user provided\\" (i.e., sold separately) <br />2. The service is not compatible with some VoIP services <br />3. Though set-up is easy, it is a one to two hour ordeal, requiring multiple visits to websites and countless button presses to ensure interoperablity with the cable box <br />4. The remote is pretty low tech looking; it also has a lower quality feel tha leads me to belive that I'll be shopping for a replacement in a year or less <br /> <br />The Ugly... <br />1. They try to get you to sign up for a three year, pre-paid service contract; if after 30 days you find that you don't like/need Tivo, you forteit all that money -- ouch! <br />2. When I attempted to use the website to activate the service, the site was unstable and wouldn't allow me to complete the order.  I then called the 800 number for service, where the hold time exceed 25 minutes.  Hope I never have cause to call again as this is a totally unacceptable wait time <br /> <br />Net/net: this is a well thought out productthat does just what it says it does -- enables consumers to watch TV on their terms.