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I've been a TiVo fan since 1999 when I purchased a TiVo Series 1 for about $300. It performed perfectly and the only reason I stopped using it was because I updated my A/V system. Finally taking the plunge into the HiDef world I needed a DVR that was capable of recording HD. In Santa Barbara, the choices are limited: Cox Cable or Satellite. I ruled out satellite because they are unable to provide local channels in HD. Since I watch pro-football whenever I can (and rely on the DVR to do it for me, whenever I can't) there are many NFL games that are only available on local channels. So I had to stick with my current analog cable provider, Cox, when I upgraded to digital + HD. Once I committed to HD cable I then had two choices as far as DVRs go: Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR that my cable company provider for $15/month or a TiVo Series 3 HD which was selling for $800 at the time (and requires a service charge of $12.95 - $19.95 per month or $299/3 years). Since the TiVo required a far greater financial committment, I opted for the SA 8300HD. I found out the hardway that price isn't always king and sometimes spending a little bit more can make your life far richer. |
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After using the SA DVR for about 2 months I became increasingly frustrated with it's many, many bugs and ridiculous and random behaviors that I couldn't live with it anymore. The two months of DVR hell that it brought was more than enough motivation for me to spend the money and purchase the TiVo S3. As luck would have it, the S3's price had dropped so I was able to purchase it for about $680. At first glance, the TiVo S3 looked like a Lamorghini compared to the Scientific Atlanta Pinto. The S3 is sleek and compact, it's even about half the height of the S1 that I had been using since 1999. On looks alone, the S3 is elegant and if you could judge a book by it's covers than this was an obvious masterpiece. |
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The S3 can record traditional over-the-air broadcasts and digital/HD cable using CableCards. CableCards are provided usually for a nominal monthly charge by the local cable provider. In my case, Cox charges $1.99/month for each. Additionally, the cable company may require on-site installation (as did Cox) which varies in cost (I paid $60 although they wanted to charge me double). |
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After using the TiVo S3 for several months, it performed nearly perfectly. I only found one bug (a minor channel surfing issue) that was corrected in about 3 weeks after I reported it to TiVo. The picture quality is great and the S3 far exceeds the SA8300HD that Cox provides in every way. The TiVo user interface is second-to-none and everyone in my family can use it without any issues. |
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As of this writing the only shortcomings of the Series 3 are the features that are only available in the S2 that are intentionally missing. Namely, the missing features are TiVoToGo (which allows you to transfer TiVo recordings to other devices such as a mobile video player), TivoToComeBack (which allows you to view remote A/V files on your TiVo, such as those stored on a computer) and MultiRoomViewing (which allows you to view TiVo recordings on other TiVo's). In short-- when TiVo launched the S3, in order to use CableCards they had to receive certification for the S3 from CableLabs (the evil consortium of cable companies). Since TiVo knew CableLabs would never have certified the S3 (or atleast they would have delayed the launch of the S3) they presented CableLabs with the TTG, TTCB and MRV capabilities removed. At some point, the S3 may be certified with these capabilities. |
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In Summary: The TiVo S3 is a great addition to my A/V system. Although it's cost might be a bit steep to some, if you can afford it, you should get it. I'd give the S3 a 9/10. The only missing feature that would be nice for me is TTCB. When TiVo finally adds TTCB, I'd give it a 10/10.
This review is copyright Phil
Schwartz
July 2007.
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