TiVo TCD652160 180-Hours DVR
- Type: Video Recorder (DVR)
- Broadcast Type: Terrestrial
- Compatible Service: TiVo
- Digital Receiver: ATSC
- TV Resolutions: 480i (525i) 480p (525p) 720p (750p) 1080i (1125i)
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399
TiVo HD: Great promise. Bad Execution.
Pros
2 week program guide, easy recording and season pass, HD viewing and recording, sleek design
Cons
Slooow interface, instabilities, loooong reboot, subscription required for basic function
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
An intelligent video recorder with HD capabilities, but with a lot of infancy problems and restrictive DRM.
Alright, this year Santa brought TiVo to our house and after 2 months of usage the feelings are mixed towards this new companion. It does pretty much everything it claims to be, but there is enough room for improvement that keeps us from getting all too excited at this point.
IN A NUTSHELL
My wife wanted TiVo and I do agree that the recording function is a great feature. You find a program in many different ways and even time changes are easily compensated. Once set it fairly reliable to record programs you wanted to watch possibly missed at their respective air time. We're huge fans of both Lost and American Idol, and sometimes they simultaneous. TiVo comes to the rescue and in this case even records both in HD to be enjoyed later.
High definition is a buzz word these days. However, aside from limited availability of programs in this quality, the ability to record this format is a true improvement as Tape and DVD recorders are unable to record high definition and Blue-Ray is still in its infancy.
In the end it helps us to juggle that baby duties and still watch our favorite shows (at a different time), and that certainly made it worthwhile. Generally there is a lot to like about it. However, the device feels very premature and stability and speed problems are very noticeable. Add limited support by many cable companies and the investment suddenly becomes less worth.
THE GOOD
The idea: [****-] Generally, TiVo HD 180 is a dual cable tuner with an integrated digital video recorder. The inncluded hard drive holds up to 180 hours of standard video or just under 40 hours of high definition programs. The brain is connected to the internet from where program schedules are downloaded and other information (typically advertisement). The program updates allow to easily make changes to season passes and potential delays as they occur. So in essence, TiVo is an "advanced" tuner/dvr combo which also requires a subscription to function (at all).
Recording: [****-] It's very easy to determine what and when to record. You can start by simply pressing thumbs up or thumbs down while watching a program and TiVo does the rest. You can also search for programs by a large number of criteria, including actor name, genre, show title and so on. Of course shows like Project Runway repeat themselves several times during the day and you're likely to record a lot of shows even if you're planning to record only the latest.
Time Lapse: [*****] A feature that certainly beats life tv is the ability to skip back a few seconds and get that sentence again. That's certainly a great feature since it doesn't require recording and the current show is buffered by several seconds anyway. So nothing keeps you from seeing that last pass again, simply rewind and enjoy. You can easily catch up during the next "infomercial" break or simply watch the remainder with a time lapse ... even if it's in "live" mode.
2 Channel: [****-] This Series 3 TiVo requires a multi-line card to be able to record two channels at the same time or watch one and record another, but that's really where the TiVo makes the most sense for us. No competitive line-up anymore and both channels work in HD as well. Should you record two channels and want to turn to a third, a reminder pops up that in order to watch the third you would have to cancel recording of the current one since it only has a dual tuner and obviously can't tune into 3 programs at the same time.
Design: [****-] The TiVo HD design is both elegant and easy to match with a Playstation 3 due to their similar design cues (black housing with silver trim and minimalistic display). Similarities aside, the TiVo itself looks just fine in virtually any setting and the LED's fire on a need-to-know basis (the preferred scheme to avoid information overload). The remote is as elegant, and new users will initially wonder what the instructions mean with "press the TiVo button". It's indeed button, though it looks like a raised logo. As clever as that may seem, it's a potential hurdle for new users.
Note: The picture above shows the 300 hour model and not the 180 hour model at least as of 02/25. The remotes are identical
THE BAD
Installation: [**---] Generally speaking, there is nothing fundamentally difficult about setting up this TiVo. However, installing the cable card turned out to be a lengthy process. Not only is a cable technician required since the Cable company won't let you activate it, it also turned out to be impossible to make the TiVo recognize the cable card properly until rebooting the unit via power switch (soft reset didn't work). Even with this solution, some premium channels are not available to this date. An internet connection is required for the TiVo subscription and the device won't work long without it even if . (Setting up the Ethernet connection was without problems though.)
Subscription: [***--] So, since you bought a TiVo and not a DVR, one caveat is that TiVo requires a subscription as their source of income. This results in a rather strange dilemma as you can't use the device to record a show unless you're paying for the service -- even if you don't care for the provided program guide and scheduling. TiVo will not function without it! This became clear when we moved and our cable company (as usual) didn't enable service when scheduled. With no internet, the TiVo doesn't go through initial setup and we couldn't even watch an already recorded show. TiVo really needs to lighten up a bit!
Stability: [**---] It's hard to think of a tuner or DVR in terms of reliability since most are now so transparent and stable that they become an afterthought. The TiVo HD 180 reminds us that it can be different. Ours resets itself every so often (crashes typically once or twice a day) and of course then goes through the long reboot. It's unclear what causes this problem as it sometimes happens while changing channels and other times by simply watching a program (which could coincide with a recording event, not sure). Other than that, the device is reliable and consistently updates the programming info and schedules recordings just fine.
Speed: [**---] The video feed and recording have no noticeable bottleneck. That said, it's somewhat surprising that the interface is incredibly sloooow. Try to scroll through the program list or start a recording and you're facing a bug that's stuck with all feet in molasses. After all, the TiVo logo appears to resemble a bug that watched too much tv anyway. The lack of responsiveness in the interface makes it hard to select the right item in a hurry since it may still be processing your scrolling and ultimately and up one or two items down. So, keep easy with the trigger. The mentioned stability issue is especially annoying since the associated reboot takes a solid 8 minutes and that's a looooong time when you're instructed to do so for a few installation trials. It's also very long when you're watching something and you "blank out" for such a time. Grrr.
Compatibility: [***--] Generally speaking, the TiVo is nothing more than a TV tuner with a digital video recorder. Okay, the programming and scheduling are additional features, just like the ability to program the device remotely via website. Nevertheless, at least Charter does not support video on demand with the TiVo, nor are currently a few premium channels working, despite either side assuring me that they are (or should). This could easily be blamed on Charter Communications, but it's an annoyance nevertheless. The Series 3 TiVo has documented problems with switched digital video (SDV), but so far I am not sure that it's the root for some of my problems. Last but not least, the TiVo HD is compatible with cable only and doesn't work with satellite which requires a different device.
Support: [*----] Be advised that TiVo isn't easy to get support for -- at least in the case of Charter Communications. In our case that meant that help was provided very reluctantly and the associated cable card really only covered half the services and Charter basically rubs it in by pointing out that switching to TiVo will eliminate the ability to watch pay-per-view content and limit other features as well. Service being one of them, and while in line with Charter Communication's typical customer support they tend to argue with the customer that it's not their fault or problem. (I guess that's what you get when it's the only choice.) Not a direct fault of TiVo but a possible side effect of using a device that's not provided directly by the cable company. (The contractors hired by Charter often don't know how to set up the cable card for TiVo either.)
Content Transfer: [*----] While other TiVo recorders are able to transfer recorded shows to and from one device to another and/or computer, the HD device doesn't currently support this and recorded shows are eventually lost in order to make room. That applies to both standard video as well as HD. I was also looking forward to potentially transfer content from my computer to the box, but once again no such luck. Copyright free pictures and music can be transferred via network (ethernet), but that's really not what I needed. Another case of DRM done wrong!
© 2008, theuerkorn
IN A NUTSHELL
My wife wanted TiVo and I do agree that the recording function is a great feature. You find a program in many different ways and even time changes are easily compensated. Once set it fairly reliable to record programs you wanted to watch possibly missed at their respective air time. We're huge fans of both Lost and American Idol, and sometimes they simultaneous. TiVo comes to the rescue and in this case even records both in HD to be enjoyed later.
High definition is a buzz word these days. However, aside from limited availability of programs in this quality, the ability to record this format is a true improvement as Tape and DVD recorders are unable to record high definition and Blue-Ray is still in its infancy.
In the end it helps us to juggle that baby duties and still watch our favorite shows (at a different time), and that certainly made it worthwhile. Generally there is a lot to like about it. However, the device feels very premature and stability and speed problems are very noticeable. Add limited support by many cable companies and the investment suddenly becomes less worth.
THE GOOD
The idea: [****-] Generally, TiVo HD 180 is a dual cable tuner with an integrated digital video recorder. The inncluded hard drive holds up to 180 hours of standard video or just under 40 hours of high definition programs. The brain is connected to the internet from where program schedules are downloaded and other information (typically advertisement). The program updates allow to easily make changes to season passes and potential delays as they occur. So in essence, TiVo is an "advanced" tuner/dvr combo which also requires a subscription to function (at all).
Recording: [****-] It's very easy to determine what and when to record. You can start by simply pressing thumbs up or thumbs down while watching a program and TiVo does the rest. You can also search for programs by a large number of criteria, including actor name, genre, show title and so on. Of course shows like Project Runway repeat themselves several times during the day and you're likely to record a lot of shows even if you're planning to record only the latest.
Time Lapse: [*****] A feature that certainly beats life tv is the ability to skip back a few seconds and get that sentence again. That's certainly a great feature since it doesn't require recording and the current show is buffered by several seconds anyway. So nothing keeps you from seeing that last pass again, simply rewind and enjoy. You can easily catch up during the next "infomercial" break or simply watch the remainder with a time lapse ... even if it's in "live" mode.
2 Channel: [****-] This Series 3 TiVo requires a multi-line card to be able to record two channels at the same time or watch one and record another, but that's really where the TiVo makes the most sense for us. No competitive line-up anymore and both channels work in HD as well. Should you record two channels and want to turn to a third, a reminder pops up that in order to watch the third you would have to cancel recording of the current one since it only has a dual tuner and obviously can't tune into 3 programs at the same time.
Design: [****-] The TiVo HD design is both elegant and easy to match with a Playstation 3 due to their similar design cues (black housing with silver trim and minimalistic display). Similarities aside, the TiVo itself looks just fine in virtually any setting and the LED's fire on a need-to-know basis (the preferred scheme to avoid information overload). The remote is as elegant, and new users will initially wonder what the instructions mean with "press the TiVo button". It's indeed button, though it looks like a raised logo. As clever as that may seem, it's a potential hurdle for new users.
Note: The picture above shows the 300 hour model and not the 180 hour model at least as of 02/25. The remotes are identical
THE BAD
Installation: [**---] Generally speaking, there is nothing fundamentally difficult about setting up this TiVo. However, installing the cable card turned out to be a lengthy process. Not only is a cable technician required since the Cable company won't let you activate it, it also turned out to be impossible to make the TiVo recognize the cable card properly until rebooting the unit via power switch (soft reset didn't work). Even with this solution, some premium channels are not available to this date. An internet connection is required for the TiVo subscription and the device won't work long without it even if . (Setting up the Ethernet connection was without problems though.)
Subscription: [***--] So, since you bought a TiVo and not a DVR, one caveat is that TiVo requires a subscription as their source of income. This results in a rather strange dilemma as you can't use the device to record a show unless you're paying for the service -- even if you don't care for the provided program guide and scheduling. TiVo will not function without it! This became clear when we moved and our cable company (as usual) didn't enable service when scheduled. With no internet, the TiVo doesn't go through initial setup and we couldn't even watch an already recorded show. TiVo really needs to lighten up a bit!
Stability: [**---] It's hard to think of a tuner or DVR in terms of reliability since most are now so transparent and stable that they become an afterthought. The TiVo HD 180 reminds us that it can be different. Ours resets itself every so often (crashes typically once or twice a day) and of course then goes through the long reboot. It's unclear what causes this problem as it sometimes happens while changing channels and other times by simply watching a program (which could coincide with a recording event, not sure). Other than that, the device is reliable and consistently updates the programming info and schedules recordings just fine.
Speed: [**---] The video feed and recording have no noticeable bottleneck. That said, it's somewhat surprising that the interface is incredibly sloooow. Try to scroll through the program list or start a recording and you're facing a bug that's stuck with all feet in molasses. After all, the TiVo logo appears to resemble a bug that watched too much tv anyway. The lack of responsiveness in the interface makes it hard to select the right item in a hurry since it may still be processing your scrolling and ultimately and up one or two items down. So, keep easy with the trigger. The mentioned stability issue is especially annoying since the associated reboot takes a solid 8 minutes and that's a looooong time when you're instructed to do so for a few installation trials. It's also very long when you're watching something and you "blank out" for such a time. Grrr.
Compatibility: [***--] Generally speaking, the TiVo is nothing more than a TV tuner with a digital video recorder. Okay, the programming and scheduling are additional features, just like the ability to program the device remotely via website. Nevertheless, at least Charter does not support video on demand with the TiVo, nor are currently a few premium channels working, despite either side assuring me that they are (or should). This could easily be blamed on Charter Communications, but it's an annoyance nevertheless. The Series 3 TiVo has documented problems with switched digital video (SDV), but so far I am not sure that it's the root for some of my problems. Last but not least, the TiVo HD is compatible with cable only and doesn't work with satellite which requires a different device.
Support: [*----] Be advised that TiVo isn't easy to get support for -- at least in the case of Charter Communications. In our case that meant that help was provided very reluctantly and the associated cable card really only covered half the services and Charter basically rubs it in by pointing out that switching to TiVo will eliminate the ability to watch pay-per-view content and limit other features as well. Service being one of them, and while in line with Charter Communication's typical customer support they tend to argue with the customer that it's not their fault or problem. (I guess that's what you get when it's the only choice.) Not a direct fault of TiVo but a possible side effect of using a device that's not provided directly by the cable company. (The contractors hired by Charter often don't know how to set up the cable card for TiVo either.)
Content Transfer: [*----] While other TiVo recorders are able to transfer recorded shows to and from one device to another and/or computer, the HD device doesn't currently support this and recorded shows are eventually lost in order to make room. That applies to both standard video as well as HD. I was also looking forward to potentially transfer content from my computer to the box, but once again no such luck. Copyright free pictures and music can be transferred via network (ethernet), but that's really not what I needed. Another case of DRM done wrong!
© 2008, theuerkorn
