TiVo Series3 HD DVR (32-HD hours)
Manufacturer: TiVo Inc. Part number: TCD648250B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Series3 delivers dual-tuner HD recording and some worthwhile networking features to cable customers, but the exorbitant price tag will be too much for all but the most devoted TiVo fans.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
TiVo Series3 HD DVR (32-HD hours) price range: $399.95
- Reviewed by: John P. Falcone
- Edited by: David Katzmaier
- Reviewed on: 09/11/2006
- Updated on:09/04/2008
The good: Can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third previously recorded one; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; replaces your existing cable box; 30-second commercial skip; excellent user-friendly interface and remote; impressive Internet and home-networking features, including online scheduling, photo, and music streaming; built-in Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi networking.
The bad: Extremely expensive, especially compared to "free" DVRs available from cable providers; does not work with pay-per-view and video-on-demand services; requires monthly fee in addition to cable bill; CableCard installation can be problematic; no TiVo To Go or Multi-Room Viewing functionality; some distinguishing network features not yet available; must program 30-second skip; does not offer picture-in-picture.
The bottom line: The Series3 delivers dual-tuner HD recording and some worthwhile networking features to cable customers, but the exorbitant price tag will be too much for all but the most devoted TiVo fans.
Editors' note: As of September 2008, the TiVo Series3 has been discontinued. While existing owners will continue to receive service and software updates on their units, new customers interested in this product should check out its replacement, the TiVo HD XL. That model offers all of the same features of the Series3, along with a larger recording capacity.
If you asked dedicated TiVo fans to design the ultimate version of their favorite DVR, they'd probably say, "Give me all the great features and excellent interface from past TiVo models, but add dual tuners and the ability to record high-definition video." And that, in a nutshell, is pretty much what TiVo has delivered with the Series3 Digital Media Recorder. Equipped with dual CableCard tuners (provided by your local cable company), the Series3 replaces your existing cable box and gives you the ability to record two channels simultaneously--any combination of high-def or standard-definition--from the full range of your digital cable lineup. Additionally, the Series3 offers all of the key DVR features that TiVo pioneered: Wish List searches, Season Pass recordings, and TiVo Suggestions based on the thumbs-up and thumbs-down viewing interests. And unlike almost all other DVRs on the market, the latest TiVo delivers home-network and Internet connectivity, which opens the door for downloadable video, podcasts, and online programming functions.
What's the catch? Those CableCard slots come with some heavy-duty encryption and rights management restrictions, so TiVo had to disable its network-friendly TiVo To Go and Multi-Room Viewing functions. That means you can't stream your recorded programs to another TiVo box, or transfer them to a PC or portable device. But the bigger gotcha for most consumers will be the Series3's princely $800 price tag. And that doesn't include the $13 monthly fee you'll need to pay--above and beyond your cable bill--in order to keep it working. Moreover, the Series3 isn't compatible with the video-on-demand and pay-per-view features to which many digital cable viewers have been accustomed. Those caveats and the high price probably won't deter the dedicated army of TiVo-tees who've been waiting for the Series3 for years. But when you consider that non-TiVo DVRs are readily available from most cable providers for "free"--or without an up-front cost, at least--it all comes down to whether or not you're willing to pay an enormous premium for TiVo's superior interface and value-added features.
User reviews
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Spectacular!
by Kafowler on September 13, 2006
Pros: Very easy to use, very fast / responsive, highly reliable, incredible picture quality; extremely high wife acceptance factor (WAF)
Cons: Some features like TivoToGo not enabled yet
Summary: I had to drive 45 minutes to buy this thing yesterday. Guess they are selling pretty fast at the moment. Thankfully, I was able to pickup two CableCards from the ...
Summary: I had to drive 45 minutes to buy this thing yesterday. Guess they are selling pretty fast at the moment. Thankfully, I was able to pickup two CableCards from the local Comcast office on the way home. They wanted to schedule a truck roll, but I insisted on doing it myself and they gave in after a few minutes.
The Tivo Series3 is priced like a high-end product, but from what I've seen, it delivers high-end performance. If you have cable and are serious about picture quality, sound quality, and reliable recording, this box is a must have. After using this thing, I don't know how I ever managed to live with the crap-in-a-box that Comcast calls a DVR. I didn't think the Comcast DVR was that bad until I used this thing; the Comcast box was annoying at times, but hell, it worked for the most part and was only $10/month. In that regard, using the Tivo Series3 has really been an eye-opening experience.
My expectations were pretty high from all the hype going around, but the box lives up to it and more. I never realized how much the Comcast DVR was degrading my picture. If you've ever felt like there was a haze over your HD channels at times...this box fixes it. I guess the old saying applies...sometimes you get what you pay for.
I spent some time with the original Tivo a few years ago before I gave it up for HDTV. If you've ever used an older Tivo, this box differs in the following ways:
1) completely -replaces- your cable box;
2) records any two SD or HD channels simultaneously, while allowing you to watch a third pre-recorded program;
3) seamlessly integrates SD and HD channels from analog and digital cable (and an antenna if you have one) into a single guide with 14-days of program information;
4) interface and DVR functions are very fast and responsive compared to past Tivos and cable company DVRs;
5) tunes channels as fast as your cable dvr;
6) records all digital channels at 100% original quality;
7) records analog cable channels at higher quality than any previous DVR / DVD recorder;
8) features high-definition widescreen menus and program guide - no more crappy low-res interfaces with black bars on the sides;
9) potential for much larger storage capacity with external SATA port for hard drive expansion;
10) 100Mbps networking built-in (wireless adapter optional) to play back music and pictures stored on your PC or Mac.
This will be a 10/10 product as soon as Tivo drops the price a little and enables a few more features like TivoToGo. TivoToGo is a feature on other Tivos that allows you to transfer recordings to your PC, but it's not on the Series3 yet. I asked about this when I called Tivo today and they said a software update was coming in November that would enable some additional features.
Ok, so is it really worth $800? Is it really worth half your mortgage payment? From what I've seen so far, it probably is worth the price. Like I said before, this box has a high price but it also delivers very high performance. It gives me a noticably better picture than I got with the Comcast SA DVR. I think it would be a value at $500, but it's not at $800, especially since some features like TivoToGo aren't enabled in the current software. My advice for more value-conscious buyer is to wait until this thing hits $400 or $500 and Tivo enables some of those extra features in November. Then it'll be a steal for what it offers.
As an aside, this is the first purchase in recent history that my SO actually approved of after using it. She didn't think the HDTV was worth $2500, she didn't think the Harmony remote was worth $150, and she didn't think the surround sound system was worth $1000. So far, she DOES think this box is worth $500. Of course, I lied and told her that was how much I paid. After seeing the expression on her face after buying the $150 Harmony, I couldn't bear to come home and tell her I just spent $800 on a box for the TV.
(Wish I could get my money back for the Harmony remote, the new Series3 remote is incredible -- gloss piano back, great ergonomic design, wonderful feel and feedback on the buttons, light sensor based backlight, and it's a learning remote. It makes my Harmony look and feel like a cheap piece of plastic.)14 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Why pay $800 now?!?
by dw333 on September 12, 2006
Pros: Everything you've ever wanted in a DVR
Cons: It costs $800 freakin' dollars! (+$13/month)
Summary: Man did I want to buy this, but how can one justify the premium? As a LONG TIME tivo user, Tivo shareholder
, and overall HDTV junkie I WANTED this product. ...Summary: Man did I want to buy this, but how can one justify the premium? As a LONG TIME tivo user, Tivo shareholder
, and overall HDTV junkie I WANTED this product. But for 2 years I?ve been suffering through the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD?s horrible interface, lack of network options, etc. and have finally adapted to it. I?ve even trained my wife to use it. Now this comes out and somehow I have to think of the ?yes it is about the same, honey, but here?s why we need to spend $800 so I can check fantasy scores/weather/movie times on Tivo? argument. Not going to happen. Now I?m going to have to wait several more years for the price to someday fall and continue to suffer through the 8300HD. DARN you TIVO!23 out of 42 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No Tivo To Go OR Multi-Room Viewing
by mjpal on September 13, 2006
Pros: Dual Tuners, Off Air Tuner, Cable Cards
Cons: No Tivo To Go, No Multi-Room Viewing
Summary: Note: The CNet review is still not correct after they updated it; the series 3 does NOT yet have multi-room viewing available. You can see this right on the Tivo ...
Summary: Note: The CNet review is still not correct after they updated it; the series 3 does NOT yet have multi-room viewing available. You can see this right on the Tivo site:
http://www.tivo.com/2.0.3hdDvr.faq.asp#8
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I have been a loyal Tivo fan since purchasing my series one years ago. I've purchased them as gifts several times as well. However, without the advanced networking features, this just isn't a compelling upgrade.
I currently have the HR10-250 - the DirecTV HD Tivo, as I suspect a lot of huge Tivo fans do. There were two big features that DirecTV didn't give me that would have made me run out and buy this, even at the $800 price point: Tivo To Go and Multi-Room Viewing. Although they indicate that they'll be coming at some point in the future, there's no firm date.
If they do enable these features in the future, I'll take a second look. But for now, I'll have to take a pass. With the new higher-capacity iPods, this could have been awesome.
Supposedly, the Windows Vista media center options will also support cable cards... but also have the downloading and multi-room capabilities. I hope Tivo gets on the ball before January....7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally! Everything I had expected.
by trininuyawka on September 12, 2006
Pros: Dual tuner, Cable Card ready, HD recording, same great Tivo interface
Cons: Price, copy protection, price, no access to VOD from cable company, price. Did I mention price?
Summary: The Series 3 is exactly what I have been waiting for. It has been a pain to watch TV shows and sporting events outside of my Tivo just to see ...
Summary: The Series 3 is exactly what I have been waiting for. It has been a pain to watch TV shows and sporting events outside of my Tivo just to see it in HD. It's amazing how much you miss being able to watch what you want when you want it without commercials. Now I can have my HD Tivo cake and eat it to. Albeit an $800 dollar cake!!!!! And I thought the new PS3 was expensive! (Funny how CNET didn't put the price on the "overview" page.) Since me and my wife are die-hards, we'll probably get one. But the sad part is the price will most likely force more casual people to use generic DVR's from their cable companies. Too bad.
Updated
...may be a deal breaker for some. I don't use it that much except to move shows to the PC for more room on the Tivo. The reality is it may take several hours to transfer a show that is in HD quality.
The biggest issue is the price. I may have to wait until I can get a Series 3 unit online for less than MSRP. By the time you add a pre-paid service plan, the price is over $1000!4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A year late and four-hundred dollars short
by sanenazok on September 12, 2006
Pros: Dual Tuner, HD, 2 years too late
Cons: The price is higher than a pc
Summary: I once swore by Tivo. Have a lifetime membership on the first model. Then I saw a demonstration for a PC based TV control program. For $80 (software + PCI card) ...
Summary: I once swore by Tivo. Have a lifetime membership on the first model. Then I saw a demonstration for a PC based TV control program. For $80 (software + PCI card) I've been able to record HDTV signals with minimum effort. The interface on the program is as good or better than Tivo. I can take the files anywhere I want, even my PDA since the recorded files are transcoded to standard WMV (I can also use divx).
So question is, should I dump my previous one just to get this functionality in a closed box? For $800 I can get a new PC with 19" LCD monitor, slap in four tuners in it and go crazy. Let's leave this for people with too much money and too little access to drugs.11 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Ordered one today!
by doogie69 on September 12, 2006
Pros: Finally! 2-tuner HD and CableCARD
Cons: not cheap and no more lifetime service!
Summary: I've been waiting forever for this unit. I bought a SXRD HDTV late last year and sadly view little HD content since everything I watch is on my TiVo. ...
Summary: I've been waiting forever for this unit. I bought a SXRD HDTV late last year and sadly view little HD content since everything I watch is on my TiVo. I ordered a Series3 today! Finally HD TiVo and CableCARD support. Can't wait. It's not cheap but should be everything any TiVo user wants in HD -- and it is replacing two SD TiVos for me (that I've had at least 5 years!) with the dual tuner support. Now if only TiVo offered lifetime service for this unit!
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a fantastic update for TiVo
by megazone on September 12, 2006
Pros: TiVo - now in HD.
Cons: No network transfers - yet, Price
Summary: I've written a Review, FAQ, and taken many photos:
http://www.tivolovers.com/Series3-Review.html
http://www.tivolovers.com/Series3-FAQ.html
http://www.tivolovers.com/Photos/Series3-Review/Summary: I've written a Review, FAQ, and taken many photos:
http://www.tivolovers.com/Series3-Review.html
http://www.tivolovers.com/Series3-FAQ.html
http://www.tivolovers.com/Photos/Series3-Review/3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Devoted Tivo-tee, but not at $800!
by bbains on September 14, 2006
Pros: Everything I've Waited For
Cons: Too expensive - Tivo: are you out of your minds?
Summary: I absolutely love my series 2 and can't imagine life without it. But there is no way that I am paying $800 for the series3 AND pay $13/mth (...
Summary: I absolutely love my series 2 and can't imagine life without it. But there is no way that I am paying $800 for the series3 AND pay $13/mth (or the $199 to xfer my lifetime from series2). Tivo: you are out of your minds! I would consider $400 and FREE transfer of lifetime, but no way at your pricepoint. Plus, "Get rid of your cable box"? Big deal! So I exchange my cable boxes for cable cards? Still paying the cable company the rental fees. And now I can't watch PPV or OnDemand unless I keep a cable box? So I'm paying TWC more? No thanks.
6 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good Product but Beware the Quirks
by mtulipan on October 10, 2007
Pros: HD, Good price, Snazzy design
Cons: Won't work with cable box
Summary: Make sure you call your company well in advance of getting this box. It's snazzy and cool but designed to work only with cablecards. So if your cable company ...
Summary: Make sure you call your company well in advance of getting this box. It's snazzy and cool but designed to work only with cablecards. So if your cable company is like mine and has a backlog in orders, you can expect weeks with no TIVO service at all. This should be clearly stated and is in my mind a mistake. There are no inputs other than cablecards and one for basic cable or antenna. Who uses those anymore? Digital cable boxes do not work with this TIVO. Beware!!!
The other thing that is annoying is the buttons on the remote have been slightly condensed. That means when you are using the channel down button you easily hit the "thumbs up" button, which is of no use to me personally.
I wish TIVO would get its act together on these boxes. The product is basically good but they drop the ball on some basic stuff.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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TiVo Series 3 and HD DVDs upgraded for TiVoToGo and Multi-Room Viewing
by stevelen on December 17, 2007
Pros: TiVoToGo and Multi-Room Viewing are available on any TiVo Series 3 and HD DVRs with a network connection and software version 9.1 or later.
Cons: Interactive digital cable services such as video-on-demand, enhanced program guide, and pay-per-view services still require the use of a separate cable company-provided set-top box.
Summary: In October 2007, TiVo made TiVoToGo and Multi-Room Viewing available on all their HD DVDs, as long as the user has a network connection and upgraded TiVo software version 9....
Summary: In October 2007, TiVo made TiVoToGo and Multi-Room Viewing available on all their HD DVDs, as long as the user has a network connection and upgraded TiVo software version 9.1 or later.
The problem of accessing interactive digital cable services, may be resolved by mid-2008. Several companies, including TiVo, which have hardware requiring the use of CableCARDs, are pushing the development of a "tuning resolver", which will plug into a USB 2.0 port on units already in use, allowing them to access interactive digital cable services. Currently, the device specifications are undergoing an intellectual property review. CableLabs chief technology officer Ralph Brown, says they hope to be able to release the approved specs in early 2008. It is predicted that TiVo may have their "tuning resolver" available by mid-2008, although they have not set a price, as yet.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TiVo Inc.
- Part number: TCD648250B
- Description: No other box comes close. Get the very-top-of-the-line sound, highest-quality picture, and the Emmy award-winning TiVo service all in one incredible digital cable -ready box. Add high-quality entertainment to your home theater without adding clutter. Receive your premium digital cable channels in their full native HD format with CableCARD decoders (available from your cable provider). The TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder is also compatible with analog cable and over-the-air digital HD (ATSC). Provides an all-digital connection to your high-end display: HDMI for video, SP/DIF for audio. It's not home theater without THX -certification. The TiVo Series3 HD box maintains all of the sharpness and detail found in the original broadcast both in sound and picture-so you get the complete high-definition experience as it was intended. Only the TiVo service offers advanced, easy-to-use features that make it effortless to enjoy your favorite entertainment any time. The high-quality, front panel display shows what's being recorded, even when the TV is off. Uses OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology. Sleek, glossy, black with silver trim, the new TiVo remote control is backlit for your viewing pleasure and it's learning remote so it's super-easy to configure to your TV. Includes ASPECT control button.
General
- Product Type DVR
- Width 16.5 in
- Depth 12.6 in
- Height 3.4 in
DVR
- Service TiVo
- Max Recording Capacity 300 hour(s)
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
Personal TV Service Features
- Now Playing Yes
TV System
- Tuner Qty 2
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 2 x Composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Phone line ( RJ-11 ) - Rear, 2 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Rear, 1 x ( RJ-45 ) - Rear, 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 2 x RF input ( F connector ) - Rear
Slot(s)
- Type 2
Manufacturer info
- TiVo Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse TiVo Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.tivo.com/
- Address:
2160 Gold St, Alviso, CA 95002 - Phone: (408) 519-9100
- Email: support@tivo.com
- Fax: (408) 519-5330
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