Washington, D.C.
(March 8, 2007)
--
TiVo's Series3 HD DVR is "extremely expensive" but
offers impressive features including a user-friendly
interface and excellent picture quality during playback.
That's the conclusion of a review by CNET.com.
The technology web site says the TiVo high-def recorder, which is priced from $625 to $800 at retail and online, can record two HDTV shows simultaneously while playing back a third. The device can also accept cable and over-the-air signals (but not satellite) and has a 30-second commercial skip button.
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See our Online Poll on TiVo's HD DVR
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That's the conclusion of a review by CNET.com.
The technology web site says the TiVo high-def recorder, which is priced from $625 to $800 at retail and online, can record two HDTV shows simultaneously while playing back a third. The device can also accept cable and over-the-air signals (but not satellite) and has a 30-second commercial skip button.
_________________________________________
See our Online Poll on TiVo's HD DVR
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CNET gives the set-top a score of 8.3 out of a
possible 10, saying its interface and menus are easy
to use and that the picture quality during playback
was "excellent."
However, CNET questions whether the majority of high-def owners will be put off by the price tag.
"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," the site says.
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CNET also notes that the set-top will not record Pay Per View or Video on Demand programs and requires a $13 monthly subscription fee. Other negatives: The CableCard installation can be "problematic" and the 30-second commercial skip feature must be programmed.
"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," the site says.
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However, CNET questions whether the majority of high-def owners will be put off by the price tag.
"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," the site says.
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CNET also notes that the set-top will not record Pay Per View or Video on Demand programs and requires a $13 monthly subscription fee. Other negatives: The CableCard installation can be "problematic" and the 30-second commercial skip feature must be programmed.
"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," the site says.
Click Reviews to see more HDTV Product Reviews.
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of
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Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood
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