mbigna
09-18-08, 02:58 PM
I am currently a Time-Warner cable customer and I subscribed to the All-in-One package (TV, Internet, Phone). Overall, I'm happy with the service, but I also asked for their HD DVR which is an Scientific Atlanta "Explorer 8300HDC." This machine doubles as a two-tuner cable receiver as well. It has been free for the first three months,but will start costing me an extra $5.00/month next month. I am completely unsatisfied with the 8300HDC's operation/performance.
First off, it takes a full five (5) seconds to switch between channels. The channel directory isn't all that intuitive and difficult to navigate. It's difficult to find specific programs and it's totally unable to group programs by genre. Furthermore, sometimes, when switching between the guide/recording menu/PIP and full-screen modes, the picture remains in the reduced size in the corner instead of switching back to full-screen. On rarer occasions, the picture is displayed in opposite colors (like a photographic negative). Most times, I can reset the functionality by switching channels or modes, but at times, I must simply power down the DVR and turn it back on to reset it.
Interestingly, these problems have become less and less common as time has gone by, so maybe they are pushing out some sort of firmware updates, but I'm still not satisfied with this thing. Therefore, I'm actively looking for alternatives and soliciting some advice.
At this point, Time-Warner is offering at best 1080i signals, so I want an HD recorder. I want at least two tuners. I would like to be able to copy programs from the DVR onto Flash/Disk/DVD (USB or Firewire or even Ethernet would suffice). [The 8300HDC has a USB port, but I think it is only used for firmware updates.]
The Time-Warner installer tells me that their signal is compatible with series 2 or 3 Tivo devices. But even Tivos have drawbacks. I am told that there is no longer a lifetime subscription for the online TV schedules. And, I have heard many complaints like this:
Let me start by saying that I have been a loyal TIVO customer since Series 1 and have loved the box. I have since bought two additional series 2 boxes. I have always had good luck with TIVO and the intuitive interface is unmatched. Sadly, the new series 3 HD has pushed me away as a customer. I have owned 3 boxes and bought the lifetime subscription on each. TIVO has done away with the lifetime subscription so there is now no avoiding a monthly fee. This box is $800.00 and the features are a welcome and long overdue improvement. They offered a swap of my lifetime service from series 2 to series 3 (for a limited time) for an additional $200.00. That brings my grand total to $1000.00.
A Comcast DVR is $5.00 dollars a month. I can pay that amount for 13 years before I reach just the cost of a Series 3 box, not including a Tivo subscription wich currently lies at $20.00 per month for a year committment, or $13.00 for a three year committment. At the best case scenario the equivelent period with Tivo costs you an additional $2,028.00 in subscription fees alone. $5.00 a month goes a long way when you factor in all the costs. It begs the question, is the Tivo series 3 thousands of dollars better than my Comcast DVR. It's better, but is it thousands of dollars better. I would have to say a resounding NO. Especially since they have decreased functionality from the Series 2 (Tivo 2 Go, Room to Room Transfers).
Comcast just announced that the TIVO operating system will soon be available on their DVR's with a simple download. Even if the cost for the TIVO operating system is more you have a much better deal on your hands. Do the math, TIVO series 3 just doesn't add up.
I would also like to know if there are any alternatives to Tivo.
So, what are you using? How do you like it? What features do you use (or would like to have)?
First off, it takes a full five (5) seconds to switch between channels. The channel directory isn't all that intuitive and difficult to navigate. It's difficult to find specific programs and it's totally unable to group programs by genre. Furthermore, sometimes, when switching between the guide/recording menu/PIP and full-screen modes, the picture remains in the reduced size in the corner instead of switching back to full-screen. On rarer occasions, the picture is displayed in opposite colors (like a photographic negative). Most times, I can reset the functionality by switching channels or modes, but at times, I must simply power down the DVR and turn it back on to reset it.
Interestingly, these problems have become less and less common as time has gone by, so maybe they are pushing out some sort of firmware updates, but I'm still not satisfied with this thing. Therefore, I'm actively looking for alternatives and soliciting some advice.
At this point, Time-Warner is offering at best 1080i signals, so I want an HD recorder. I want at least two tuners. I would like to be able to copy programs from the DVR onto Flash/Disk/DVD (USB or Firewire or even Ethernet would suffice). [The 8300HDC has a USB port, but I think it is only used for firmware updates.]
The Time-Warner installer tells me that their signal is compatible with series 2 or 3 Tivo devices. But even Tivos have drawbacks. I am told that there is no longer a lifetime subscription for the online TV schedules. And, I have heard many complaints like this:
Let me start by saying that I have been a loyal TIVO customer since Series 1 and have loved the box. I have since bought two additional series 2 boxes. I have always had good luck with TIVO and the intuitive interface is unmatched. Sadly, the new series 3 HD has pushed me away as a customer. I have owned 3 boxes and bought the lifetime subscription on each. TIVO has done away with the lifetime subscription so there is now no avoiding a monthly fee. This box is $800.00 and the features are a welcome and long overdue improvement. They offered a swap of my lifetime service from series 2 to series 3 (for a limited time) for an additional $200.00. That brings my grand total to $1000.00.
A Comcast DVR is $5.00 dollars a month. I can pay that amount for 13 years before I reach just the cost of a Series 3 box, not including a Tivo subscription wich currently lies at $20.00 per month for a year committment, or $13.00 for a three year committment. At the best case scenario the equivelent period with Tivo costs you an additional $2,028.00 in subscription fees alone. $5.00 a month goes a long way when you factor in all the costs. It begs the question, is the Tivo series 3 thousands of dollars better than my Comcast DVR. It's better, but is it thousands of dollars better. I would have to say a resounding NO. Especially since they have decreased functionality from the Series 2 (Tivo 2 Go, Room to Room Transfers).
Comcast just announced that the TIVO operating system will soon be available on their DVR's with a simple download. Even if the cost for the TIVO operating system is more you have a much better deal on your hands. Do the math, TIVO series 3 just doesn't add up.
I would also like to know if there are any alternatives to Tivo.
So, what are you using? How do you like it? What features do you use (or would like to have)?