TiVo HD is a smart addition to any high-definition TV, combining the clarity of high definition with the smart, easy-to-use TiVo Service?. It works with any cable set-up. It connects to any home network, so you get access to the best of both broadcast and broadband content. It downloads the latest movies straight from the Internet to your living room. It can pause, rewind, and slow-motion your favorite moments with razor-sharp HD clarity. Plus, TiVo HD connects to virtually any cable service via CableCARDs1, so it replaces your existing cable box.
Price Range: $259 - $304
Amazon Rating: 
(154 Reviews)
Epinions Rating: 
(4 Reviews)
TiVo HD is a smart addition to any high-definition TV, combining the clarity of high definition with the smart, easy-to-use TiVo Service. It works with any cable set-up. It connects to any home network, so you get access to the best of both broadcast and broadband content.
It downloads the latest movies straight from the Internet to your living room. It can pause, rewind, and slow-motion your favorite moments with razor-sharp HD clarity. Plus, TiVo HD connects to virtually any cable service via CableCARDs1, so it replaces your existing cable box. TiVo HD Features Search for HD movies and sports: With our intelligent search features, you can easily find a specific director, actor, player, or team among the world of both broadcast and broadband content.
Prefer to see a movie in high definition? Do a WishListTM search and the TiVo service will automatically record the HD version and place it in your Now Playing List. Record movies in HD: When recording with TiVo HD, you have the option of capturing shows in standard or high definition. Plus, when you play them back, you can easily pause or rewind HD instant replays without ever sacrificing their original razor-sharp HD resolution. Download movies from the Internet: Don't see any great movies in your cable program guide? You can easily select a classic or new release from the world's largest movie library, order them with a click of your remote control, and have them downloaded directly to your TiVo box. Access your music library with the remote: When you connect your TiVo DVR to your home network, your HDTV can connect right to millions of songs and playlists available over the Internet. You can now enjoy digital music on the best sound system in the house. Schedule an HD premiere: With TiVo, you can do your TV scheduling from any computer when you are away from home.
Log onto TiVo.com, click on a show, and you're done..
MPN: tcd652160
Functionalities: Video Recorder
Broadcast Type: Terrestrial
Compatible Service: TiVo
Digital Receiver: ATSC
TV Resolutions: 480i (525i), 480p (525p), 720p (750p), 1080i (1125i)
Recording Capacity (SD): 20 Hrs. Minimum / 180 Hrs. Maximum
Additional Features: Over the Air Software Download
Included Accessories: Remote Control
Inputs: S-Video x 1, RF (TV) x 1
Outputs: Composite x 2, S-Video x 1
Width: 16.5 in.
Height: 3.38 in.
Depth: 12.63 in.
Weight: 12 lb.
Product ID: 44449336
Slow For a TiVo, but still beats the alternative.
Author's Rating:
Let me preface by repeating what scads of people who have reviewed this have: I am a proud member of the Cult of TiVo. When we switched to HD there was no question about whether or not we would also upgrade the TiVo.
This is TiVo number seven for us. I met the perky TiVo spokeslady when she was just trying out for the job (seriously). We bought 2 TiVos fro DirecTv off of eBay when we switched from the evil Comcast. My original TiVo actually set a record for continuous performance (over 6 years!) and now lives a happy, reconditioned life in New Zealand (also, seriously).
Now that my TiVo credentials have been established, on with the review:
Yes, it is slow. Yes, the sound sometimes craps out for 20 seconds when you start a show. Yes, I have had to reboot it once already to get it to unfreeze shows. Yes, TiVo's customer service it definitely NOT what it used to be (25+ minute wait time on hold!?). And worst of all, yes, we were forced to re-up with Comcast, the most evil service provider going (8-4 appointment window? That means 2:30 if you're lucky, which we weren't the first three times when they didn't show at all!! But I digress...).
Yes, all these things are true, but beneath its tetchy outside there still beats the heart of a TiVo and for all its faults it is still head and shoulders above the "competition".
It's transferring programs lickety-split between rooms (1 on Ethernet, 1 on wi-fi) and the picture quality is top notch. It's playing very nicely with our new 52" HD via an HDMI cable and talking beautifully with the Hot Link IR repeater that joins them room to room.
I have also added the My DVR Expander and I have more movies recorded than I know what to do with and am no where near full.
I am giving this guy 4 starts instead of 5 because I am still miffed that it won't work with DirecTv and we were forced to switch providers. Also, the tetchy thing, while cute at first, really does prove bothersome.
Again, still better than the alternative.
Jul 03, 2008
Slow For a TiVo, but still beats the alternative.
Author's Rating:
Let me preface by repeating what scads of people who have reviewed this have: I am a proud member of the Cult of TiVo. When we switched to HD there was no question about whether or not we would also upgrade the TiVo.
This is TiVo number seven for us. I met the perky TiVo spokeslady when she was just trying out for the job (seriously). We bought 2 TiVos fro DirecTv off of eBay when we switched from the evil Comcast. My original TiVo actually set a record for continuous performance (over 6 years!) and now lives a happy, reconditioned life in New Zealand (also, seriously).
Now that my TiVo credentials have been established, on with the review:
Yes, it is slow. Yes, the sound sometimes craps out for 20 seconds when you start a show. Yes, I have had to reboot it once already to get it to unfreeze shows. Yes, TiVo's customer service it definitely NOT what it used to be (25+ minute wait time on hold!?). And worst of all, yes, we were forced to re-up with Comcast, the most evil service provider going (8-4 appointment window? That means 2:30 if you're lucky, which we weren't the first three times when they didn't show at all!! But I digress...).
More …
TiVoHD Is Worth Every Penny!
Author's Rating:
I received my unit through an Amazon merchant (6ave) a couple of weeks ago. This is a fine piece of work. It has replaced my Series2 DT box (in the bedroom now) and I couldn't be happier. The day I got it I called my cable company and set up an appointment for a CableCARD, without which you get no encrypted digital channels (premiums) or non-local HD channels (TNT, TBS, etc.). The TiVoHD has a built-in ATSC tuner if you watch OTA HD channels. Picture quality is fantastic. TiVo's intuitive on-screen guide makes it easy to scan channels and get up and going in about half an hour. It comes with component cables, but HDMI would be better. If you're upgrading from a series2 DT box the most important thing I can stress is do your homework first. Call your cable company and ask about CableCARD availability. If you don't watch OTA channels then 2 S-Cards or 1 M-Card are/is required. Repeat that: *required*. Satellite users cannot use TiVoHD.
Overall TiVo has knocked this one out of the park. I may even upgrade my Series2 DT box on my SD bedroom TV with another one of these. The CableCARD replaces the clunky space-hogging set-top box. I highly recommend this unit.
Jun 30, 2008
TiVoHD Is Worth Every Penny!
Author's Rating:
I received my unit through an Amazon merchant (6ave) a couple of weeks ago. This is a fine piece of work. It has replaced my Series2 DT box (in the bedroom now) and I couldn't be happier. The day I got it I called my cable company and set up an appointment for a CableCARD, without which you get no encrypted digital channels (premiums) or non-local HD channels (TNT, TBS, etc.). The TiVoHD has a built-in ATSC tuner if you watch OTA HD channels. Picture quality is fantastic. TiVo's intuitive on-screen guide makes it easy to scan channels and get up and going in about half an hour. It comes with component cables, but HDMI would be better. If you're upgrading from a series2 DT box the most important thing I can stress is do your homework first. Call your cable company and ask about CableCARD availability. If you don't watch OTA channels then 2 S-Cards or 1 M-Card are/is required. Repeat that: *required*. Satellite users cannot use TiVoHD.
Overall TiVo has knocked this one out of the park. I may even upgrade my Series2 DT box on my SD bedroom TV with another one of these. The CableCARD replaces the clunky space-hogging set-top box. I highly recommend this unit.
More …
Tivo HD lives up to its name
Author's Rating:
I've been a Tivo fan since 2004, and this new HD Tivo lives up to its name. Like always, Tivo is the most user friendly DVR on the market and its High Definition capabilities in this new product are outstanding. With a multi-stream cable card from my cable provider the HD channels are crisp and record in outstanding quality. Couldn't be happier with my Tivo HD.
Jun 30, 2008
good product when finally setup
Author's Rating:
Tivo is great. Have a series two as well. Just be ready for cable card setup. Make sure the cable company pairs your card. They will try and activate it, but that isn't the issue. They need to pair your cable card to your account, otherwise you will not be able to receive the premium channels.
Jun 29, 2008
FREE****************
Author's Rating:
Whats free about an item that requires a subscription service. Subscription service is more expensive than cable offering HD recorder.IF I new it would not work at all without the subscription service I would not have had it. very misleading advertizing.
Its still in the original looking for a good home
Jun 26, 2008
It's TIVO - need I say more?
Author's Rating:
This is a TIVO. If you have a TIVO you know it's great. If you don't have a TIVO then you just need to buy one. There is no way to understand exaclty how great it is unless you use it. If you are currently using any other DVR then imagine something 100 times better than what you have now. The only down fall I see of this particular TIVO is that you can ONLY use the cable cards. PLEASE double check your provider before you buy. Although we did and COMCAST said we could get them. So we ordered this TIVO and then ordered a tech to come install the cable card. On the morning the tech was supposed to come Comcast called and said that the cards would not work in our area (we are in the country). I explained that we purchased a TIVO because they said they would work and the Tech needed to come try anyway. After several conversations with different people at comcast they sent the tech anyway. Turns out that the computer still said that they didn't work in our area and the tech didn't really know anything about installing them (not his fault I'm sure. You don't know if they don't train you). He did great and just followed the directions and it worked perfectly on the first attempt. So, be prepared for some difficulty - if you can get everything to work though it is so worth it. Also, TIVO does offer lifetime subscription again. Which is also well worth it. A little more up front but pays off big in the long run.
Jun 25, 2008
It's TIVO - need I say more?
Author's Rating:
This is a TIVO. If you have a TIVO you know it's great. If you don't have a TIVO then you just need to buy one. There is no way to understand exaclty how great it is unless you use it. If you are currently using any other DVR then imagine something 100 times better than what you have now. The only down fall I see of this particular TIVO is that you can ONLY use the cable cards. PLEASE double check your provider before you buy. Although we did and COMCAST said we could get them. So we ordered this TIVO and then ordered a tech to come install the cable card. On the morning the tech was supposed to come Comcast called and said that the cards would not work in our area (we are in the country). I explained that we purchased a TIVO because they said they would work and the Tech needed to come try anyway. After several conversations with different people at comcast they sent the tech anyway. Turns out that the computer still said that they didn't work in our area and the tech didn't really know anything about installing them (not his fault I'm sure. You don't know if they don't train you). He did great and just followed the directions and it worked perfectly on the first attempt. So, be prepared for some difficulty - if you can get everything to work though it is so worth it. Also, TIVO does offer lifetime subscription again. Which is also well worth it. A little more up front but pays off big in the long run. More …
Very good but could use a little improvement
Author's Rating:
Right now, the TiVo or a cable/satellite company DVR appear to be the only straightforward options for recording programs in full high definition. I would give this five stars for doing that job exceptionally well, but there are enough issues for me to dock it a star. My setup consists of cable, wireless broadband, an up to date A/V receiver and a high quality 42" plasma display.
My short takes:
Good:
- Very easy to use. Nearly idiot-proof.
- The manual is clear, well organized and well written (a rarity nowadays with consumer electronics).
- The rear panel has every A/V connection option you're likely to need.
- On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use.
- Records digital/HD programing with no apparent loss of picture/audio quality.
- Can record two programs simultaneously while playing back a third.
- Mechanically, it's virtually silent.
- Ethernet or wireless USB internet access provides entertainment options beyond watching and recording TV.
- The 160G hard drive provides ample space (up to 180+ hours) for analog broadcast/cable recordings.
Not Good:
- Advertising on the main menu.
- Set up can be a hassle if you plan to use the CableCard feature.
- Too many menu choices for routine use. I have not found a way to streamline them.
- Wireless USB can be a little touchy. Once it's set up, try not to mess around with the connection.
- No simple on/off button to place the unit in standby.
- 160G hard drive can be somewhat limiting (up to 20 hours) for digital/HD recordings.
Bad:
- Expensive.
- Audio "thump" when switching between digital cable channels.
Now for the really long takes:
I had problems setting it up. The first unit was a dud. Amazon was very good at promptly replacing it with no additional shipping costs. The second unit was fine but getting the CableCard installed and working was a big headache. Those problems were on the part of my cable company, but they eventually got it right. I was able to use the TiVo for basic cable right away, but it was almost a month before I had the digital cable channels. If you are considering this in place of a digital cable box don't expect CableCard installation to go without a hitch. It's not like the old days where you'd get a "cable-ready" TV or VCR and simply plug it in. Aside from the CableCard, the setup is extremely simple. Once everything is hooked up, you are guided on screen, step by step through the setup. The whole process only takes a few minutes.
It's expensive. There's the up-front cost of the box, USB hub for wireless internet and the subscription fee. My initial cost was over $450 for everything. If you are looking forward to lower ongoing costs over renting a cable box, be aware that this will take a few years to pay for itself in monthly savings.
There is a very annoying audio "thump" when switching between some functions and digital cable channels. I don't encounter it on analog channels. It could be a problem with the specific unit I have, but I don't want to go through an exchange and another setup process. I'm using the optical input on my receiver for the audio. I haven't tried the HDMI connection yet. When I do, I'll add a note if it makes a difference.
Another thing I really dislike is advertising clutter on the main menu. Along with all of the main TiVo functions, there is always at least one or two other items that can take you to some sort of promotion or extra service. I'm not against advertising or ad supported services, but for the somewhat steep subscription fee, I would like the ability to opt out and keep the main menu tidy.
The main and subsequent sub-menus feature many functional choices, some of which I rarely use. I have not found a way to streamline and reorganize them according to the way I normally use the TiVo. At least they're straightforward and fairly intuitive. The overall cost, audio glitch, inability to create new or customize exsisting menus and advertising are where I dock it a star.
There is no on/off button! It's not a big deal, but I find it rather odd. To place the unit in standby, you need to access standby through an on screen menu. To turn it back on, you hit the TiVo button on the remote, which is the button that always takes you to the main menu. It will record normally and receive program information when in standby, but you won't be able to access anything on it from your computer if you use the TiVo Desktop home network feature. Also, you need to leave your computer on if you want to use the TiVo to access photos, music, transferred programs, etc. stored there. The Amazon Unbox feature along with a variety of free and subscription based music services make the TiVo a good central entertainment hub.
You can select different record quality settings for analog broadcast and cable programs, but not for digital and HD. Digital and HD are at a fixed bit rate which limits record time to approximately 20 hours. Analog can go from around 30 to over 180 hours depending upon the setting. For digital/HD, 20 hours should plenty of time under most circumstances, but you will want to keep that space limit in mind if you are saving anything indefinitely or go away on a long vacation. You can save programs to a VCR, DVD recorder, or send them to your computer if they are not copy protected. An external (and relatively expensive) high-capacity hard drive is also available to extend record time.
Recordings are virtually flawless for digital/HD programs. You get full resolution with no visible artifacts, and Dolby 5.1 audio remains intact. Recordings are also excellent on the high quality settings for analog as well. After decades of putting up with mediocre looking recordings from a VCR (and later, a DVD recorder), it's a real pleasure to enjoy recordings that are indistinguishable from the original broadcast.
You have the usual transport functions such as play, pause, fast forward and fast backwards. It's not a VCR, so you never have to rewind! There is no stop button. To stop watching a recording, switch to live TV or the main menu. The TiVo will remember where you left off. The Season Pass feature is a real blessing if you try to follow a TV series that has an erratic first-run schedule. You can select a program and set the Season Pass to record first-run episodes only. It also compensates for special, longer running episodes and schedule changes. There is one thing you still have to watch out for, it doesn't automatically compensate for sporting events running overtime. If you are recording a sporting event, and/or programming that follows it, the TiVo will operate according to the "official" schedule. You will have to set extra recording time manually to compensate. It's easy to do, but you should be aware of it.
If TiVo could get the costs down and take care of the few issues I mentioned above, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to give this five stars. It's the Holy Grail if you are looking for an easy to use way of recording television programs with no loss of quality. The picture/sound quality issue was at the top of my wish list. It not only met, but exceeded my expectations on that count. If you have internet access, it also becomes a very flexible entertainment center.
Jun 22, 2008
Very good but could use a little improvement
Author's Rating:
Right now, the TiVo or a cable/satellite company DVR appear to be the only straightforward options for recording programs in full high definition. I would give this five stars for doing that job exceptionally well, but there are enough issues for me to dock it a star. My setup consists of cable, wireless broadband, an up to date A/V receiver and a high quality 42" plasma display.
My short takes:
Good:
- Very easy to use. Nearly idiot-proof.
- The manual is clear, well organized and well written (a rarity nowadays with consumer electronics).
- The rear panel has every A/V connection option you're likely to need.
- On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use.
- Records digital/HD programing with no apparent loss of picture/audio quality.
- Can record two programs simultaneously while playing back a third.
- Mechanically, it's virtually silent.
- Ethernet or wireless USB internet access provides entertainment options beyond watching and recording TV.
- The 160G hard drive provides ample space (up to 180+ hours) for analog broadcast/cable recordings.
More …
very pleased with this purchase
Author's Rating:
Ordered this on Tuesday. It showed up on Wednesday. I installed it on Thursdad. Cable guy came and installed the cable cards on Friday.....Could not be more pleased!
Jun 21, 2008
Love it!
Author's Rating:
After using Tivo for years we decided to get the HD with our new tv. It's so nice to have all our shows in HD with the ease of Tivo!
Although sometimes the picture will stick with an annoying clicking sound. We keep resetting the unit and it gets a little better but happens again from time to time. Nothing that would make us return it.
One tip is to search for "all" titles when finding your shows to record. If you select "HD" the menu is extremely slow.
Jun 18, 2008
Great price, good machine, annoying ads
Author's Rating:
Wife forced me to buy this since my home made theater PC just wasn't ready for prime time. We had a Tivo 2 in the past, and my life loves the new machine. It's got better and faster network connectivity with support for conversion of many different file formats to .tivo if you pay the extra $25. My opinion is that it should just play those formats instead of converting them. I'm bitter because my HTPC became stable two weeks after purchasing the Tivo HD and the outrageously priced subscription.
Jun 14, 2008
TiVo HD 180-Hours Video Recorder
Author's Rating:
Pros: loaded with great features and is customisable
Cons: Fiddly to install , hard to use , bland interface , multiple system faults
The Bottom Line: null
Review: update enables the eSATA port for use with approved external hard drives like the Western Digital MY DVR Expander, which adds additional recording space to your TiVo. The update also includes recent Rhapsody and Amazon Unboxed enhancements, multi-room... Read Full Review by hamman1, Mar 28, 2008
TiVo HD: Great promise. Bad Execution.
Author's Rating:
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
The Bottom Line: An intelligent video recorder with HD capabilities, but with a lot of infancy problems and restrictive DRM.
Review: 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... Read Full Review by theuerkorn, Apr 2, 2008
Great overall value, with a couple cautions
Author's Rating:
Pros: Value; video quality; feature set; price; capacity
Cons: Possible incompatibility with SDV in some areas; fees; CableCard installation
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended overall, but expect some minor setup headaches. Also, investigate SDV compatibility and CableCard fees before purchasing. Otherwise, an excellent unit for the price.
Review: Quick Summary Great value; excellent video quality; great feature set, although a step down from Series 2 in a couple areas; somewhat complicated CableCard install and monthly fee structure; compatibility problems with Switched Digital Video... Read Full Review by f8ster, Sep 1, 2007
