S3 Tide me over

[Frankenstien]

Last Friday I came home and was ready to watch some TiVo and I noticed my cable box (SA Explorer 3250 HD) was off. I figured it was just a power flicker so I turned it back on, it booted and shut off.

So, I called CS and there was an automated message that said an upgrade had been performed and after it booted it would take about 5 minutes to "acquire signal" and power up.

5 minutes later it was back up, but with a fun message. "Your HDTV does not support HDCP." The message asked me to use component video cables instead of HDMI.

So, I call and talk to a CSR. I'm told that my HDMI cable is probably bad, right. But I had another cable so I gave it a shot anyway, still the same.

So, I went to exchange the box and came away with the SA Explorer 3800 HD DVR. An extra $6.95 a month, I thought it would be a good tide me over until the S3 is out.

[etsolow]

So how is it?

[Frankenstien]

Its better than the last cable DVR I tried. It has a search by title function like TiVo. The last one I tried didn't have that. Of course the HD picture is great.

The GUI still isn't as intuitive as TiVo's and the guide only goes out about 3 days. And no wishlist.

I think its a good option until S3. If someone had never used TiVo they'd love it, but once you've used TiVo you are a bit spoiled by how easy and intuitive the interface is.

[redrouteone]

Who is your cable company?

I have the SA Explorer 8300HD from Charter and the software completly sucks. The worst part is the no search and only 7 days worth of guide info.

I can't wait until the S3 release. At this point I don't care how much it is. I can not stand this system any longer.

[Frankenstien]

Who is your cable company?

Time-Warner here. The unit is running the Passport software.

I did notice something neat. I scheduled a NFL Preseason game and it recognized that it was a live sporting event and asked if I'd like to extend the recording time. I thought that was good.

[jacksonian]

Some folks have Passport (good), some of us have SARA (sucks). My buddy has Passport and it's decent, at least you can search by title. I HATE the SARA and will be first in line for S3, just hoping I can get around switched digital.

[Frankenstien]

It's no TiVo, but the software has improved since I last tried a Cable Co. DVR a couple of years ago.

The unit I have now allows you to search by Tittle, Keyword, Time, or Theme. Guide still only goes out a few days, and no wishlist.

But still no where as good as my trusty S2.