What have I gotten my self into!

[shrktank]

Good morning everyone!

Listen I currently am using a HD OTA antenna. I am looking to get cable this week since Rescue Me, The Shield and some other good cable shows will be starting within a few months. I had a Sony HD DVR which worked well, but have let my daughter and son-in-law use it at there house as a HD tuner and recorder.

I ordered the Series 3 last night from the store here and looking forward to trying the TIVo out. I will be hooking it up with my OTA and then have Charter come out to hook me up with the cablecards. Used their online chat system last night and was told I can get the digital cable for $9.99 a month for 6 months then it goes to $19.99 (this is after the discount for broadband customers) also I was told HD with 2 cable cards will cost me just $3.00 total. So I am ordering this today as the online ordering system was not working last night.

Well anyway I awoke this morning and started reading more of the post on the forums. I noticed many disgrungled or troubled users of the Series 3 machine and this is causing me some concern, or perhaps buyers remorse!. I understand that generally the forums are hit more by troubles post then happy post, but just wantt o check if I did the right thing in getting this TIVO series 3.

Also one of the post I saw indicated there is no MAC support for the series 3. I converted to the MAC system last year, and just wondering what disadvantage this is in regarding the usage of the Series 3. I guess I am not sure what I would be using my MAC and TIVO together for.

Anyway it is Friday and expect to have the unit by Tuesday. Hoping I get some feedback which could make my weekend in waiting l a little more enjoyable!

I will keep you all aprised on my cablecard install whe I reach that point

[cap]

I think you'll be happy. The picture quality is incredible. Even with normal non HD shows. I find myself watching this rather than my Series 1's and 2 just for the quality difference.

If I had the money and the tivo to tivo transfer was working I'd buy 1 or 2 more.

[gargoyle999]

I am very happy with my series 3 unit. I've been using 4 ReplayTV units for years and this is my first Tivo. Charter (Lakeville, MN) didn't give me any problems when I made the appt to come out and install the cablecards into the Tivo, they even asked me if it was for the new Tivo. Install was done in one trip, although a couple phone calls were needed by the tech.

I've had one issue where the program (1hr) stopped recording after 20 minutes. Otherwise I have had no problems. I setup a front projector system with a 100 inch screen and the HD is awesome! It's amazing how you can see the actors wrinkles and pores so clearly! Ha...

My wife misses the auto commercial skip we have on two of the ReplayTV's, but that doesn't always work right anyway. Since you can program the remote for 30 second skip I'm happy with that. Also with the Replay if you stop a program in the middle it will ask if you want to delete it. With the Tivo it only seems to do this if you are near the very end, so deleting a program seems to be more cumbersome.

It was expensive but if it works like it is supposed to it's a nice unit. I'm waiting now to be able to use the available port to add a hard drive since HD recording uses up so much space. Good luck and I think you are right, people are more likely to post if they have problems then if they don't. So I think it may seem worse than it is!

[Horrortaxi]

Don't let the negative posts scare you. There's a very vocal minority of people who are having problems. If you look at the various polls that have been posted, people seem to be happy with their S3's. People who aren't having problems are usually too busy doing other things to complain.

I bought my S3 when they came out and it's been fine.

At this time the S3 supports Macs and PCs about the same, which is to say neither are that useful. You can share music and pictures with Tivo Desktop on either platform and that's about it.

[gear]

I'm not a bit disgrungled with my series3.

[craigo]

I understand that generally the forums are hit more by troubles post then happy post, but just wantt o check if I did the right thing in getting this TIVO series 3.

The Positive Thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=321482)

[dig_duggler]

Well, I was in your boat on Wednesday (OMG what have I done), and some of it came true for me. The installation was a nightmare (it took from 12:30 to 5:30) but finally everything worked.

When it works, it works GREAT. Super picture, lovely interface. No complaints at all. Worth every penny. Unfortunately I rebooted my tivo this morning and have some channel loss issues. Granted, I think all of this is the cable company's fault, but they are who I have to deal with. I'm going to see how getting it fixed 2 days out goes and then it's really a matter of what you are willing to put up with if there are issues. I haven't made up my mind yet. If you have no issues, I don't think you will be disappointed at all.

[GoHokies!]

I'm not a bit disgrungled with my series3.

I agree completely... Relax, have a great weekend and enjoy your new toy! :D

I suggest that you check out the Charter "Official Cable Card" thread and read up on other's CC install experiences, it may help you when your time comes.

[gbrown]

Since there is no support for TiVoAtHome on the Series 3 systems, this is not YET an issue. Once the capability IS turned on Mac users will not have access.

"Wink, Wink, Nod, Nod" - [Look around the web. There is a solution using something called TiVo_Decoder and an app called VLC]

[hookbill]

Since you mentioned two of my favorite shows, The Shield and Rescue Me whcih are both on FX let me tell you that the improvement you will see pq wise will make it all worth while to you. My SA 8300 delived these shows looking like crap.

And again, most of the people having problems are the minority. Not to say they arn't having problems but there is so many things to look at who knows who fault anything is. My S3 works great.

[dig_duggler]

Having read many threads and messing with my s3, I think a vast majority of the issues lie with the cable providers. Unfortunately, most here have to deal with these issues and they are associated (whether fair or not) with the tivo. If the cablecards don't function properly, it does not matter how well your tivo works.

[kosherbacon]

I had the same concerns (pre purchase) so I put up a poll asking about overall satusfaction. The answers thus far are over 80% favorable.

View the poll thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=330242)

[dianebrat]

love my S3.. LUV

and I have no regrets buying on day one..
Would I do it again?
...in a heartbeat

All of that and I was one of "the 200" that had the order completely flummoxed

Diane

[slimoli]

I am one of the few guys who has ALL the bugs reported here. No audio on few channels (I still have 3 channels without audio ), loss of audio and picture on some analog (basic) channels, partial recording (just happened once), reboot (only happened once) and other minors. Would I return the S3? No way, Jose!! I also had issues with the SA8300 HD DVR and the S3 is 100 times better. Once Tivo, always Tivo.

Sergio

[phototrek]

Our S3 may be slow to respond and to show the guide, but otherwise I am very happy.

As for no Mac support - don't worry about it, there isn't currently any PC support, either :)

[coldfusionak]

I also had misgivings according to what I saw here but the only trouble I had was a queue problem with Tivo Support (never getting to a CSR at all). But I am very happy with my Tivo and its quality is hands down much better than the HD DVR from Motorola. I love the sound and the ability to record HD. Just wish that Scrubs came in HD, so far it is only SD.

The size is just about perfect for me right now, was thinking about Upgrading the Internal but that might wait until late spring depending on how full my Tivo is. I think I will only be a pat rack with what my 2 kids watch and delete what we watch.

I am very happy. Wife is happy but not happy about the money spent hehe

[bidger]

You have a 30 day window to return it if it doesn't live up to your expectations.

[IzzyB68]

Just wanted to say I see a lot of comments about wives and not being happy about money, why did you buy it, etc. My husband was watching a commercial for diamonds and he came over and said to me, "You would be pissed if I got you that stuff and not a Tivo, huh?" And he is sooooo right! I want the Tivo, I think he wants it but not as much as me.

Well we ordered it from Amazon (thank you Amex and your 25% discount) a couple days ago, it will be here on the 14th, and the cable company will be here on the 15th to install the CC. I like you thoght about waiting with all the complaints, but then all the polls came out and it seems most people are very happy. Plus I want to transfer my lifetime and so I need to buy it before the end of the year. I don't want to pay a monthly fee for a Tivo and I do not need three Tivos. This way I get the S3, lifetime on it, and my mom can take the 3rd Tivo and after a year she can decide if she wants to pay a monthly fee or not.

The bugs will be worked out over time, and with having the other two Tivos still I can back-up al my recordings so even if something happens I can still watch the shows. But being able to transfer the lifetime is worth it.

[ChuckyBox]

I had the same concerns (pre purchase) so I put up a poll asking about overall satusfaction. The answers thus far are over 80% favorable.

And, just as important, only about 6% are solidly unfavorable. (Why don't these people take the 30-day free pass and send it back?)

The S3 is great. Keep in mind that it will work with analog cable, too. So if you get your HD via OTA, and the other shows you want to watch are in the analog band of your cable lineup, then you don't need digital or cablecards. There has been discussion (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=329512) in the coffeehouse about this very issue: analog cable + ota + s3 is better and costs less than digital cable + cable company DVR.

[FlippedBit]

Worst case scenario, you return it before 30 days. Best case scenario, you pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming. Odds of the latter seem to be higher than the former. Unfortunately, complete success is not completely within your control. I'd go for it.

[Adam1115]

Listen I currently am using a HD OTA antenna.

I keep reading people on the forums referencing "HD OTA Anatenna's".

I struggle with understanding how and HD antenna is different than a non-HD antenna? Considering the frequency and signal is the same, what could they possibly do to an "HD Antenna" to make it do HD better than a non-HD antenna??

:confused:

[dbong1021]

I keep reading people on the forums referencing "HD OTA Anatenna's".

I struggle with understanding how and HD antenna is different than a non-HD antenna? Considering the frequency and signal is the same, what could they possibly do to an "HD Antenna" to make it do HD better than a non-HD antenna??

:confused:

Its the same! An OTA antenna is an OTA antenna. The HD label is just a marketing ploy to sell more/higher prices

Some people can grab OTA using old school bunny ear antennas, while some need more updated loop antennas. Its different for everyone depending on where you live and where the nearest antenna farms are

[Jerry_K]

I have two UHF antennas. The advantage is that the antenna for higher frequencies is smaller because the wavelength of the transmission is shorter. Since I do not want to get VHF at all my antennas are smaller. If you search here you will find that someone has just stripped a piece of coax and is getting good reception. That is as simple an antenna as you are going to find.

The HD part of the antenna means for sure you are trying to receive a digital transmission. Digital transmissions (of SD too) are less likely to suffer from some of the bugbears of analog. If you get a signal strong enough to tune you get a good picture. Analog varies all over the map.

[shrktank]

Thanks for all the nice responses to my worries. I will know enjoy this weekend like a little kid waiting fo Christmas!!! :)

I called Charter today and it seems the price I was qouted through there online chat is not offered thru the call in operators! So i talked to the rep then logged onto the chat area on their website. Started chatting and told them the offer I was qouted the night before. Well this time I am told there is no such offer available! Well qouted to me this time is the same as the offer when you call in, so I figured I would just call in to make sure Igot the cablecards and the pacakge I wanted it. Well it ends up I need the digital pacakge to get the "bundled service" pricing. No big deal said. Then I was asked which tier I would like for my pacakge. I told the rep I would like the HD tier. She started to add it to my account when she realizd I was in the St Louis area. Evidently in this area you can not have the HD tier as the tier in the bundle! So I have to pay $6.99 for the tier and $3.00 for the 2 cable cards. Well I proceed to have her enter the order with the 2 cable cards and the package offering and the HD. As she is entering she then informs me that I have to get the digital cable box since it is part of the bundle package and she could not take it off. ARRGGHHH!!! She told me the additional cost would be $1.68 so I calmed down. Scheduled for Friday morning. Figure morning appointment would be best in case of any problems.

Order the Series 3 last night with 2nd Day Air from Tivo Community Store. I would assume it will be here in time. Any one know if they ship same day or not? I have not gotten a confirmation or anything from them

OH and here is the best part!!! I decided to clear a space for the new player and moved some stuff around. I connected a cable to the cable wall outlet so I am ready for the TIVO. I then connected to my televsion. Well I just found out that I am getting cable already!! I am even getting some of the premium channels which I did not even order!!! Strange!! I am wondering if I will be able to connect this to the Series 3 when it arrives just to make sure it is working?

Will let you know how my Tivo experience is in the coming days

[theLuggage]

Well I just found out that I am getting cable already!! I am even getting some of the premium channels which I did not even order!!! Strange!! I am wondering if I will be able to connect this to the Series 3 when it arrives just to make sure it is working?

Yes, you can connect the cable to the TiVo and you'll see all the analog channels. The picture quality may not be that great, because they're analog, not digital. But don't worry. When you get the cable cards, everything will be in digital and it looks amazing! I was a bit disappointed when I first plugged in the cable to the TiVo and saw the analog pq. And I was blown away at how much better everything looked after getting the cable cards.

[Adam1115]

I have two UHF antennas. The advantage is that the antenna for higher frequencies is smaller because the wavelength of the transmission is shorter. Since I do not want to get VHF at all my antennas are smaller. If you search here you will find that someone has just stripped a piece of coax and is getting good reception. That is as simple an antenna as you are going to find.

The HD part of the antenna means for sure you are trying to receive a digital transmission. Digital transmissions (of SD too) are less likely to suffer from some of the bugbears of analog. If you get a signal strong enough to tune you get a good picture. Analog varies all over the map.

HUH??? The frequencies of analog & digital are the same. The "Wavelength" is no difference! Digital can be VHF, UHF and are receivable with the same antenna.

There IS no "HD part of an antenna", it just an antenna! Better antennas will get a better signal... :confused:

[shrktank]

Well I went to the DHL website and tracked the location of my Tivo. It indicated it was in the central facility on towntown St Louis. So I headed out at lunch time today and picked it up from there!

Got home tonight and set it up with no problems to report. Works great! Just finished getting it all setup with my Harmony 880 remote


Now I am only waiting for the cablecard install Friday!!

[TydalForce]

Oh you'll love it -- I got mine almost 2 weeks ago

Just got a real antenna for it, and I can pick up all but one local station (CW, which I don't watch anyway! hah)

[Jerry_K]

Adam,

UHF is higher frequency than VHF and UHF is where the digital broadcasts are. Higher frequency shorter wavelength. Shorter wavelength smaller antenna. My antenna is 40 inches long. I would have had to get one 138 inches long to tune VHF as well.

HD must be a digital broadcast, and it is on UHF hence the HD part of a humongous old antenna would be the shorter part past the long directors. Used to be a yagi too for UHF.

Going back a couple or more decades here to when I had to use an antenna.

[GoHokies!]

Adam,

UHF is higher frequency than VHF and UHF is where the digital broadcasts are. Higher frequency shorter wavelength. Shorter wavelength smaller antenna. My antenna is 40 inches long. I would have had to get one 138 inches long to tune VHF as well.

HD must be a digital broadcast, and it is on UHF hence the HD part of a humongous old antenna would be the shorter part past the long directors. Used to be a yagi too for UHF.

Going back a couple or more decades here to when I had to use an antenna.

I think the confusion was the "the HD part of the antenna" piece. There is no HD part of an antenna, like you said it's either VHF or UHF. HD (has to be digital) or SD (can be either) can be broadcast in either band (although in many areas the digital channels are all in the UHF spectrum).

[Adam1115]

Adam,

UHF is higher frequency than VHF and UHF is where the digital broadcasts are. Higher frequency shorter wavelength. Shorter wavelength smaller antenna. My antenna is 40 inches long. I would have had to get one 138 inches long to tune VHF as well.

HD must be a digital broadcast, and it is on UHF hence the HD part of a humongous old antenna would be the shorter part past the long directors. Used to be a yagi too for UHF.

Going back a couple or more decades here to when I had to use an antenna.

Is your contention that most analog channels are VHF and that all digital channels are UHF?? Digital OTA can be VHF, it isn't always UHF, and in fact many channels have elected to broadcast digital from their existing VHF frequencies in 2009 after the analog shutoff. There are several markets with ATSC VHF broadcasts.. reno comes to mind...

Here in Denver, Fox Analog is channel 31, Fox Digital is 32.

I imagine if you buy a UHF ONLY antenna, you'll be in for a rude awakening in 3 years when it goes dark!

[shrktank]

Well as I posted earlier this week I was getting cablecards installed by Charter today.
The tech arrived on time. I had the Cablecard install sheet on top of the Tivo and I also had in hand the detailed sheet from the Tivo website.

Tech was very nice and professional. Said this was his first HD Tivo card install and has heard some about them.

He first read the instructions then proceeded to follow them. He called in the numbers from the first one then proceeded with card #2.

Cablecards are working!

Thanks to all those on this forum posting information and tips for a successful install.

I am now going to send a letter/email to charter for the excellent work the tech did for them!