I'm still confused!

[fatboy15226]

Ok,

I am still debating between an S3 and a THD.

There is so much conflicting info here, I'm just going to throw this post into the wild:

In terms of ambient decibels, is the S3 Quieter than the THD?

Is the THD really a viable product. All these posts have me concerned.

I really want the THD but if the S3 is quieter and more stable, I will gladly shell out the extra$

Thanks
-dsd

[rcamille]

I think you will be fine with either unit. Now with the $200 rebate on the S3 and the fact that this box can be purchased for approximately $600 (before rebate), the final cost comes in around $400. Not bad, in fact, if I were in the market today for either box, I would purchase the S3 over the TiVo HD, the extra $100 gets you a better remote and more storage space, as well as a few other bells and whistles you probably don't need.

Both boxes, in my opinion, are viable and reliable. The TiVo HD had some issues when it was first released, but overall it has been a great unit and I have no regrets whatsoever.

[megazone]

Yeah, with the$200 rebate (http://www.tivolovers.com/2007/09/12/new-200-rebate-on-the-tivo-series3/) (which doesn't kick in until Sunday, be aware) and the S3 available for around $600, bringing it down to $400 or less, I'd probably get the S3 over the TiVo HD. You get 250GB instead of 160GB, the Glo remote (which is about a $50 value right there - an worth it, IMHO), and a nicer unit with front panel controls, a display, etc. The only caveat would be if renting two S-Cards is going to be dramatically more expensive than one M-Card with your cable MSO. (The HD does M-Card, the S3 doesn't yet.)

But for $600 vs. $300 - I would've said go with the HD. It is a perfectly good unit and has basically all the same features in the software.

[aaronwt]

Plus the TiVoHD lets you install the cable cards from the front. That is the best design change I think.

[DingoAce10]

What's up all,
Sorry to piggie back on this post, but VERY much a newb to Tivo and I want to buy one...I have had Comcast DVR and now Verizon DVR (which is the reason why I am switching..Verizon-DVR s*cks!)

So, is there a place I can check out the differences between the THD and the S3? Or is it mainly the HDD space?
And now that I have heard about the $200 rebate, that might do it for me...But I still wanted to check.
And if the main difference is the HDD space and the both have eSATA (not enabled yet) hookups would that basically moot the point of the larger HDD?

Also, what is an M-Card compared to an S-Card? can an M-Card split the signal so there is no need for 2 cable cards to get the dual tuner?

Thanks VERY much! Definitely buying one, just not sure which one I should go for.

[demon]

Really the only differences to speak of, from what I've read, are:

TiVo HD is not THX certified.
TiVo HD has a smaller hard drive (160 GB versus 250 in the Series3).
No OLED display on the front.
No included HDMI cable. (http://www.monoprice.com/ for good, *cheap* HDMI cables.)
No learning Glo remote. (You can buy one if you want - they're functionally interchangeable with the flat black peanut remote.)
eSATA enabling process is different/more involved; search forums for details (if you want to add an external drive).
Supports M-Cards (multistream CableCARDs) so if your cable MSO offers M-Cards, you only need one.
CableCARD slots on the front of the case; some people like this better.
Current software is based on the 8.1.x tree, so you'll be missing a few features/optimizations that are present in the 8.3 software on the Series3 units - at least until the 8.3 tree gets the necessary drivers and other updates to work on the TiVo HD.

Hm... That turned out to be a bit longer than I thought. However, apparently you can get the Series3 for $400-$500 now; if the features it adds are worth it to you, you might cough up the extra cash and get one. I'm very happy with mine.

[aaronwt]

You can also get the TiVoHD for a good price after using a 10% or 12% coupon at BB or CC.

[DingoAce10]

Thanks Demon!!!

The only thing that really makes a difference to me is the "M-Card" slot. Would save me another $2.99 to give to Verizon
But it is not a "killer".
BTW - I love monoprice I get all of my cables there...
The remote doesn't really matter either to me, since i have a Pronto remote that I would just program with the Tivo controls.

Really the only thing that I am concerned with is "future"...Since hte Series 3 is the older one...are they going to not support it soon? and just make the updates for Tivo HD?

Also...Which is harder to do...Enabling the eSATA on the Tivo HD or the S3?

Is TivoToGo coming soon for Series 3? I love that option! half of my current DVR HDD is filled with my daughers shows...I would love to be able to download them to a PC and burn them to DVD for later viewing.

Thanks again!!!

[demon]

Really the only thing that I am concerned with is "future"...Since hte Series 3 is the older one...are they going to not support it soon? and just make the updates for Tivo HD?

I can't imagine that they'd kill software support for the Series3, given that it's only about a year old now; the Series3 and the TiVoHD are fairly similar (some variance in components, but generally similar architecture), so there's no reason they won't be able to unify the software load in the near future. I imagine they'd just forked off from the 8.1.x tree when the unit was being developed, so they weren't worried about getting the latest software on it until everything was working correctly.

Also...Which is harder to do...Enabling the eSATA on the Tivo HD or the S3?

Doing it on the TiVoHD, from what I understand. When setting up my eSATA drive, I plugged it in, rebooted the TiVo, held Pause, then at the appointed time pressed 6, then 2; it did the rest. Apparently a bit more is required on the TiVoHD (I'm not familiar with the details, but I know the process is well documented), but it doesn't sound like it's terrible - there's apparently Windows software that'll do the biz for you.

Is TivoToGo coming soon for Series 3? I love that option! half of my current DVR HDD is filled with my daughers shows...I would love to be able to download them to a PC and burn them to DVD for later viewing.

Pony said that TTG, TTCB and MRV are coming late this year. As I only have one TiVo, MRV doesn't do much for me, but TTG and TTCB are definitely making me drool.

[DingoAce10]

Thanks again!!!! So can I hook up ANY size HDD to the Tivo? Like say a 500gig? Does Tivo choose which drive to write to? or does it just fill the internal, then when it runs out of space go to the external?

Sorry...again I am a newb...Watch is TTCB? I get the other 2 "TivoToGo" and "Multi-Room Viewing"

THanks!

[DingoAce10]

Oh yeah...Is there any way to get a "Lifetime" tivo account any more?

[demon]

Thanks again!!!! So can I hook up ANY size HDD to the Tivo? Like say a 500gig? Does Tivo choose which drive to write to? or does it just fill the internal, then when it runs out of space go to the external?
I have a 500 GB eSATA drive hanging off my Series3; supposedly it'll handle anything up to 1 TB, while the TiVoHD will handle more (some addressing issue, as I understand it). I'm not sure of the exact algorithm it uses, but it seems that whole shows go on a single drive, and it picks between them based somehow on space available. The OS, the live buffers, stored guide data and such remain on the internal drive.

Sorry...again I am a newb...Watch is TTCB?
That's Tivo to Come Back - the reverse of Tivo to Go, which allows you to take a video, upload it to your TiVo, then watch it on your television. Given our local NBC affiliate's lack of interest in the digital age, I have plans for this.

Oh yeah...Is there any way to get a "Lifetime" tivo account any more?
Unfortunately you can not buy a Lifetime subscription any longer as TiVo phased them out some years ago; however, there was a program after the launch of the Series3 to transfer (for an additional fee) a Lifetime subscription to a new Series3 DVR. I've also heard on occasion of people successfully requesting a transfer; dunno what's required for that, or if they'll still do it at all.

[Evilmonkee]

Does anyone know if the $200 rebate for the S3 is dependent on activating a new subscription?

I bought a THD but might consider exchanging it for an S3 if I could make use of the rebate. Just curious.

Oh, and what exactly does the OLED on the S3 display? Is it the channel number or the name of the show being recorded(other options?)? I kind of miss being able to glance at my cable box and seeing what channel it was tuned to, even when the TV was off. No big deal though.

[DingoAce10]

Demon, you have to a great help!!!
I think I have decided on the Series 3. I will probably go to CC tonight to take advantage of the $599 price. and then get the $200 rebate.

[aaronwt]

Does anyone know if the $200 rebate for the S3 is dependent on activating a new subscription?

I bought a THD but might consider exchanging it for an S3 if I could make use of the rebate. Just curious.

Oh, and what exactly does the OLED on the S3 display? Is it the channel number or the name of the show being recorded(other options?)? I kind of miss being able to glance at my cable box and seeing what channel it was tuned to, even when the TV was off. No big deal though.

It will show the name of the programs being recorded and also show the time. It comes in handy for me since I can see what is being recorded without having to turn the tv on.

[MirclMax]

Demon, you have to a great help!!!
I think I have decided on the Series 3. I will probably go to CC tonight to take advantage of the $599 price. and then get the $200 rebate.


NOTICE: The rebate does not start until SUNDAY 9/16/2007 DO NOT PURCHASE IT TONIGHT.


You have been warned.

[oldnacl]

I've had both and I can't see enough difference to go with the S3. YMMV, of course.

[Evilmonkee]

I think at this point I will stick with the THD. Considering all the trouble I had getting Comcast install the CCs, I don't want to take the chance of going through that again.

[DingoAce10]

MirclMax, thanks for the warning!!!!! I was going to get it tonight...but obviously...I will go Sunday and get it then.

[DingoAce10]

Oh wait....Is CC still going to have it on sale after Sunday...Maybe that is what's happening...It will go back up to $799 and then a $200 rebate kicks in...
If that is the case on Sunday...My decision is simple...I will just go with the THD.

[wizzy]

I would (and did) go with the THD.

- I'm was going to replace the drive, so 160 vs 250 doesn't matter (WD 750 w/ acoustic management turned on)
- If you have a universal remote, the glow remote does no good (I have a harmony)
- If I want to see what is recording, I can flip over to the tivo. Additionally, there may be times I don't want to advertise what I'm recording to anyone walking by :p
- Issues with M-cards seem to be a lot less frequent. Plus, as others have said, one less monthly fee.
- Newer design/hardware. Rarely a bad thing.

[jfh3]

Additionally, there may be times I don't want to advertise what I'm recording to anyone walking by :p


You realize you can turn off the display on the OLED, right? :)

[aaronwt]

Or just put the S3 in standby, then only the red LED will be on. That's one thing I hope they change with the TiVoHD. With the TiVoHD in standby no LEDs come on.

[DingoAce10]

Damn it wizzy!!! You make some good points :-) I thought I had it figured out.
I do have a pronto remote so the remote thing is a non-issue for me.
And since both can be expanded to use a huge HDD, that is a moot point also.
But I do like the fact of the OLED display on the S3 version.
But I do like the THD M-card :-) Again...I don't have to give verizon $2.99 more a month...but technically it is only $1 more then I am paying a month for the HD box rental..

I guess it just comes down to the "display" and I like pretty lights on my HT components :-) lol

Unless someone can tell me an overwhelming agrument that I should go with S3, I think for $100 more it is worth it.

Also, does anyone know if either of the versions (THD and S3) have coax digital audio outputs? the 2 optical inputs in my reciever are taken and my current cablebox is using the coax digital output for sound.

Thanks again!

[demon]

Also, does anyone know if either of the versions (THD and S3) have coax digital audio outputs? the 2 optical inputs in my reciever are taken and my current cablebox is using the coax digital output for sound.
Unfortunately they don't, but I know there are inexpensive devices you can get to convert from optical to coaxial S/PDIF; it's the same data going over the wire, the adapters just change the media. I believe they can be had for $20 or so. Googling netted me this (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Toslink-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B000I98ZQY) - seems like a pretty simple little device.

[aaronwt]

Unfortunately they don't, but I know there are inexpensive devices you can get to convert from optical to coaxial S/PDIF; it's the same data going over the wire, the adapters just change the media. I believe they can be had for $20 or so. Googling netted me this (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Toslink-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B000I98ZQY) - seems like a pretty simple little device.\

And they work very well too. I used to use one a few years ago.

[gweempose]

Does anyone know if the $200 rebate for the S3 is dependent on activating a new subscription?Yes it is.



I bought a THD but might consider exchanging it for an S3 if I could make use of the rebate. Just curious.There is no reason why you can't take advantage of the rebate. You simply have to deactivate the service on your THD, return it, buy an S3, and then take out a new service plan. Someone else had a similar dilemma over in the rebate thread, the only difference being that they had already purchased and activated an S3 instead of a THD. Here's a link (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5503647&&#post5503647) to their post.

[mike_camden]

Unfortunately they don't, but I know there are inexpensive devices you can get to convert from optical to coaxial S/PDIF; it's the same data going over the wire, the adapters just change the media. I believe they can be had for $20 or so. Googling netted me this (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Toslink-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B000I98ZQY) - seems like a pretty simple little device.

Here's the one that I bought from monoprice for $12 last month after I got the Tivo HD. It's worked perfetly without a hitch since installing it in early August:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2

[fishpatrol]

I read something about the Tivo HD being able to transcode video? Since TTG hasn't been released, I don't suppose this feature has been seen in the wild. If this is an official feature (I don't know that it is), is it something the S3 would do as well? Having recorded HD on a Mac-based HTPC for a couple years, I'm real familiar with how much heavy lifting HD material requires. Hardware-based transcoding would be a huge plus (and TTG/TTCB a real must).

[jfh3]

Does anyone know if the $200 rebate for the S3 is dependent on activating a new subscription?

Yes, to get the rebate you must activate new service.

[dubluv]

Damn it wizzy!!! You make some good points :-) I thought I had it figured out.
I do have a pronto remote so the remote thing is a non-issue for me.
And since both can be expanded to use a huge HDD, that is a moot point also.
But I do like the fact of the OLED display on the S3 version.
But I do like the THD M-card :-) Again...I don't have to give verizon $2.99 more a month...but technically it is only $1 more then I am paying a month for the HD box rental..

I guess it just comes down to the "display" and I like pretty lights on my HT components :-) lol

Unless someone can tell me an overwhelming agrument that I should go with S3, I think for $100 more it is worth it.

Also, does anyone know if either of the versions (THD and S3) have coax digital audio outputs? the 2 optical inputs in my reciever are taken and my current cablebox is using the coax digital output for sound.

Thanks again!


you really don't need your stb with the THD or S3, so you'll save that rental, plus m-card (if available from your provider) will save you $, and you won't incur any dvr fee, which my cableco charges $10/month. also, i only pay 1.25 per cc, so there is a big price difference right there.