A few HD Questions from a new Tivo User

[kgt12]

Hi,

I have been using Comcast's HD DVRs for a while now ( SA 8300). Suffice to say that I'm not the biggest fan of these boxes.

Once I heard that Tivotogo and Multi-room viewing will be available shortly on Tivo Series 3 and Tivo HD, I figured I should go ahead and give it a shot.

Before taking the plunge, I have a few quick questions.

Here is my current setup: 2 HDTVs: 50in SXRD in the family room with a Comcast HD DVR and a 34in WS Tube in the bedroom with a standard cable box.

My first question is, what are the differences between the Series 3 HD DVR and the Tivo HD DVR? The differences that I have found are hard drive size (but both are expandable, right?), remote, front display, and THX. (And a hefty price difference).

My plan is to either get 1 series 3 HD DVR for the family room and 1 Tivo HD for the bedroom. OR get a Tivo HD for both locations. (Most likely I would buy these at Costco)

With Comcast, do I need to worry about losing 'switched channels?' I understand I would lose on demand and PPV, but I figure I'll keep one of Comcast's boxes in case I ever want On Demand.

Will the multi-room viewing work with these 2 boxes ? Does that mean I can watch content that is stored on either one?

If anyone has any suggestions or insight, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am in Howard County, MD, by the way.

Thanks very much,
kgt

[LifeIsABeach]

Yes, MRV will work between those boxes when it is enabled and you can watch the content from wither one on the other. Yes, you will lose any channels that Comcast changes to switched digital.

[Joybob]

The smart move would be to buy one of each and see which one you like more.

[kgt12]

Yes, MRV will work between those boxes when it is enabled and you can watch the content from wither one on the other. Yes, you will lose any channels that Comcast changes to switched digital.

Thanks for the response - is there any way of knowing which comcast channels are switched or which will be switched in the future?

Cheers

[kgt12]

One more question - once the update is release, will a Tivo HD (or Series 3) DVR be able to stream content to a Series 2 (non HD) Tivo in another room?

[Joybob]

One more question - once the update is release, will a Tivo HD (or Series 3) DVR be able to stream content to a Series 2 (non HD) Tivo in another room?

Aye. Not HD content though.

[astrohip]

Thanks for the response - is there any way of knowing which comcast channels are switched or which will be switched in the future?
Not really. While some statements have been made, each market is different. In Houston, Comcast just added 6-8 new HD channels, and they are all avail. I have heard other markets are getting some SDV. A general consensus seems to be that Comcast is still a year or two away from heavy SDV use. YMMV.

One more question - once the update is release, will a Tivo HD (or Series 3) DVR be able to stream content to a Series 2 (non HD) Tivo in another room?
Yes, but not HD. See the MRV thread for details.

ETA: Server slowdowns creating delayed posts. :mad:

[kgt12]

Ordered 2 THDs - they were just delivered.

Comcast is coming in the morning, I'm hoping for a trouble free setup...

[tivoknucklehead]

you will love these compared to that crappy SA-8300, trust me. and if you need more storage a plug and play e-sata drive for $199 will add 500gb

[Graymalkin]

Ordered 2 THDs - they were just delivered.

Comcast is coming in the morning, I'm hoping for a trouble free setup...

Did you run the new TiVos through Guided Setup yet? (They will work on analog cable.) Then start forcing connections. You will need to update the software to at least 9.1 in order to get MRV and TTG.

[megazone]

Yeah, you want them setup and running BEFORE the cable installer shows up. It takes a long time to do the first setup and they're unlikely to wait around. Get them setup and waiting.

[jmace57]

I have a Series 3 (among other series 2's)...and if I was in your shoes, I would get the TiVo HD and save yourself the money. OLED's and THX (and a little more recording space) is not worth the price difference IMHO.

Jim