Series3 vs. TivoHD from a XP Media Center

[GoEagles]

Hi, I have Windows XP Media Center, but am really interested in getting either a TivoHD or Series3. I like the option of the TivoHD because I can get a refurbished one for $179.99 or a new one for $240, but I hear that I can't add an external hard drive to the unit.

I know that I can add an external eSATA to the Series3 hard drive, but it costs a lot more for a refurbished unit.

More than anything, having more storage is important to me and I would guess that opening the unit and putting in my own hard drive (1TB) would void the warranty.

I have an external hard drive already and I was just going to get a USB to eSATA hard drive and thought I might be able to hook it up to either the Series3 or TivoHD.

What's my best way to go? I really want to get a TiVo, but if I am going to spend at least $500 to $600 I want to get some advice from the pros.


Thanks!

[awyeah]

You can add space to the Tivo HD or the HD XL using the eSata port - the only limitation is that (without a hack) you can only use the Western Digital MyBook DVR edition.

I believe (check the specs) that this will give you up to a total of 68 or so hours of HD (or a whole bunch more SD).

There's a link to the WD drive on the Tivo site.

[rocko]

You can add space to the Tivo HD or the HD XL using the eSata port - the only limitation is that (without a hack) you can only use the Western Digital MyBook DVR edition.

I believe (check the specs) that this will give you up to a total of 68 or so hours of HD (or a whole bunch more SD).

There's a link to the WD drive on the Tivo site.

Actually, the Digital MyBook DVR is specifically not supported. The only eSATA drive supported out of the box is the WD My DVR Expander.

[GoEagles]

That sucks, if the hack is a basic software hack of some type, I am willing to do that, but 500GB is not enough space for me and I would like to use my 1TB drive in some capacity. I don't think a used hard drive would sell well on eBay and I NEED 1TB and the new Tivo HD XL is really not worth the $599, PLUS the $399 for lifetime, that is way too pricey!