What Tivo to get for Xmas?

philwojo · 11-17-2008, 08:27 AM

Looks like my wife might want to get a 2nd HD capable TIVO for xmas.

We currently have an S3 now, and an old S1, but only the S3 is active. We use the S1 as a VCR for now, but come Feb we will lose that as we only do OTA with an antenna. We have no cable or Sat.

So, I would like either another S3, or one of the Tivo HD models.

Any feedback on which would be the best choice as a 2nd unit, it would mostly be used for overflow shows which overlap time frames on the main unit.

thanks,
Phil

JWThiers · 11-17-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philwojo

Any feedback on which would be the best choice as a 2nd unit, it would mostly be used for overflow shows which overlap time frames on the main unit.

thanks,
Phil

If that's the case, go cheap, and get the HD non XL. You could always upgrade the Drive yourself at a later date if the demands become too much

philwojo · 11-17-2008, 09:14 AM

Ok so any problems for the HD vs. the S3?

Should I get a pre-upgraded one, or just try and upgrade myself? What do I need to do to upgrade on my own, I know there has to be a link on here and I'll search for that now, but if you have it that would be great.

I had upgraded my S1, but only added an external to my S3, didn't touch anything internally.

thanks,
Phil

JWThiers · 11-17-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philwojo

Ok so any problems for the HD vs. the S3?

Should I get a pre-upgraded one, or just try and upgrade myself? What do I need to do to upgrade on my own, I know there has to be a link on here and I'll search for that now, but if you have it that would be great.

I had upgraded my S1, but only added an external to my S3, didn't touch anything internally.

thanks,
Phil

Putting on flame retardant underwear, I don't own an S3, but The differences between the S3 (that are obvious anyway) and HD/XL are an OLED screen and THX certification and money for the S3, but the S3 can't use an M card. I sure there are other differences but none that I think amount to a hill of beans. Jump into shower to put out flames and remove smoldering underwear.

As far as upgrading the drives go, You said that it was

Quote:

it would mostly be used for overflow shows which overlap time frames on the main unit.

So I would just leave it stock, but if you start using it more than the stock can handle upgrading depends on you comfort level with doing such a thing. opening your tivo will void the warranty so an approved external drive might be the way to go if that bothers you. If not the options range from sending your tivo to a company like dvrupgrade and having them install large drives, getting the drives with the OS already installed and installing it yourself, buying a program like instantcake that will install the OS on a new blank drive, or just finding the instructions at the upgrade center for properly coping your current drive onto a new drive for free. The more money you spend the less work you have to do, the results once completed are the same.

overthetop75 · 11-17-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philwojo

Ok so any problems for the HD vs. the S3?

Should I get a pre-upgraded one, or just try and upgrade myself? What do I need to do to upgrade on my own, I know there has to be a link on here and I'll search for that now, but if you have it that would be great.

I had upgraded my S1, but only added an external to my S3, didn't touch anything internally.

thanks,
Phil

Well you can get a used one on ebay with a 1tb WD Green Power drive for $425 including shipping or a new one for $475 shipped. The drive new goes for around $100 and the Tivo is $300. If you decided to do it later you can get a 1tb drive setup for a tivo for about $180. If you have a newer PC and feel comfortable opening the cover and connecting a drive then there is free software for you to setup a new drive yourself.

"TiVo Internal Upgrade Instructions: Preserves Settings Only

These instructions are for use under Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista only. Do not use these instructions with previous versions of Windows.

Remove all cover screws from the rear of the case using a torx screwdriver in the T10 size. Put the screws in a safe place. If you don't have a torx screwdriver of appropriate length, you can purchase the Star Driver T10 Ampro (9014713) from Advance Auto Parts for about $4.

Place the TiVo on a flat surface such as a desk or counter top.

With the front of the TivoHD facing you, slide the top cover around 1/4 inch toward the rear (away from you) until it appears to stop traveling.

Grab the top cover in the lower front corner on both sides and pull outward on both sides just a little and the cover will slide the rest of the way off.

Remove the four screws holding the drive down with the same Torx T10 screwdriver. Disconnect the SATA cable and power cable from the drive.

Download WinMFS here.

Shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and connect only the original TiVo drive. You can open your computer and connect it with a SATA cable, or you can connect it externally with a SATA->USB adapter.

Turn on your computer and launch WinMFS. If using Windows Vista, you'll want to launch WinMFS by right-clicking on WinMFS.exe and selecting "Run as Administrator."

In WinMFS, click 'Select Drive' and select the original TiVo drive.

In WinMFS, select the 'Backup' option to create a backup. Remember where you save it.

Shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and disconnect the original TiVo drive. Connect your new replacement SATA drive. You can open your computer and connect it with a SATA cable, or you can connect it externally with a SATA->USB adapter.

Turn on your computer and launch WinMFS. If using Windows Vista, you'll want to launch WinMFS by right-clicking on WinMFS.exe and selecting "Run as Administrator."

In WinMFS, click 'Select Drive' and select the new replacement SATA drive.

In WinMFS, select the 'Restore' option and select the backup file you saved earlier. This will restore the TiVo software to the new drive.

When the restore is complete, WinMFS will ask you if you want to expand the drive to use the new space. Select yes.

Select Tools-> MfsSuperSize -> On.

Shutdown your computer and disconnect the drives.

Reinstall the internal drive and replace the TiVo's outer case.

You're done. Store your original TiVo drive in a safe place. "

quyrean · 11-17-2008, 02:24 PM

I have a series 3 and just got a tivo hd for my birthday. The only thing I really miss from the series 3 is that the hd does not display the name of the show it is recording on the front pannel or have a clock.

The nice thing about the HD is you can use a multi card which may save money on your cable bill.

You can get the tivo hd from amazon for $250 and DVR expander for $130 = $380. This gives you more way hours then the series 3 for a savings of about $120.

TexasGrillChef · 11-17-2008, 03:59 PM

I would say just get the HD-XL... if you upgrade the internal hard drive yourself you COULD void the warranty. I have seen TiVo do that before. Not always, but THEY have before.

Although you might be able to get a refurb S3 at a great price too!

TGC

S3 - Internal 250gb, eSATA 1.5tb
HD- Internal 160gb, eSATA 500gb (DVR Expander)