Need help deciding on which Tivo to get

The S3s are solid machines, but old technology at this point. It will also take 2 cable cards (either s-cards or m-cards) to fully activate. They do have the advantage of being able to use any e-sata external drive.

The HDs are the next-gen systems. I don't personally have one, but I'm told they're a bit slower than the S3s. Can use either 1 m-card or 2 s-cards. Must use Tivo's extender drive, unless you use something like Winmfs to hack them.

My S3s are running great, but I don't expect any more software upgrades to them. I bought the Premiere XL with lifetime and added the $39 3-yr service contract.

Both of the HD and S3s can have their internal drives expanded, but that ability has been severely limited on the Premiere.

I'd go with the Premiere as it's the system likely to see most of the new features.

 

No need for cable cards if they ditch cable for OTA.

 

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No Hulu on TiVo
Maybe someday...

 

Hmm...OTA only...S3 becomes much more of a player as it will do Netflix.

But I wouldn't expect much development of new stuff.

 

I went with the TPXL and OTA and I love it, but honestly with the ability to transfer shows to the PC, there really wasn't much use for the XL. I do love the remote, and I am a sucker for the THX even though I think it does nothing. But if I was to buy a second S4, I would just get a TP. And I have lifetime as well. With the combination of TiVo and Netflix and AVOD, I have waaaaaaay more shows than I will ever be able to watch.

 

TiVo Premiere with product lifetime service is an excellent choice! Dump cable for over the air HDTV plus Netflix and you have quite a deal for about the same amount per year as you pay for cable every month.

My wife and I dropped cable about two years ago and haven't looked back. Most of the cable content we really want is available for free (legally) over the internet. We watch South Park, The Daily Show, and Archer on the computer or through Play On on the Xbox 360.

If you are a huge sports fan you might not be able to cut the cable cord. Then again, if you mainly watch football and catch the occasional out of market game you can always hoist a few pints at the local sports bar. With what you'll save on cable, you'll probably still come out ahead.