Why is FF/RW so jerky?

The TiVo Series2 DVRs re-encoded analog video in a uniform manner. The compression settings remained the same throughout the program.

The TivoHD does not re-encode digital channels. It records the channels as is. Different channels use different encode parameters, and cable companies often use various encoder tricks to reduce bandwidth, which comes at the expense of FF/REW smoothness. Furthermore, many cable companies insert their local commercials using an entirely different set of encode parameters, so the main program and national commercials use one set of parameters, while the local commercials use another.

 

I've noticed that it's always only jerky when the commercials are on. The second it goes back to the show, it's smooth. IMO, they purposely put the stuttering in so that you get a better glimpse of the commercials and the brain will still recognize familiar logos and brands during the commercials even when fast forwarding. It wasn't always like that on my S3. One of the software updates caused it somewhere around a year or two ago.

 

This is not the case. Refer to my post above as it explains the issue.

Cable operators and cable channels that don't do (or allow) local commercial insertion are just as smooth (FFW though commercials) as the TiVo was at release.