[TiivoDog]

I just came across the following link, which are spy photos of the Tivo Series3 Lite unit and based on the hardware, it seems to have everything the S3 has, as well it has improved on the placement of the Cablecards - they have been moved to the front of the unit, which will greatly aid in CC handling as you don't have to pull the unit out to install them and/or pull them for replacement/repair.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/giz-undercover/first-spy-pics-of-upcoming-tivo-series-3-lite-277118.php

Anyways, unless there is some unique functionality that can not be discerned by view the spy photos, it looks like this unit will provide the same features as the current S3???

 

[dig_duggler]

Is that a led display up front? Two slots? Is anything downgraded on this?

 

[TiivoDog]

You're right - It appears they existing display is not present on this one, but I would have to believe they would at least have red, green, orange and blue lights in lieu of them and the clock in the current state on the S3 unit. Regarding the rest of the possible hardware downgrades, there does not appear to be anymore, but it is hard to tell from those pictures...

 

[jlb]

The main picture looks like a box with black construction paper wrapped around it.......

But, boy, if this unit comes in at "sub- $300" I bet they will sell a lot of these. This would likely pull me to S3-L more quickly than going with the ComcasTiVo. Hel....er....heck, at that price, I would get one without yet even having an HDTV or HD cable service. I am just upgrading now to an S2DT, but I figure by the time I have to worry if Comcast will still carry the analog cable signal in Feb 09 after the OTA cutoff, this unit should be very affordable, if not almost free if rebates are available.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[dig_duggler]

The main picture looks like a box with black construction paper wrapped around it.......

I agree, could be fake. It will probably shake out what's what by the end of the week. Seems plausible for a prototype though.

 

[HDTiVo]

I just came across the following link, which are spy photos of the Tivo Series3 Lite unit and based on the hardware, it seems to have everything the S3 has, as well it has improved on the placement of the Cablecards -

Regarding the rest of the possible hardware downgrades, there does not appear to be anymore, but it is hard to tell from those pictures...

I don't think the Giz info indicates any such things. The benefit of upfront placement of the CCs may be a matter of opinion.

http://hdtivo.wordpress.com/2007/07/11/series-3-lite-pictures-etal/

 

[HiDefGator]

Odd that DirecTV has moved the access cards to the rear of the unit from the front where kids and relatives frequently yanked them out. And now Tivo is moving the cable cards to the front to make it easier on the installer.

 

[HDTiVo]

Odd that DirecTV has moved the access cards to the rear of the unit from the front where kids and relatives frequently yanked them out. And now Tivo is moving the cable cards to the front to make it easier on the installer.

Kids and relatives may be more agile than the installer.

 

[FrodoB]

I don't believe I saw an eSATA port in the pictures?

 

[A-1]

These pictures are fake.

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Also, if you can get this close to the thing why would you take such horrible pictures

 

[MickeS]

These pictures are fake.

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Also, if you can get this close to the thing why would you take such horrible pictures

They could be fake, but your reasons for suspecting it aren't compelling. It makes sense to use the same back panel as another model, if possible. And some people just can't take very good pictures with their cell phones.

But these pics could very well be fake anyway. The white-out stuff on the back panel looks very suspicious.

 

[jlb]

I want a Pony!

 

[wmcbrine]

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Not quite. The cable/antenna inputs are arranged horizontally rather than vertically. It's also missing one row of composite/audio outputs, and the eSata port isn't missing, just moved. The HDMI port is also moved. Viz:

"S3 Lite"

Original S3

 

[drew00001]

These pictures are fake.

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Also, if you can get this close to the thing why would you take such horrible pictures

The Antenna & Cable in are verticle on my S3.

 

[HDTiVo]

These pictures are fake.

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Also, if you can get this close to the thing why would you take such horrible pictures

No, the cableCard area and FCC and Model info are covered, but the eSata and HDMI ports and coax inputs are in different locations; and a set of outputs are missing.

The front of the box is very different.

I agree that the box looks like its the same form factor as the S3.

 

[ebonovic]

Odd that DirecTV has moved the access cards to the rear of the unit from the front where kids and relatives frequently yanked them out. And now Tivo is moving the cable cards to the front to make it easier on the installer.

Reverse that for DirecTV units.
All the latest generation units (D10/D11/D12, H20, HR20, R15, and Series 2 and beyond DTiVos) the Access Card is inserted in the front. (basically any new receiver over the last 4 years)

 

[Bierboy]

that's one ugly piece of equipment

 

[pkscout]

These pictures are fake.

The back side of this is an S3 with the esata, cable card, and other items whited out.

Also, if you can get this close to the thing why would you take such horrible pictures

+1

They're not even good fakes. My cats could photoshop pictures better than that.

 

[MickeS]

+1

They're not even good fakes. My cats could photoshop pictures better than that.

The reflection of the CableCARD slot text is pretty well done....

 

[jayladdin]

+1

They're not even good fakes. My cats could photoshop pictures better than that.

Dude, your cats know how to use PhotoShop??