High def DVRs - Time warner vs Tivo

[SynTex]

I just recently learned TW is now offering a box w/ both DVR capability and high def (presume it's made by Sci Atl). I think it's available in the Austin area.

Does anyone currently use this?

I'm currently a DirecTiVo user (non-HD), and am looking to upgrade to a dual DVR/HD format on my TV. The new HD DirecTivo looks solid, but the $999 price of the box is certainly lofty.

Would love to hear any feedback from either party (HDTivo, or TW HD DVR users). Apologize for adding yet another HD related thread on this board, but these are important decisions.

 

[ptownhorn]

i have dvr. i like it except i have to switch the input back and forth between the high def box and the standard dvr.

as soon as they get high def dvr in the kansas city time warner area, i get to get rid of a box payment of $11 a month.

Go with the dvr, its like $1 more than a standard box top

 

[Clarence Iba]

I have the hi-def Time Warner DVR here in Austin. It took about 2 weeks for them to get it all working right, but it's been problem free for months now. I've been really happy with it. Great picture quality.

 

[SynTex]

clarence,

if you don't mind me asking, about how much extra is it to get TW's HD-DVR service? Also, does the DVR have dual tuners (able to tape two things at the same time)?

 

[TenaciousTgarden]

i love my HD DVR. i do not have to switch back and forth formats to watch HD or regular DVR stuff - don't know why you might have to do that, could you have it set up wrong? When something is shown that is not in HD format, my screen just has the extra vertical bars along the sides.
Yes, you can tape two things at the same time, but you must be watching one while the other tapes (in other words, you can't tape two shows and watch a third show at the same time). My only complaint about the TW service is that you don't get all the HD channels, such as ESPN and NBC, because of some difficulties they have had negotiating. But there are quite a few other HD channels that I get, such as CBS, ABC, HBO, TNT, Discovery. The picture quality is excellent.
The DVR function is great as well. I love being able to miss shows and know that my DVR is set to tape everything I want. I think it's more user-friendly than Tivo - especially since you can pause and rewind live tv without having to switch functions- it's all completely integrated into the digital cable service. but, my only experience with Tivo is at my sister's house, and i don't think theirs is configured properly, which may make it more difficult to work than my DVR.
By the way, when I signed up for the DVR, my cable bill actually went DOWN by a couple dollars - I think there is a bundle that you can get when you have digital cable, DVR, HBO, and road runner all at once. Anyway, normally I believe the DVR service runs about an extra $8 a month - well worth it in my opinion. And, you do not pay extra for the HD service, it's just a different box than the regular digital cable box that you can go pick up at Time Warner.

 

[Horn9497]

I've got the HD DVR from time warner and really like it. I have a first generation tivo and I defeinitely prefer the software/search capabilities of tivo but it isn't worth $1,000 for the box plus whatever they charge for the service. TW charges you the same thing for any of their boxes (standard or hd) and the same thing for the dvr (standard or hd). I think the dvr is an additional $8 a month over the price of the box itself which is $5 or so. I'd go with the time warner hd dvr until the tivo price comes down substantially. Since there aren't any start-up costs for the time warner box it makes sense to give it a try--if you don't like it you are only out $13 or so per month until you give it up.

The lack of ESPN HD and NBC HD pisses me off but I'm hopeful it will get resolved before football season.

 

[SynTex]

cool, thanks for the feedback! I'm definitely struggling to make a decision - I've enjoyed DirecTV and TiVo over the past 4 yrs or so, but that $1000 upfront cost is a doozie.

That does indeed suck that TW doesn't yet carry ESPN HD. Wonder what the holdup is on that?

One last question - I've heard that the TW DVR's have had some stability problems (where the drive crashes, and stored content is actually lost). Has anyone encountered any probs w/ this?

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[TenaciousTgarden]

i've never had any problems with the stability of my HD and have never lost any programs, although they did warn me of that when I got it back in December. The only problem I ever had is that once the box stopped working, but they were putting new software into the system - it only took about an hour to get back up and running.
i definitely recommend going with the time warner. I think $1000 is ridiculous to spend on the tivo when it will probably go down in price, or they will come up with an upgraded model in two months and yours may be outdated already! time warner has no committment, which is great - if you decide you don't like it after a month you can cancel the service.

 

[SynTex]

yeah, you're right tenacious. I just got off the phone w/ TW, and the offer just sounds too damn good to refuse.

You're correct in the risk of shelling out a grand for a box that very well could be obsolete in a year.

I've really enjoyed DirecTV, but it's looking more and more like I might make the switch.

 

[Sgt. Longhorn]

I just got mine on Monday, and it kicks ***. I just couldn't justify $1000 for something I could get for $11 a month. I've just scratched the surface as far as use, but I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

I can't wait until everybody is broadcasting in HD. It is unbelievable the quality of the picture.

Oh, I talked to the TW guys about ESPN and they said that it was only a matter of time, but that it may be pricey. Apparently ESPN is really proud of their service and wants to charge a premium.