TiVo unveils High-Definition recorder

TiVo has been successful in crafting set-top boxes that are reliable, easy to use, and even hacker-friendly. The company's popular Series2 DVR now has a high-definition successor, the TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder -- the world's first THX®-certified, digital video recorder, delivering audio and video that truly maintains the devotion of the original broadcast.

TiVo family expands by offering more storage and more ways of recording. The Series 3 has an amber-colored OLED display masked behind a strip of smoked plastic that shows the titles of shows currently recording as well as video-output details and a clock.

The text is made impressively readable by the high resolution of the integrated display. A set of backlit control buttons arranged in a circular layout adorns the right side of the DVR's face.

The entertainment provided by the DVR lets the consumer experience TiVo's acclaimed service features through its sharp and flamboyant images. Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList searches are among the features incorporated.

The Series3's remote control retains the distinct dog-bone shape but the new remote is now completely backlit, with all buttons labeled directly. The remote is outstandingly responsive from a variety of distances and angles.

While watching a pre-recorded show, the subscribers can record two more shows in HD at the same time, with the help of dual tuners.

Equipped with a 250GB SATA-based hard drive, the Series3 can store about 25 hours of HD programming or about 300 hours of standard-definition programming in the lowest quality setting.

The series3 is designed to connect to existing home theater setups and offer subscribers flexibility with component choices. In addition to 2 USB ports and Ethernet on the back panel, the Series3 sports digital audio output; S-Video, component, composite, and HDMI video output; and both antenna and cable inputs.

Current TiVo subscribers will definitely find the Series 3 impressive but the heavy price tag of $799.99 may keep the new users away. Those with lifetime subscriptions, Series1 and Series2 customers must pay a $199 transfer charge to transfer their account over to the new Series3 box.