Most Popular Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

  1. TiVo HD DVR (20-HD hours)
  2. DirecTV HR20 (DirecTV Plus HD DVR)
  3. Dish Network ViP622 (200-hour DVR)
  4. Dish Network ViP722 HD DVR
  5. SanDisk V-Mate
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Top Rated Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

  1. Dish Network ViP722 HD DVR
  2. Dish Network ViP622 (200-hour DVR)
  3. TiVo HD DVR (20-HD hours)
  4. TiVo HD XL DVR (150-HD hours)
  5. Digital Networks Sonicblue ReplayTV RTV4504
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OVR FT FTALT BK
OVR FT FTALT BK

THE GOOD
Includes nearly all the features of previous Series3 model at a lower price; can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third, previously recorded one; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; 30-second commercial skip; excellent user-friendly interface and remote; impressive Internet and home-networking features, including video content from Netflix, Amazon, and CinemaNow, Rhapsody subscription music service, online scheduling, photo and music streaming; recent firmware update adds cool TiVo To Go and Multi-Room Viewing features; TiVo To Go transfers recordings to PCs and portable devices; able to download and view most standard digital video file formats from networked PCs (with premium Desktop Plus PC software).

THE BAD
Requires monthly fee in addition to cable bill; sluggish transitions between menu screens; does not work with video-on-demand and switched digital video services; must program 30-second skip; no picture-in-picture; TiVo To Go requires long, slow transfer and transcoding times; some premium features (Amazon, Netflix, Rhapsody, Desktop Plus, Wi-Fi adapter, expandable storage) require additional one-time expenses or subscription fees.

THE BOTTOM LINE
While it's not compatible with your cable company's interactive and video-on-demand services, the TiVo HD's excellent onscreen interface and long list of network and Internet features puts it in a class above the generic high-def DVRs offered by most cable providers.

Go to the Full CNET Product Review »
Copyright © 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
 
Average CNET Reader Rating: 6.5 out of 10

CNET Reader Reviews

  1. July 29, 2007 01:39

    3.5/5
    I have to rebut many of the ill informed posts others have made. First, clearly this product CAN record HD despite what others say to the contrary (I mean get a clue - the name of the freakin' thing is - 'Tivo HD')

    Yes, there is a monthly fee...  read more »

    - kevin.talbot

  2. November 9, 2007 10:17

    4.5/5
    **THE EDITORS REVIEW IS NOW OUTDATED. THE TIVO-TO-GO, EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE, AND MULTI-ROOM VIEWING ARE ALL ENABLED NOW!** Both the editor and user ratings would be higher if this was the case previously. There are more new features like on screen ...  read more »

    - jonbmw

  3. July 30, 2007 07:21

    4.5/5
    Wow I had no idea how many TIVO haters there are!! I have used several generic DVR's including the CNET Editors Choice VIP622 from Dish Network and I'll chose the TIVO over 'em all! I recently cancelled my Dish & went back to Cable just to use...  read more »

    - JMcMusicman


All CNET Reader Reviews (47)

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