TiVo TCD540040 Series2 40-Hour Digital Video Recorder

We purchased TIVO for its legendary ease of use, but set-up and use have not been what we expected. Using the recording devices on our satellite and cable boxes was easier than using TIVO. Also, TIVO had an annoying habit of "recommending" programs while we were in the midst of watching TV - we had to search around to figure out how to disable that feature. Finally, now we need two remotes - one for TIVO, the other for the cable box - when we want to record programming. When our subscription expires, we will likely use our cable recording device or purchase recordable DVR.

Wow. I was convinced to buy this because of my friend, but I had no idea how fantastic the service was until I tried it. Now, I can't even watch tv without it. Pausing live tv is great, and so is the season pass option. Like a show? Just tell the tivo, and it will record all of that show regardless of channel or if there's a time change!

There's also cool little features as well; if you are watching a commercial on live tv for an upcoming television show, an option will come up to record it regardless.
I also love the option to put the shows on your psp. It's a great way to pass the time.

In conclusion, it's a must buy. A+ product!

This DVR works ok. But when it is recording, forget about changing channels. It is really really slow and takes like forever to even receive any remote clicks.
Broadband feature is nice; but USB doesn't come cheap. Its like [...].

I enjoyed this unit while I had it, but it broke within 6 months and Tivo was not particularly helpful in replacing it. As a result, I have switched to the DVR offered by my cable company.

The cable company's device (which shall remain nameless-this isn't a sales pitch) has four distinct advantages. First, the cable company service is cheaper and has not increased over time (Tivo's monthly just keeps going up). Second, dealing with two separate companies is an unnecessary hassle. Third, the cable co's hardware is simply better integrated. There is no modem, and (unlike the Tivo) there is no requirement that you attached goofy-looking IR emitters to your cable box. These especially annoyed me, since the only way I to do this (that I could figure out) was with packing tape. This left my entertainment center looking pretty third-world.

Fourth, DVRs -generally- are the touchiest electronic devices I have ever owned. I am now on my FOURTH unit in two years (1 Tivo and 3 units rented from the cable company). Tivo is apparently getting better about replacing broken units, but I found their customer service stodgy and unresponsive. In any event, I just don't like mailing parcels when I can avoid it. When my cable-company rented unit breaks, I just call them and they send out a tech with a new one.

In the end, I liked the Tivo, but I am happier now and I wouldn't go back. As cable companies continue to rent better hardware, I can't imagine how Tivo will compete. If I were them, I would be looking to buy some cable companies while my own product was still hot. You can't beat a state-sponsored monopoly.

I have owned this tivo since march and I have not had 1 problem. The 80 hours is MORE than enough recording time. Everyone in my family uses this and loves it. The difference between tivo and other dvr's is the software. It is so much better. You can schedule recording anywhere where there is internet access and you can transfer shows from your tivo to your laptop or handheld device.