Tivo still the best DVR available! FIOS CUSTOMERS BEWARE!
Written: Jan 12 '09
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Pros: All the great features of Tivo are still here in the HD unit
Cons: Will probably exhibit performance issues with Verizon Fios
The Bottom Line: Hands down, Tivo still makes the best DVRs. You'll pay more than the poorer DVRs that the cable and satellite companies offer, but it will be worth every penny.
njronbo's Full Review: TiVo TCD652160 180-Hours Video Recorder
I have been a long-time Tivo user pretty much since its inception nearly a day ago. I have used it with cable systems; moved to DIrecTV and their Tivo HD DVR and now just joined Fios and purchased the TCD652160.
I bought two of these HD models for my home complete with lifetime subscriptions for each. It wasn't until I dropped nearly $1300 on these units and services until I found out the dirty little secret about compatibility issues with Verizon Fios.
I noticed within a day that some channels were heavily distorted with pixelation. Doing some Internet research I found this was a major problem with dozens upon dozens of other Fios subscribers using the Tivo HD units. The problem, it seems, is that the Fios signal is too "hot" for the Tivo tuner to handle. This is the reason why there is so much distortion on many of the Fios channels.
The fix? You need to add an attenuator to the point where the coax meets the Tivo unit. The problem is, it's a bit of a experimental process to find out how much attenuation you need while being careful of not going too far overboard. I added a -10db attenuator as well as an extra 2-foot coax cable with a barrel connector to bring the signal down to the point where there was no longer any pixelation.
Complaints have been very strong towards Tivo. I wrote a letter to the CEO and VP of Distribution for the company. I received a phone call response from their Executive department a week later apologizing for the problems Fios was causing Tivo. Tivo has been aware of the problem and pretty much said there is nothing they can do to modify their tuners as doing so will affect its performance on cable systems.
Whether you believe their response or not, this is the sad state of affairs with Tivo and Fios. Fortunately, it looks as if the simple "fix" is attenuation. If you are willing to invest another couple dollars in attenuators you will probably be successful in dealing with the pixelation problems.
As for the Tivo unit itself, I am very impressed. Having moved from the DirecTV HD model (HR10-250) to this brand new HD Digital Recorder saw significant improvements in software interface and reaction times. I am also quite excited by the new 2009 software updates that allow movie streaming through their new partnership with Netflix.
Thus far I have had no real issues with its performance other than the fact, at least with Fios, it only recommended SD channels when searching shows for SEASON PASS. I actually had search by channel rather than title in order to program the Tivo to record off of the higher HD channels. As with all Tivo units, this is the easiest brand of DVR to use. The interface is very intuitive, and even the most novice of users will be setting up their own list of scheduled programs within the first hour. I have spent quite a bit of money to use the Tivo DVR over what Fios offers, but anyone that has been a Tivo subscriber will tell you that all other DVRs are inferior.
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