DVD & HDTV Reviews

Introducing the new TiVo XL HD DVR. At approximately 7 times the size of the TiVo HD DVR, the TiVo XL HD can hold up to 150 hours of HD programming or 1,350 hours of standard-definition programming. In addition to its expanded capacity, the TiVo XL is THX certified for the best possible sound and video quality.

 

Key Features

• Save up to 150 hours of HD programming or 1,350 hours of standard-definition programming at a time
• The largest capacity DVR available in the country
• THX-certified for premium audio and video quality
• Record two shows at once
• Includes the premium programmable backlit remote control
• Works with cable and antenna; does NOT support satellite
• Use CableCARD decoders from your cable company to replace your cable box
• Supports high definition TV
• What’s in the box: TiVo HD XL DVR, TiVo backlit, programmable remote control, Quick Start guide, Manual, HDMI cable, composite cable, component cable, phone cord, power cord, 4 AAA batteries

If you’re too lazy to do more research aside from looking at this page, then you may be a bit surprised when you open the box. Here’s what you need to know:
1) This TiVo requires a CableCard. It does NOT work with your cable box. It in fact replaces your cable box, so things like On Demand won’t work anymore. Cable TV companies are required by the FCC to give you a CableCard on request, but they will likely charge fees for installation and for using the CableCard. It also (at least for me) can be a giant pain to get to a representative who can actually help you. I wasted hours trying to deal with my cable company. Also, try to get them to let you install it yourself, as it’s really, really easy and shouldn’t cost you twenty bucks to have someone else slide a card into a slot. Seriously, your blind, senile great-grandmother could do this.
2) The TiVo DOES have an Ethernet jack on the back along with the telephone jack. If you can use a wired network connection, then you don’t need to shell out extra for the wireless adapter. I’m now returning mine to Amazon for a refund.
3) Lifetime service (totally worth it in my opinion) now costs $399 up from $299, but you can get it for only $299 with a multi-service discount if you already have another TiVo. Even better, you can resell your TiVo in the future with the lifetime service and transfer the service to the new owner. You can’t do that with a monthly or yearly plan!
4) The remote is awful compared to the old remotes. Plus, they switched around the buttons! It also now uses 4 AAAs rather than 2 AAs. However, old remotes should work with this TiVo, too. (I haven’t bothered trying.)
Nonetheless, don’t let this scare you off. The TiVo HD XL is a really solid product, and TiVo is definitely still the king of DVRs. The XL is a bit pricey, but if you do the math, you’ll realize this is actually the best way to go. You really won’t save money or time by rolling your own or by buying the cheaper one and attaching an external hard drive.