TiVo Confirms Series3 Testing, Hitting Retail “Soon”
Dave Zatz has the scoop on FCC filings by TiVo revealing that testing is currently underway for the Series 3 box, and that they should hit retail outlets "soon".
I wouldn't be so quick to run down to Best Buy just yet though, as the HD Cablecard TiVo is a new concept that will have to see lots of testing on different systems and under different configurations. I wouldn't want to drop several hundred bucks (a guess) on a new Series 3 box and have the HDMI port go bad like the DirecTV HD TiVos often had at the launch.
Still, I can't wait to see it and will do everything I can to be the first in line to get one and replace my buggy motorola box.
"hold off" on adoption until the kinks get worked out? Awwww hell naw! I'll keep my store's receipt and hope for the best!
Posted by: Joel | July 19, 2006 at 10:54 AM
Oh oh. Knowning the cable companies and based on the artcle from the NY Times you poseted, there might be waiting list at the cable compnaies for cable cards. They could see their cable card request increase 10 fold. I doubt they are prepared even with this advance warning.
Posted by: Wendell | July 19, 2006 at 11:01 AM
They lost me as a future customer when they changed their pricing policy
Posted by: Mark V | July 19, 2006 at 11:20 AM
They can't be testing too strenuously. I've been signed up on their beta test page since 2001 (and I update my data annually), I have an HDTV set and a CableCard.
Posted by: ruidh | July 19, 2006 at 12:21 PM
Mark: Re "They lost me as a future customer when they changed their pricing policy" don't forget the "old" (and superior) pricing policy is still available at retail outlets like Best Buy, Amazon, and so on. Just not at tivo.com. True, no lifetime subscription, but let's get over it.
Posted by: Andy | July 19, 2006 at 01:07 PM
ruidh - I expect they have more beta applicants than they can possibly use. So just because any given applicant isn't selected doesn't mean anything.
Posted by: MegaZone | July 19, 2006 at 02:39 PM
"Holding off till the bugs are worked out" is no longer necessary w/things like extended warranties.
Me: "It broke"
Best Buy: "Here, have a new one."
Me: "Thank you!"
Posted by: GameJerk | July 21, 2006 at 12:19 AM
The one (potentially) disappointing thing is that the Series3 may not support the new and improved HDMI 1.3 spec allowing for greater capacity dealing with HD signals leading to improved picture and sound quality. I would assume that HDMI 1.2 would be used since the other spec is so recent. Not a dealkiller but would be nice if you plan to use a Series3 the next several years.
Posted by: Mike | July 21, 2006 at 05:39 AM
Since there is not lifetime subscription anymore I will more than likely be going with a htpc.
Posted by: J9 | July 24, 2006 at 09:43 PM
CableLabs requires this device pass certification in their facility.
At to GameJerk and HDMI: HDMI 1.2 is more than capable of dealing with any current or reasonably near future HD format, it will easily handle 1080p and a 1080p broadcasts are highly unlikley.
Posted by: Ian | July 25, 2006 at 12:10 AM