electronicsme - Electronics / Video Components made easy

Print this page

TiVo Series2 DT: Review

Posted to Video Components 2009-10-06

If you are looking for a high-capacity DVR with exciting features and a basic interface, then consider the TiVo Series2 DT (model #TCD649080) 80-Hour Dual-Tuner Digital Video Recorder. Despite being haunted by terrible customer support and outdated capabilities, this DVR is perfect for the first-time buyer who wants to record a lot of analog cable TV shows and movies. If you prefer to record all-digital and high-definition video, then you should step up to the TiVo HD models. The TiVo TCD649080 is not the greatest DVR (and it has several flaws), but overall it provides a good media experience.

At 19.2 x 15.9 x 6.2 inches dimensions and 12.8 lbs, this TiVo model is basically the same size as other models, even competitor brands. The new trend is high-definition DVRs, so the TiVo TCD649080 is quickly becoming obsolete. One advantage that this DVR offers over similar devices is the ability to record two shows at the same time. Unfortunately, this model does not support QAM, so you will only be able to simultaneously record two unscrambled cable shows. If you are looking to go all-digital or all-HD, then you may want to consider a DVR offered by your cable company.

Rating:

2.6 out of 5

Quality

First, the bad. Although this DVR performs very well, several customers have discovered that it breaks down soon after the warranty. Because the majority of those customers still have a running subscription, they have no other choice but to buy another model. TiVo has a long reputation for lousy customer service. Nearly all consumers agree that the quality of service that TiVo offers during these situations of product peril is almost the reason not to buy this device.

Features

Now to the positive features. This model broke the TiVo tradition of exclusively offering DirecTV customers dual-tuner DVRs and opened up the market. It allows users to utilize the cable-optimized dual-tuner to record two shows on two channels at the same time. One show could be on a basic analog channel, while the other on a digital channel. Although the concept of 'dual-tuner' can be somewhat confusing or misleading, this feature is great for analog cable customers. This is not an HD DVR, so if you want all-digital recording, you will need to get a different model. The TiVo TCD649080 also records up to 80 hours of content, meaning you have plenty of capacity for your expansive title list. The USB and Ethernet ports offer the ability to stream digital content from a PC to TiVo and transfer vice versa.

Summary

Keep in mind that this TiVo DVR is somewhat expensive to maintain- there are monthly subscription fees, upfront cost, plus early-termination fee. The technology is also a little outdated, especially since all broadcasts have essentially converted to digital. But if you're a first-time DVR buyer and don't want to utilize your cable company's offerings, then by all means this is a good device to start out with. Although the product meets the majority of expectations, the TiVo customer service still does not- that seems to be the most negative factor of the TiVo TCD649080, or all TiVo DVRs for that matter.

Pros

DVR that works for first-time buyers
Records up to 80 hours of your favorite shows
Great features, capabilities, and user-friendly interface

Cons

Dual-tuner is great but technology is outdated
TiVo has long history of terrible customer service