61
TiVo TCD649080
$230.00
Released January, 2006
The Pros:Able to buy lifetime subscription. Able to record 2 shows at once. Easy to understand and use.
The Cons:Subscription expensive for a SD DVR. Renting a DVR from your cable/Satellite company can be cheaper in the short run. Remote directional pad can be frustrating.
The TiVo TCD649080 is the 80 GB model of the TCD649 series, which is the 4th version of the Series2 platform and replaced the TCD540 series in 2006. It is also available in a 180 GB model as the TiVo TCD649180.
Loading latest prices from ProductWiki...
Like the TCD540 series, it is a standard definition model, however the major addition to this model is a dual tuner giving the ability to record two shows at once from two basic cable channels, or one basic and one digital cable channel. It is capable of recording up to 87 hours of television and gives the ability to pause and replay live TV. The TiVo Music Player and TiVo Digital Photo Viewer lets you enjoy your MP3 and photo collection off of your computer through your home entertainment system. Multi-room viewing allows you to transfer recorded programs from one Series2 DVR to another for enjoyment in different locations in your home, and the universal remote can control multiple TiVo's in the same house. Online scheduling allows you to program your TiVo from any computer with an internet connection so you will never miss your favorite programs. Some useful TiVo features include "Season Pass" to record every episode in a series, "WishList" which records shows based on your favorite actor, director or topic and "SmartRecording" which gives you show suggestions.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TiVo
- Original Hard Drive Size: 80 GB Western Digital
- Hard Drive Format: ATA/IDE PATA
- Original Recording Capacity: 87 Hours at Basic Quality
- Exterior Dimensions: 12.5 x 15 x 3.25 inches
- Weight (without cables and remote): 9 pounds (unit only)
- Input Connections: 1 Composite (video and L/R audio), 1 S-Video, 1 RF/Coax (cable only)
- Output Connections: 2 Composite (video and L/R audio), 1 S-Video, 1 RF/Coax
- Other Ports: 1 Phone line, 1 Serial, 1 IR, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet (RJ-45), 1 Power
- Original Remote: Series2 Black TiVo Peanut Remote
- Buttons on Faceplate: None
- Fan Size: 70 x 70 x 25 mm
- Current OS Version: 9.1
- DirecTV Compatibility: Yes, with a separate DirecTV Receiver
- Dual Tuner Capability: Yes
- Networking Features: Yes
- High Definition: No
User Reviews (2)
Pros & Cons
-
1
Able to buy lifetime subscription.
-
1
Able to record 2 shows at once.
-
1
Easy to understand and use.
-
1
Remote can be programmed to control most devices besides TiVo.
-
1
-
1
LAN port built into unit.
-
1
-
1
-
1
Physical appearance does not divert attention from other components in Home theater.
-
1
Can use TOSLink optical for audio.
-
0
Can run signal through COAX cable, or through Composite outputs.
-
1
Subscription expensive for a SD DVR.
-
1
Renting a DVR from your cable/Satellite company can be cheaper in the short run.
-
1
Remote directional pad can be frustrating.
-
1
Some delay between button presses and what happens on the screen, moreso with network downloads/on-demand servuce.
-
1
No wi-fi built in, seperate unit costs extra.
-
1
TiVo sound effects can become annoying, come out of speakers/Home Theater.
-
1
Remote very easy to damage/lose.
Community Reviews
see more community reviews
From your Computer
From the Web
Comments (1)
tmoreau:
#tivo_tcd649080 This is my TiVo, there are many like it but this one is mine...
TiVo, great little device, so, its just a Digital Video Recorder with a stupid mascot. Wow, I guess in the long run you could save a few bucks buying this and the lifetime subscription. But maybe I just don't get why a device I paid for, with a built in HDD that I paid for, has an additional subscription price tag attached. Yes, rights for TV or what not, whatever. It dosent cost this much...500 bones for lifetime service, I guess if somehow my TiVo survived for the next 70 years it would pay for itself somewhere in that timeframe. But now in my mid-twenties, 500 bucks is alot of change to be asking out of an E-4 in the military! So here I paid for the DVR, $149.00, another 150-200 for the year long subscription, but I skipped on the wireless adapter.
Anywhere else i would have purchased the HD equivelant, but out here in Japan, Allied Telesys does not broadcast HD content, why they dont is beyond me, considering they do not even sell SDTV's at our local BX. They have one tube TV left, and its $220 dollars for 19"! But for an extra 80 dollars, you can get a 22" full HD LCD. But I digress.
In conclusion, if you do not have HD content available to you, get this, its great, and does what it is meant to do, but beware of the subscription fees. If you use HD content, hold out for the upgraded version. You may be happy. Ill put up a new review when I get back to the states and upgrade.
Sep 20, 09
like
helpful
Read the full review
You may also like...
