which TiVo version/type should I buy?

[gbonawitz]

I'm going to buy another virgin TiVo from Ebay to complement my Series 2 SA (I'm not going to bother with buying a hacked one as I can do it myself). I was thinking of just getting another SA Series 2 since I know [somewhat :-)] how to hack it around, but there are many different TiVos up for bid. If you had your choice (SA Series 1, Toshiba, Sony, Humax) are there really any significant reasons to get one over the other?

Thanks

[captain_video]

If you want to hack it make sure it's a version 2 and not a 2.5. You'll have to remove and reprogram the PROM on the newer models.

[Narf54321]

I'd stick with the TCD240 units, personally. They tend to be more reliable, software moddable (killhdinitrd), and subjectively I think they look better.

The Humax units can be a crapshoot, some are decent but others (usually the "made in China" ones) are junk. The S2.5 based units, including the Nightlight units, have an underpowered CPU and cheapskate power supply. I'd avoid those, except possibly for experimental puposes.

Also keep in mind that in a couple years they are changing the OTA broadcast format, and I fully believe the cableco's will use the confusion to end their own analog transmissions around the same time. So a big caveat is any 'old' Tivo you get may require a 'tuner box' and the electonic eye thingie to work in the upcoming future.

[gbonawitz]

Any thoughts on the Sony SVR series or Toshiba? The Series 2 I see on ebay are 99% Series 2.5, and a) I don't know how to solder and b) it looks like there's less support for the 2.5 hacks of the newer software if I read the various threads correctly.

Thanks

[stevel]

The Sony SVR3000 is a fine choice. The SVR2000 is a Series 1 and you probably don't want that. I don't know about the models with DVD players or recorders.