Missing from TiVo Series 3

The Bad News

Without a doubt, many consumers will instantly recognize one tiny problem with TiVo's recently announced Series 3 - the cost. At a hefty $799, many TV junkies could be skipping out on Christmas gifts for the kids in order to pick up the new device.

However, that may not be the only reason to criticize the TiVo Series 3. Many consumers have found a few missing features to complain about. Here's a list:

• TiVoToGo: This feature allows users to transfer recorded shows from the TiVo box to Windows-enabled PCs.
  • That's quite handy, and has contributed to the growing popularity of television on handheld devices, such as the *PlayStation Portable, or PSP[Transfer Shows to Portable Device] . It isn't a certainty - in fact, it may not be in the plans at all - for TiVo Series 3.
• Inputs: Although outputs are a key part of the Series 3's bragging rights, the number of inputs for HD is actually quite limited. That means you're restricted in the number of high-definition sources you can attach to the TiVo, including cable set-top boxes.
  • It's simply a result of cost. Since $799 is already a staggering number to many TV fans, TiVo is not pushing the envelope by including enough storage capacity to include every single input and the accompanying encoding/decoding technology. Let's face it, no one would buy a $2,500 TiVo.
• Cost: Weigh your options. Are you willing to spend nearly a thousand dollars on a system that immediately limits the number of HD inputs?
  • For a recording technology that promotes itself as the next generation in television recording, that's a problem. This is only compounded by its considerable cost.Aside from cost, there are a few reasons to grumble about the new TiVo.

Unclear future : Some options, such as KidZone, still haven't received ample attention.

KidZone is a fun and friendly way of referring to the restrictions on what kids can watch through the TiVo. It isn't especially complicated stuff, and is a feature amongst similar hardware in the tech industry today. The fact that TiVo is struggling to release details on this program is a concern for anyone interested in purchasing Series 3.

Quite simply, is the system ready?