Toshiba SD-H400 (80 GB)

Pros: Easy set-up. Very effective as a DVD player, and superb as a TIVO recorder.
Cons: The remote could be more user friendly!

I purchased this unit to use as a recording device, as well as a DVD player. To me hook-up was straight forward and pretty easy. Toshiba supplied all cables that were necessary. Once connected, the set-up through TIVO was a little time ...

Pros: 80 GB series 2 tivo, DVD plays vcds, dvd -r.rws (specs speak for themselves)
Cons: silver tivo doesn't match my black stereo system... in other words nothing

I will try to split this review up into 3 sections plus one bonus section. One explaining what is Tivo, the other on the DVD player, and finally the last describing the Toshiba Tivo. Before diving in, I feel that it's best to really describe how the ...

Pros: No-fee TiVo Basic Service with 3-day program guide, progressive output DVD/TiVo, inexpensive reltv to TiVo
Cons: Factory TiVo sw does not support newer wireless adapters, hard to upgrade

I wanted something for my wife and me to better manage our TV viewing, yet I'm completely against paying a monthly-fee for recording TV programs. The Toshiba SD-H400 with TiVo Basic turned out to be a perfect product for us, until Media Center PCs go ...

Pros: TiVo basic is sufficient for us (and free).
Wireless network means no phone cord.
Cons: Can't record two programs at once.
Scrolling through the TV guide is mildly annoying.

BackgroundI'll start by being brutally honest--we don't have cable or even satellite at home, we receive 6 over the air channels (yes, that means antenna). So, why, might you ask, would this crazy person want a TiVo unit? Well, when our 10 ...

Pros: Saves space; very user-friendly; progressive output
Cons: Sub-par remote control; long setup time; must pay for Tivo Plus service

A few weeks ago, my VCR decided to retire itself. Although machines don't have personalities, I think it knew it's days were numbered as all of my movies were replaced with DVDs and its only use was to tape the television shows I'd miss. With it's ...

Pros: great value, free basic tivo, lots of outputs, big hard drive, support DVD-R AND DVD+R
Cons: setup takes too long, wiring difficult, remote needs more programmable settings.

This review provides you with the info you can only get from users, such as media compatibility & hacks. If you're interested in the juicy info, skip to the end of this review. I've separated the review into 2 sections because they really are two ...

Pros: Inexpensive intro to no fee TIVO basic
Cons: Cannot simultaneously record or record one and watch another, cluttered remote

I have wanted a TIVO for such a long time but the idea of paying a monthly fee to watch TV goes against my religious beliefs. This unit with TIVO basic fit my budget and there was the option of not paying an additional charge for watching the TV content ...

Pros: cheap, DVD / TIVO combo.
Cons: DOA, poor quality

I saw that slickdeals.net had posted "BestBuy has the Toshiba SD-H400 80HR Tivo + Progressive Scan DVD Player w/ free Basic Tivo service for $200 w/ free shipping. No subscription fees for basic Tivo service. If you sign up for the Tivo Plus service, ...

Pros: Great Value, quality, features
Cons: Remote, had to buy $6 serial cable for consistent channel changes

I have limited space in my entertainment center so this is great! A Tivo player and DVD combined in the size of a moderate size DVD player. I have always thought about buying TiVo but not interested in subscription fees. This unit comes with basic service (easy recording, 3 day menu, NO TAPES!, digital quality, pause live TV).

My 3 yr. old DVD player was intermittent, and I came across this in Best Buy sale flyer for $199. At the time (last Aug. 04) Tivo was offering $50 rebates! Can't beat the quality, convenience & price for just under $150.

Using with DirecTV satellite so quality of all recordings is superb! I would highly recommend buying the direct serial cable (from Tivo's website) to eliminate the hassles with the supplied IR cables to change the channels. Remote control buttons for TV are a little cramped at the bottom, very MINOR!

Pros: Free TiVo Lifetime Basic Subscription Excellent DVD player Sleek look, excellent design
Cons: Remote is a little large Guided setup is a bit confusing

I have been hesitant to purchase a TiVo, because of the monthly subscription fee. With the SD-H400, you get a lifetime subscription to Basic service, which is ideal for someone that doesn't watch enough tv to justify the reoccurring monthly charges. Plus it has a DVD player, connections for Composite Video, Optical Audio, a remote, & after a software upgrade, it seems to support most ethernet/wireless network adapters. Overall a great product, highly recommend!

Pros: Free Tivo Basic DVD player and Tivo for less than Tivo alone
Cons: DVD drawer opening speed

I really like the fact that it comes with basic Tivo for free. I am currently paying the $12.95 a month for the premium service because I really enjoy the season pass and I like it making recommendations, but I also like knowing that I can decide at any time to cancel it and still take advantage of the pausing live tv, recording on a time schedule, etc.

Also, with it currently priced at around $300 at some retailers, before the $50 rebate for activating Tivo (btw- even if you do not want to use the paid Tivo service, activate it for 30 days and you will still get your $50 rebate), it is actually cheaper than the 80 hour Tivo box. Plus, you are getting a progressive scan DVD player, all in one neat box.

The only down side to the device is the speed with which the dvd drawer opens. You will actually think it is broken because it takes so long, but it isn't.

Pros: Easy to use, great playback quality
Cons: Long setup (that is tivo's fault), Setup requires phone line.

Toshiba SD-H400 80GB DVD/DVR Digital Media Server

This DVR is a great unit that combines the popular Tivo interface with a superb DVD player. You can connect the box to both high-speed or dialup for daily tivo downloads. I recommend this unit to anyone who is contemplating tivo / DVR because it comes with free basic service. This allows you to try out many of the wonderful tivo features (pause live tv, record, interactive guide) without a subscription to the service. Tivo also allows you to try the upgraded Tivo Plus for 45 days. The quality of this progressive scan dvd / tivo dvr is great. The only cons are that some of the cracks do not work with this unit (auto fast forward) and the setup requires a phone line and takes along time.
Great unit…

Pros: Large disk space, DVD player & Recorder
Cons: 4 second delay for selections, Unit crashed after 9 months of use. No Support.

I have 2 other TiVo's other to compare to this one. Based on my experience thus far with this unit - I would advise anyone to stay away from the RS-TX60 unit. And after my recent findings regarding the customer service and repair of this unit, I would advise anyone to think twice before buying any Toshiba DVR. Basically - before this unit stopped working (after only 9 months of use), it had a 3-4 second delay whenever any button was pushed - rewind, fastforward, "now playing" you name it. Finally it just crashed - like an old P.C. I contacted the website for support. No such luck - they don't support DVR's on their website! In the fine print it directs DVR owners to call an 800 number. Once contacted, they inform me that there is only "ONE" authorized repair center in the entire United States. I spent way too much money on this unit to have to go thru this exercise - it will most likely get worse from here.... Don't say you weren't warned. FYI - I wish I would have bought a Humax, or anything other than a Toshiba.