HD TiVo Series3 Arriving in Mid-September

TiVo's long-awaited (by me) Series3 high-definition digital video recorder (DVR) will finally arrive in mid-September.

The $799.99 TiVo Series3 addresses two of the major criticisms leveled at TiVo in the past: it records in high definition (up to 32 hours of HD programming and 300 hours of standard programming) and it's built with dual tuners, thereby allowing the viewer to watch one show and record another on a separate channel.

The TiVo Series3 is also the first THX-Certified DVR, which means TiVo recordings will preserve the video and audio clarity of the original broadcast. Anyone who's watched a Series2 program in medium or low quality will appreciate the THX upgrade ("Hmm, is that a football game or a soap opera?")

The unit comes with a built-in Ethernet jack, USB ports, an HDMI slot and it also supports two CableCARDs, a next-generation device that replaces much of the functionality of a set-top box. The TiVo Series3 requires two CableCARDS to access multiple digital cable channels simultaneously. These cards can be obtained through your cable company.

And now the bad news: The $799.99 price tag does not include access to the TiVo digital programming service. Subscription plans are available separately for a monthly rate ($12.95) or in a variety of annual rates ($155.40 for 1 year, and $299 for 2-year or 3-year plans). TiVo phased out its lifetime service plan earlier this year, but the company has a special offer for current lifetime subscribers: for $199, TiVo will transfer your current lifetime service plan to a new Series3 TiVo.

Need more information? Check out this comprehensive FAQ from TiVo Community. -- Mac Slocum

• Series3 TiVo records high-definition programming

• Has dual-tuners, allowing for multiple simultaneous recordings.

• Dual tuners require two CableCARDS.

• Price: $799.99 for the TiVo Series3 DVR; service plans available for monthly/annual rates.

• Series3 shipping in mid-September.