Tivo to launch $ 300 HD DVR

Tivo launched its world-class, high-definition digital video recorder in September 2006. While the TIVO Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder was eagerly anticipated, the steep price tag of USD 800, may have deterred many of its hi-definition audience. Also, at the same time the market had been flooded with offerings, which were much cheaper than the Tivo, from cable companies and other rivals.

Unsurprisingly, the Tivo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder was not a huge success. Now Tivo has launched the TIVO HD DVR at a price of $299.99. Tivo expects that this model will be a huge success because of its affordable price.

The Alviso-based company will begin taking pre-orders for it on its Web site from July 24, 200. The units are expected to hit retail outlets by early August 2007.

Experts said that the new Tivo model will not be sold out all of a sudden. "But this seems like a good way to satisfy people who want the high-quality experience that TiVo is known for -- with a product that will move off store shelves," an expert said.

The main features of the new Tivo HD DVR are two tuners, so subscribers can record two different shows in HD at the same time while watching a third, prerecorded show, two built-in slots for CableCARD, allowing users to access digital programming without a separate device from the cable TV provider.

TiVo was able to cut the price of the new HD DVR partly because of ongoing cost reductions. The new HD DVR also has less storage than the Series 3, holding 180 hours of standard-definition content versus 250 for the Series 3.

The new HD DVR from Tivo has a more basic remote control and sports an exterior less slick in design. It also lacks the high-quality audio and video certification from THX Ltd. found on the Series3 DVR.