The TiVo Series2 digital video recorder (model TCD540040) provides up to 40 hours of digital audio/video recording capacity as well as networked connectivity with other digital media, including photos and music.

The Series2 comes in three hard drive sizes--40GB, 80GB, and 140GB--and this particular model has the smaller 40GB. This capacity is sufficient to record 40 hours of programming at the standard setting, which offers picture quality similar to that of a VHS tape. At the highest picture setting the image quality is more like that of a DVD, although the recording capacity is significantly reduced. Either way, using TiVo saves time, space, and money over recording and saving shows on VHS tapes or recordable DVD.

The Series2 offers all the usual TiVo options, such as the ability to pause live TV for up to 30 minutes, fast-forward through commercials, and rewind the action to catch a snippet of missed dialogue or rerun a great play. The user-friendly on-screen display makes selecting and recording programs a breeze, or you can utilize the Season Pass, WishList, and Search by Title features. Season Pass lets you automatically record every episode of a program whenever it is broadcast. WishList allows you to search and record shows according to actor, director, or genre, and Search by Title helps you find a show whether you know all or only part of the title.

Households with wired or wireless networks can utilize the features of TiVo's excellent Home Media Option, which lets you access recorded material from any other TiVo in the home. If you start watching a recorded show on a TiVo in the living room, for example, then want to watch the rest from the comfort of the bedroom, the Series2 can simply transfer the unviewed material to a TiVo in the bedroom. You can also access digital music and photos from any PC or Mac in the home. While you can't share programs over the Internet, you can program the TiVo to record a show when you're not at home by accessing the manufacturer's website up to 20 minutes before the start of the broadcast.

A TiVo subscription costs $12.95 per month or a single lifetime payment of $299.

Warranty
90 days