Review on Toshiba SD H400 Combination Progressive Scan Digital by Chris Cervantes

Okay, there is a lot of ignorance about this device in these reviews so I feel the need to do it comment. This is my second Tivo and I'm an established audiophile. Do I have $10,000 worth of AV equipment? No, but I know that you don't have to buy the most expensive product from the most expensive brand to experience exceptional quality. First, it's not just a "home video" component. It's actually a small form factor (SFF) Linux computer with a hard drive, modem, processor and RAM. So it has a fan like all computers except this Apple G3 model (or was there 4?). As such, it never fully turns off (like most "home video" components). It often starts up in the middle of the night for two reasons: first, it records shows based on the "Tivo Recommends" feature; Second, he's usually on the phone every day in the middle of the night when you probably won't need the phone. If you don't want the drives humming in the middle of the night, turn off the Tivo Recommends feature and you'll free yourself from all but about 30 minutes of activity. You can also upgrade to a wired or wireless connection for even faster everyday calls. Or, like me, put it in an entertainment center with glass doors. I can barely hear mine in the middle of the night, and it certainly doesn't stop me from sleeping in the next room. If you have OCD, you might want to give up on Tivo altogether: they all do! As for the noisy DVD player: huh? Even with the glass doors open, I can't hear the player during DVD playback. I'm not sure what some people want in a player I guess. I mean silent tray? Or maybe a DVD drive that can change tracks on a disc (e.g. when calling up a menu) without changing the position of the laser? I mean come on It's just stupid. The LAN functions on this model also work beautifully, but no, not immediately: you NEED at least an initial call. This model registers with the Tivo Basic service and downloads the latest operating system updates. Also note that since October, when the "Wireless and Broadband not ready for prime time" review was published, Tivo has been fixing compatibility issues with the Linksys WUSB11. You can also use WUSB12 or several models from Dlink and Netgear that are known to work properly. (.) You have to buy an adapter, but I believe this model with its own Wi-Fi or Ethernet costs an additional $50-$100: less than the price of the adapter, so it's probably a scam. Note, however, that if you don't know how to set up a wireless or wired home network, or don't have one yet, the best you can do is get help using Tivo on your local network. It's still a computer and you still have to configure some settings manually. Just call your tech-savvy neighbor/son/daughter/nephew/cousin for help. Also note that you do not need a Home Media Option update to connect your device to a local network and use a broadband internet connection. This is only for information exchange between Tivos and computers on the local network. What brings us money. yes it is expensive But there are considerations you must make. First, if you're like me, you already own at least one DVD player. what you no longer need There is a great site to get rid of quality used items. It rhymes with "sea bay". So a little less out of pocket. (.) Finally, once you cancel this premium service and rely on the basic service, you save $155 per year in subscription fees compared to other Tivo devices. In fact, this is the only Tivo model currently available that offers a free service. You can no longer use other Tivo Series2 devices without maintenance like you could with Series1 DVRs. So if you want a Tivo and want to buy a new one, you have to pay - manual recording is no longer supported. Unless you buy this Toshiba! Next, the image quality. Since purchasing this unit on a 35" CRT TV I have not noticed any loss in quality of live TV images. As long as you follow the correct installation instructions (mine plugs into the VCR and AV receiver separately) and use good quality cables, your experience should be no different. I've also found that while the Best Quality setting is indistinguishable from a live stream, the High Quality setting is more than clear enough for my needs and gives the device 35+ hours of usable storage (im Unlike 24+ when set to Best Quality)). ). I highly, highly, highly recommend this device if you are in the market for a Tivo. If you're "just curious," maybe give it a try. For me personally, this is the best value for money.