If you want to get an original TiVo Series3 TCD648250B,
you’d better act soon, because they’re going away. TiVo is end-of-lifing the TCD648250B, the original Series3 with the OLED display, etc, and will focus on the TiVo HD, TCD652160.
Lou Jacob of DVRupgrade just forwarded me this news from TiVo:
I wanted to give an update on our plans with the TiVo Series3 HD DVR. A successful implementation of the $200 rebate through the holidays has drained supply at a faster rate than anticipated. This has caused a continued component shortage that cannot be rectified for several months (4-6). Due to this parts supply situation, we have made the difficult decision to accelerate the EOL of this SKU and focus all efforts on the recently launched, lower cost TiVo HD DVR (TCD652160). Our sincere apologies for the short notice on this decision. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I’m not surprised. I’ve said a few times now that I expected TiVo to discontinue the original Series3 and likely the Series2DT, to focus solely on the TiVo HD platform going forward. Hopefully, with the demise of the S3, we may see some additional models in the TiVo HD line – large drives perhaps? So if, for some reason, you’re set on getting the original S3 with the OLED display, bundled Glo remote, and THX certification, you’d better find one before they’re gone. DVRupgrade still has some expanded units in stock.
EDIT: I emailed TiVo earlier today with a few questions about this news, and they sent me the following statement:
We are nearing the end of production on this particular model of the Series3 hardware. However, we are not ‘End Of Lifing’ the product (EOL). Development continues on new features and capabilities for all Series3 platforms, including this specific model. There is no impact to current or future customers of this model, they can continue to expect and enjoy the TiVo Service on their DVR. Availability of the 250G model will vary from retailer to retailer throughout the year, and as a result we are currently recommending the TiVo HD model as an alternative solution for their customers.
EDIT: See questions raised by the Series3 EOL.
