TiVo Premiere XL

Pros: HDMI output
SD and HD GUI
TiVo overall user interface

Cons: TiVo still takes 9 to 10 minutes to boot up (just like the old days with my Series 2 unit almost 10 years ago).
The Premiere series has a dual core processor, but is not using the second core yet.
My Premiere XL box freezes every now and then.

Summary: I have had my TiVo Premiere XL box almost 2 years now. Even with the issue I experience with my TiVo, I still love it over other DVRs. I use TiVo Desktop Plus to export shows and movies from TiVo box to watch content on my computer or my iPod. TiVo has been doing several software updates lately, which have changed a couple of the features that I use a lot and have caused some concern. There is supposed to be an update that will take advantage of the second processor core, I hope it comes soon.

Unfortunately, my TiVo requires router restarts when attempting to update (Gateway not found error). It is funny that when I get this error, I have no other issues on my home network, in fact I can connect to my TiVo box with the Desktop Plus software and transfer shows. Go figure that one out as they are both using the same Ethernet cable. But after restarting my cable modem, router and TiVo (10 minute reboot time), it will connect fine.

I use the Comcast provided M-Channel cable card (only one card slot available) for the TiVo to use the dual tuner. Comcast had a lot of issues getting the cable card 'pairing' with the head unit down the street.

I had at one point 2 Premiere XL boxes, but found that if you do not have subscription service for that box, it is nothing more than a door stop. I confirmed thru TiVo support that you cannot do anything on the box without subscription service. Have had been grandfathered in on subscription on my original Premiere XL box, but the service on the second box was more expensive that the first box.

TiVo support is very good. I have contacted them several times in the past via phone, online chat, and even sent an email support request to TiVo that triggered a phone call from their technical support. I have not call about the Gateway not found errors yet. I am upgrading my router in the next few weeks and will call if I am still receiving the same error. TiVo should have any issues connecting via Ethernet cable. I can see wireless being an issue sometimes, but not a direct connection and everything else network related.

Sorry about being long winded, but I hope this is helpful.