Set your eyeballs to stun: TiVo just announced its latest digital video recorder, the TiVo Premiere Elite.
However, this isn't your ordinary set-top box. This one packs in a few eye-popping features. First up, the Premiere Elite has a whopping four digital tuners, which means you can actually record four shows at once, all while viewing a fifth recorded program.
If you're worried about how you're going to store those four new programs, you really shouldn't. This box has an unprecedented two-terabyte hard drive. Boasting two times more recording space than any other stand-alone DVR out there, the Premiere Elite actually allows you to hoard approximately 300 hours of HD programming.
Adding in a little excitement to all of that programming is THX certification, which promises optimal sound and video fidelity.
If all of that stored content isn't enough for you, TiVo's on-screen interface also includes access to web content from Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and more. (Subscriptions and/or fees may apply.) As TiVo users know, the system's search feature can scan across cable channels, as well as those on-demand and web-based services.
Designed for use with digital cable systems, the TiVo Premiere Elite does not work with analog cable or over-the-air antennas. Other features include MoCA as a networking option, as well as standard Ethernet connectivity. The TiVo Premiere Elite is compatible with the TiVo Slide remote with a QWERTY keyboard and a variety of third-party controllers, including the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as Creston, Control4, and RTI.
"Only TiVo Premiere Elite seamlessly combines digital cable programming with the best of Web entertainment, in full 1080p HD, and with 300 hours of HD recording space," said Doug Bieter, TiVo's VP of retail sales. "With the added distinction as a THX-certified DVR, the TiVo Premiere Elite offers a high-end solution for premium quality installers looking for an improved way to get the most out of a customer's high definition television and cable subscription."
The TiVo Premiere Elite comes packing outputs for HDMI, component and composite video, optical audio and analog audio. It also has CableCARD, cable coax and Ethernet inputs, as well as two USB ports.
TiVo says that the Premiere Elite set-top box will start shipping by the end of this year. It's expected to have an MSRP of $499.
Update (10/6): as a commenter pointed out, this DVR supports digital cable (QAM) and Verizon FiOS® only. It does not support analog cable, antenna (ATSC), satellite or AT&T U-verse. This is a strange choice, in our opinion as it leaves all those who receive their TV channels for free over the air out in the cold.
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