I really wanted to get TiVo HD, but the CableCARD doesn't support On Demand, which we use from time to time (especially for Kyla's cartoons). Instead I've got the latest Motorola cable box/DVR. It's definitely a lot more responsive than the old cable box, but after enjoying TiVo's intuitive user interface for over three years I'm really nonplused by my replacement for it. For now TiVo will live on upstairs in our bedroom while I figure out whether or not it is still worth the extra $13 per month (I should have bought that lifetime plan).
The Samsung's picture is awesome. I've watched some 1080p movie trailers on it (I hooked my MacBook Pro to it with a DVI to HDMI cable) and was blown away by all of the detail I could see. I also watched a couple of DVDs on it and they look so much better than on the old set, but this is partially because I'm using component video cables for the first time with my DVD player (my old TV supports component video but I only recently figured this out, silly me).
If either Blu-ray or HD DVD were winning the format war I would pony up for an HD player, but as far as I can tell they are still neck and neck. If I were to buy one today I would probably go with HD DVD because they are far cheaper and Blu-ray is struggling with three different standards, but for now I'll stay on the sidelines. I'm still really enjoying watching the DVDs I already have and I can get HD movies via On Demand. Perhaps by the time the war is over we'll be downloading HD movies online (got to love the Highlands Fiber Network).
Unfortunately the TV didn't make it for Becky's birthday party (though it would have been a big distraction while we were toiling away with party prep), but at the party I described our big purchase to one of our friends who informed me that we would be hosting a Super Bowl party this year.
Go Seahawks!
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