Virgin Media TiVo box Review

"Buy It!"

Tivo doesn't share all of the V+'s useful features, for example, it can't record to DVD, and as it didn't always catch the end of programmes, it appears to be a bit buggy, but nonetheless, it was still undoubtedly the best TV recorder Computer act!ve had come across. It's feature-packed, easy to use, and the improved interface shows comprehensive listings and menus.

Sky and Virgin Media are offering slightly different things with their most recent PVR offerings, and because of this the TiVo box competes well with the Sky+ HD opponent. FiveFwd certainly declared this the better choice for anyone who places a high priority on TV on demand. It's ability to record three separate channels is also incredible, but the EPG can be a little slow.

Value for money: "good" (4 out of 6 stars), "Recommended"

All-in-all, the TiVo is a considerable success, says PC Pro, who found it was both easier to use and more responsive than the Virgin V+ box. They especially appreciated its revamped user interface and thoughtful feature set, concluding that for £50, its 500GB box is well worth the upgrade. However, at £150, they felt that its 1TB version is far too pricey.

"... 3D is still in its infancy, and still a bit of a gimmick; much more important, in our view, is how it performs with standard- and high-definition 2D material - and in that it excels. ..."

"Best Buy"

With a better interface that makes it much easier to search for content, and with heaps more room for storing it, Expert Reviews would tell any existing V+ box owners that they really should pay £3 a month more for Virgin Media's TiVo. They think it's a fantastic buy that should also prove a tempting cable package proposition for households currently using ADSL or Freeview.

Value for money: 7 out of 10 points

TrustedReviews say that the Virgin Media TiVo box is far beyond its competitors, faster than its predecessors, and could change the way we watch TV for a long time to come. But, it is a work in progress, and TrustedReviews did find it slow in places, with some menus seeming a bit pixelated. If Virgin Media and TiVo can fulfil this box's true potential, it could be truly great.

The price can be quite high, particularly when you include the Sky sports and movies, but T3 still approved of the ample selection of on-demand content and the modem built in. The EPG has been re-designed and gained approval too, as did the intelligent recommendations.

TechRadar loves what Virgin's Media TiVo can do. Its fantastic interface makes it quick and easy to find what you want to watch, and it can tell you what you might like to watch too, making cable more accessible and enjoyable. But while it might be the most powerful set-top box around, TechRadar think it won't quite be the best until Virgin smooth out a just a couple of creases.

Info: This product received the same score in this test most recent reviews in T3.