Simply put, the Explorer 8000 is the best and least expensive DVR option for those with digital cable.
Summary
If we had written this review only a few weeks earlier, we would have given the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 a poor rating because of the extreme remote lag and its odd recording behaviors. However, a recent software update has made the Explorer 8000 a highly responsive and useful DVR. There is absolutely no remote lag - something that even TiVo and ReplayTV can't claim - and its recording options are much better than they were before the update.
The Explorer 8000 beats TiVo and ReplayTV with several exclusive features such as dual tuners, the ability to natively tune digital cable stations, and in its overall costs. Scientific Atlanta has also proved its commitment to improving the product by issuing automatic software upgrades that take care of the product's problems and its users' complaints. The company also offers an HDTV version of the Explorer, another option not available from TiVo and ReplayTV.
If you are looking for a cost-effective DVR that works seamlessly with your digital cable service the Explorer 8000 may be your only choice. Fortunately, it is a pretty solid choice that keeps getting better. Simply put, the Explorer 8000 is the best and least expensive DVR option for those with digital cable.
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by James M on May 6, 2008:
“I moved recently and was forced into getting one of these things. Previously I had one of the motorola DVR's from comast, mainly because it was functional enough and far cheaper than upgrading my S2 tivo to an S3 would have been. After moving, comcast told...” More...