As important as religion

This is a debate that rages amongst certain circles. The uninitiated don't understand, and the experienced whince. Large sums of money ride on the choice.

Series 3 Tivo or Comcast HD DVR.

It's the struggle I'm having deciding between the two, and the emotions that rage across the internet when you research this, trying to make an objective choice. I don't believe there is a single objective choice out there on the subject - its all down to your home theatre background and beliefs :)

My background

I have a regular Comcast cable subscription, and a perfectly functional Series 2 Tivo, with life time subscription. This means the only money I pay out monthly is for my programming. I love Tivo. It changed the way I watch TV infinitely. I love the interface, I love the company, I love the hardware and it's functionality.

I have TivoToGo on my server, downloading my favourite programs automatically, although it can be a bit picky and crash occasionally.

However, I have a 46inch HDTV. I have an upscaling DVD player. I have an xBox 360 playing in hi-def.

Obviously, I'm not making the most of my setup by running a regular Comcast Cable connection. I need HD cable. Thats not a hard choice either, a regular upgrade to HD is only a few dollars a month, plus a small call out fee.

The issue is the DVR. Tivo, or Comcast.

The Series 3 Tivo is an awesome piece of machinery. Dual tuners, plenty of drive space for me. HD recording. I'd love my TivoToGo, and it wouldn't talk with my series 2 Tivo, but I could forgive that. What I can't forgive is the $500 -$700 price tag. OUCH.

Comcast DVR though - thats only $15 a month, which is a much nicer number. It is also dual tuner, and also records in HD, despite it apparantly not having much drive space. It's the interface I'm cautious of. People who like it, haven't used a Tivo. People who hate it, have used a Tivo.

Is it worth the risk to go for the Comcast box, save some money, but lose my beloved Tivo menus, options and sound effects? Or should I save my pennies. I could wait for the rumoured Series 3 Lite, or the Tivo interface on Comcast options coming in the future, but neither have a date, neither are pending, and both could be terrible. Plus I have no patience.

Like I said, religious debates - Tivo or Comcast, Comcast or Tivo.