Strengths:Great integration between DVD player and Tivo
Excellent "hi-tech" appearance (neat-o display and lights and brushed-aluminum case)
External display clock that synchronizes with every dial-in
Weaknesses:A few minor picture quality issues that I can live with, but are still there (on SP quality, there is a "shimmering" that sometimes moves across the image for a second or so)
Very pricey
Posted Jan 11, 2004 - This review will compare the Pioneer 810H-S to the similar Toshiba SD-H-400, which is also an integrated Tivo/DVD Player, but does not record DVDs. I have owned both units.
If you have the cash, I would not hesitate to run out purchase the Pioneer 810H-S. Conversely, I WOULD hesitate to purchase the Toshiba SD-H400 and would consider stand alone options instead of this Toshiba integrated unit.
My rationale: The Pioneer is without a doubt the neatest and easiest configuration that you can find that will incorporate Tivo functionality with DVD playback and recording. This may not be a compelling enough reason for you to purchase this unit over a separate Tivo Series 2 + DVD recorder or the Toshiba SD-H400, but I do not regret my purchase decision (and recent sale decision of the Toshiba). And, in the final analysis, when considering anything involving consumer electronics in this category of devices, "compelling" reasons have more to do about emotional purchase decisions rather than a significant difference in features.
But, feature difference should be considered so please humor me while I babble onward....
Other folks have pointed out that purchasing a Pioneer 810H-S involves paying a convenience factor of +$100 to have an integrated solution over buying separate components, and they do have a point.
But if you are used to the Tivo experience, this unit continues the Tivo paradigm to a fully integrated DVD experience. My wife has been able to pick up the remote for the Pioneer and operate the DVD player/recorder with out any issue due to her familiarity with the Tivo interface. She still gets frusterated with the use and menus of our stand-alone DVD player that we have in another room.
The Toshiba SD-H400 gets low marks in the category of integration, as when you use the DVD player, you exit the Tivo interface and enter Toshiba's DVD menu options. So, on this note, the Pioneer is far more elegant.
And, the Pioneer will give you a few important non-supported "features" that the Toshiba SD-H400 current lacks that were deal breakers for me: hard drive upgradeability and the 30-second skip feature. Currently, the Toshiba lacks these "features" that all series 2 Tivo's have.
I am not a purist on the picture quality so I have to say that the PQ of the Pioneer is great or good enough by my view. But, if you are purist, then I would advise reading and considering the countless posts on this topic on the web or at Tivocommunity.com. My guess is that the level of activity that most people have would sufficiently distract them from rendering any later concerns on PQ that they might have, even at this price. Bottom line: It isn't a matter of concern in my opinion and you won't care either as you have more important things to worry about.
The Pioneer looks neater, and so has a coolness factor that surpassess the Toshiba.
And, you only "lose" one feature by going the Pioneer 810H-S route, rather than purchasing a stand alone Series 2: At this time, the Pioneer unit only has the "classic" Tivo channel guide that is also the only guide option for Series 1 Tivos. Stand Alone Series 2 Tivo's have the option of viewing a grid guide that is more usable, but slower, as well. But you gain DVD playback and burning and it is likely that this grid guide will be added via a software upgrade in the future.
So I would recommend that Tivo shoppers that are also interested in DVD playback really only consider two options:
The Pioneer 810H-S vs. a stand-alone Series 2 + a stand alone DVD player/recorder.
Furthermore, I would recommend that likely purchasers of the cheaper option (SA Series 2 + SA DVD player/recorder) consider this option only if there is interest in saving $100 at the expense of setting up separate units and making sure that everyone on your household is comfortable with multiple remotes and switching components (that is, is your lost time worth $100 to you?).
Hope these thoughts help. And please, no flames from Toshiba owners as these thoughts are my opinons only and I recognize that YMMV.
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Rated 
Easy setup. Slick hi-tech look with blue and red l ...
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