TiVo and DIRECTV digital video recorders are similar devices that allow you to view and record programs on your television. Each DVR offers comparable standard basic features, like the ability to record two programs at the same time, program the DVR remotely, view closed captions, search for programs, skip past commercials, pause live television and capture high-quality audio and video.
TiVo
TiVo Premiere and TiVo Premiere XL DVRs work with cable and antennas. Two older models which are no longer in production but still widely used, TiVo Series1 and TiVo Series2, work with cable, DIRECTV and antennas. To view and record programs from cable on the Premiere models, you need a CableCARD. To view and record programs from DIRECTV on a Series1 or Series2, you need a DIRECTV satellite dish and a receiver.
DIRECTV DVR
The DIRECTV DVR is a combination DIRECTV receiver and DVR. DIRECTV DVRs work with DIRECTV satellite systems and antennas. Besides the DVR, you need a DIRECTV satellite dish to receive programming.
Unique TiVo Features
TiVo Premiere offers direct access to services like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Blockbuster On Demand, Rhapsody, Music Choice, Picasa and Photobucket. To enjoy these features, you need to have a broadband Internet connection and pay any additional fees required by third-party service providers. With a home network, you can also transfer recordings to your computer, mobile devices or other TiVo units in your home.
Unique DIRECTV DVR Features
The DIRECTV DVR offers on-screen Caller ID, the ability to pause and rewind live television up to 90 minutes, bookmarks, instant scores for major sports, and interactive features for weather reports, lottery results and horoscopes.
Capacity
The TiVo Premiere stores up to 45 hours of HD programming and the TiVo Premiere XL stores up to 150 hours of HD programming. The DIRECTV Plus DVR stores up to 100 hours of standard definition programming and the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR stores up to 100 hours of HD programming. The number of programs you can store on each DVR depends on the type of programming being recorded.
Costs
DIRECTV DVRs acquired directly from DIRECTV are leased units. You pay an upfront fee to acquire the unit and a monthly DVR service fee. If you cancel DIRECTV, you must return the DVR to them. When you buy a TiVo DVR, you own the unit and must subscribe to a TiVo service plan. If you need a CableCARD for your TiVo, your cable company will charge an additional monthly fee. The monthly service fee for each product includes continually updated television schedules and periodic software updates.
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