Can I Buy a DVR Without a Subscription?

Most large electronics stores offer DVR devices with and without the need for subscriptions to services. TiVo, for example, requires a monthly or annual subscription, while Moxi does not. The price will vary greatly, however, depending on whether the device requires a subscription.

Online stores, including the websites for large electronics stores, offer DVRs for sale. The prices for large chain stores will reflect the in-store prices, though some occasionally have "online sales" that are not offered in the stores. The manufacturers of DVRs may also sell the devices from their own sites, such as TiVo and Moxi, as well as provide a list of locations where the devices may be purchased. Large online markets also offer DVRs, sometimes at discounted rates.

Cable television and satellite providers that offer DVR receivers add a modest fee only slightly higher than the regular receiver rental fees. These DVRs will be available for standard and high definition TV use and often they offer different harddrive capacities to accommodate larger or smaller quantities of recorded programs. Local cable companies may vary while satellite providers are often available everywhere.

Second-hand is always an option and classified ads for DVR devices may be found in local newspapers as well as local newspaper and classified websites. Unlike stores and manufacturers, sellers through classified ads may be negotiable if the price is an issue, and often the price for a used DVR is less than a brand new one without significant sacrifice in quality.