DVR Comparison

When considering DVRs, you are limited to models your cable or satellite provider supports. Each provider offers their own proprietary DVR and most providers also support TiVo, a third-party DVR system. Both options require the use of a box, which replaces the receiver for the television it's hooked into. TiVo requires a subscription to TiVo's service as well. Since you're already paying for cable service, there is no additional service required to use their proprietary DVR.

The main difference among DVR models is their capacity. Programming is stored on an internal hard drive rather than removable media such as a videocassette tape. You can delete programming that you no longer wish to store. You can store only so much data at any given time. Typical DVRs from cable and satellite providers can store about 80 hours of programming --- 40 hours if you're recording high-definition programs. TiVo offers users two models. The basic model stores 400 hours of regular programming or 45 hours of high-definition programming. The higher-end model stores more than 1,300 hours of standard-definition and up to 150 hours of high-definition programming. If you repeatedly watch your recorded programming, you would likely need the storage space a TiVo provides.

Renting a DVR box from your cable or satellite provider costs between $10 and $15 per month, which can add up to nearly $200 per year. The cost for the basic TiVo model is only $100. Based on price of equipment alone, the TiVo is the clear winner. However, monthly TiVo service is $20 per month or users can select a one-time charge of $500, which gives you service for the life of your TiVo. Users requiring the higher capacity the TiVo Premiere XL provides will pay $300 for the box and the same service fees.

Most cable and satellite users can subscribe to TiVo's service, with the exception of DISH Network subscribers. They are limited to the company's DVR device. All DirecTV users who subscribe for DVR will be using a TiVo box because TiVo and DirecTV have an exclusive agreement. TiVo is also available to users still getting television through an antenna.