TiVo Vs. FIOS

TiVo began by offering the capacity to record live television signals but now the company has the ability to record both television and stream movies and television off the Internet. TiVo has access to online television and movies through websites like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and Blockbuster On Demand. TiVo can also record live TV in High Definition (HD). Verizon's FiOS TV is 100 percent fiber optics and works with DirecTV to provide customers with cable packages along with pay-per-view, sports and movie channels.

TiVo's Internet access allows users to watch YouTube videos on the TV, access web-based photo programs and schedule recordings of shows online. Verizon's FiOS Internet uses fiber optics to provide customers with high-speed Internet. FiOS Internet download speeds range from 15 Mbps to 50 Mbps. FiOS also has Flex View technology that allows users to download almost 2,000 On Demand movie titles to the computer. FiOS Internet has won the PCMAG.com's Readers' Choice aware for five years in a row, as of July 2011.

TiVO does not provide phone services. Verizon provides two types of phone services for the home: standard plans and FiOS Digital Voice. Again, FiOS digital phone services through fiber optics, enabling quick and reliable services. Verizon FiOS Digital Voice has several special features, including distinctive ringtones for friends and family, call forwarding to three different numbers, online phone management and the ability to sync a calendar to a phone.

TiVo was one of the first DVR companies, and remains one of the most popular. It was founded in 1997 and created the first DVR. Verizon is a "global leader in delivering innovative communications, information and entertainment," according to Verizon's website. Verizon is well known for its cellphone service, and its popularity as a 3G Internet provider continues to increase. The wireless company also built the country's first wide-area wireless broadband network.