DirecTV Plus HD DVR vs. TiVo HD DVR

The HD DVR from DirecTV provides resolutions up to 1080p HD, which is the same format used by Blu-ray. DirecTV's HD DVR provides Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Recording capabilities with this DVR consist of as much as 400 hours of standard programming, or as much as 100 hours of HD programming. DirecTV also provides the option to subscribe to Whole-Home DVR service, which allows customers to use DVR service with all of their TVs while only needing one receiver.

The TiVo DVR replaces your cable box by plugging directly into your cable service. TiVo is not compatible with satellite service. TiVo offers two options for DVRs, TiVo Premier and TiVo Premier XL. TiVo Premier records up to 400 hours of standard television or as much as 45 hours of HD. TiVo Premier XL records as much as 1,350 hours of standard TV or 150 hours of HD.

DirecTV HD DVR service includes the feature DirecTV Cinema. With DirecTV Cinema, customers can instantly watch 400 new release movies and more than 6,000 other programs. This DVR is also compatible with 3D programming via DirecTV 3D connect. Customers also have the option to set their DVR from their mobile devices so that they don't miss any programs.

TiVo capabilities include the ability to watch a previously recorded show while recording two other shows. TiVo customers have access to Netflix, Blockbuster Online, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus is another feature of TiVo. They also have the ability to schedule recordings online or from a mobile phone, and to transfer recordings to a mobile device such as a laptop, PSP or iPhone. Customers can access YouTube through the TiVo, as well as access their computers' photo libraries on their televisions.