TiVo Series 2 Vs. Comcast DVR

High-definition defines any video quality that is of a higher resolution than standard-definition. Resolution is the amount of detail seen in the picture. TiVo Series 2 comes with a high-definition DVR device, although it can record standard-definition shows as well. Comcast, however, offers two machines -- one that only allows you to record in standard-definition and another that gives the option to do both.

The TiVo Series 2 box provides enough storage space to record 45 hours of HD shows and around 250 hours of SD shows. This device does not allow for you to add storage space with an external hard drive like with the more advanced TiVo models. Comcast's HD DVR has 500 GB of storage, providing space for 300 hours of SD programming and 60 hours of HD programming. The non-HD DVR has 80 GB of storage providing space for 45 hours of SD programming. Both systems automatically delete the oldest shows that are were not locked by you when new shows need to be recorded.

TiVo Series 2 and Comcast both allow you to set the DVR to record an entire series of shows, even if the shows air at a different time than normal. Both systems also give you the option to pause your movie in one room and pick it up at the exact some spot in another. The TiVo Series 2 and Comcast DVR enable you to record two live shows simultaneously while watching a previously recorded show or record one show on a different channel while you are watching a show live.

TiVo Series 2 provides security controls for parents to limit the access your child has to certain content. TiVo's KidZone Guides also give advice and suggestions regarding family-friendly programming. Select an entire channel's worth of content provided by national children's organizations, such as Common Sense Media, Discovery Kids, Parents' Choice Foundation and Parents Television Council. Comcast DVR also has parental controls, such as setting a parental PIN and blocking Pay Per-View, that allow you to manage your family's viewing capabilities and access to recordings.