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TiVo Buying Guide - Which TiVo Do you Need?
TiVo / DVR Buying Guide
Copyright (c) 2001-2007. WeaKnees.com. All Rights Reserved.
If you are new to TiVo, or even if you are not, choosing the right
unit is really quite straightforward. There are a few basic choices
and these guidelines should help you purchase the correct unit.
This guide will help you answer the following questions (among
others):
Which TiVo is right for me? What are the differences between
the various TiVo models?
Once I decide what model I want, how many hours should I get?
Should I get lifetime or monthly service? Do I have to purchase
service?
Choosing the Right Model: The Basic Options
| Standalone Series2 TiVo (Standard Definition--SD) |
TCD240040
TCD24004A
TCD240080
TCD24008A
TCD540040
TCD540080
TCD540140
T800
T2500 |
TiVo
Humax |
No |
No |
4 |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD) |
TCD649080
TCD649180 |
TiVo |
No |
No |
4 |
Yes |
Yes* |
No |
| Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD) |
DVR-810H
DVR-57H |
Pioneer |
No |
Recorder |
4 |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD) |
DRT400
DRT800
TS-RX20
TS-RX60 |
Humax
Toshiba |
No |
Recorder |
4 |
Yes |
No |
Humax-No
Toshiba-Yes |
| Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD) |
SD-H400 |
Toshiba |
No |
Player |
4 |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| DIRECTV DVR with TiVo (SD) |
HDVR2
SD-DVR40
SD-DVR80
SD-DVR120 DVR39
DVR40
DVR80
4120R
4040R
DSR7000
DSR704
DSR708
R10
|
Hughes
RCA
Samsung
Philips
DIRECTV
|
Yes |
No |
1 |
No |
Yes |
No |
| DIRECTV DVR with TiVo (High Definition--HD) |
HR10-250 |
DIRECTV |
Yes |
No |
1 |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Standalone Series3 TiVo (HD) |
TCD648250 |
TiVo |
No |
No |
1 (HD)
4 (SD) |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Standalone TiVo HD "Value" / "Lite" |
TCD652160 |
TiVo |
No |
No |
1 (HD)
4 (SD) |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
*Does not support recording from two digital cable or satellite channels at
once. Supports recording from cable and satellite sources only;
does not support recording from over-the-air antenna.
Choosing the Right Model--Part 1: "High Definition"
or "Standard Definition"
The first question to ask is whether you would like (or want to
spend the money to have) your TiVo record in High Definition. If
the answer is yes, then you will choose, on one hand, the Series
3 HD TiVo or TiVo HD (Lite/Value) (for cable or antenna inputs)
or, on the other hand, the HR10-250 (for DIRECTV). If the answer
is no, then you will choose a "Standalone TiVo" (for cable
or satellite) or a "DIRECTV DVR with TiVo" (for DIRECTV).
Please keep in mind that the DIRECTV HR10-250 has certain important
limitations. Because of these limitations, we are currently recommending
that DIRECTV customers get HR21
or HR20 HD DVR, which do not run the
TiVo software. If you have questions about any of these units, please
email us.
Choosing the Right Model--Part 2: "Standalone"
vs "DIRECTV DVR"
If your answer to the above question (Part 1) was "standard
definition," then the next question to ask is an easy one:
Do you have DIRECTV?
If the answer is "no," then you cannot use a DIRECTV
DVR (unless you purchase DIRECTV). You must use a Standalone Series
2 TiVo for standard definition. You can also use one of the HD DVRs,
such as a Standalone Series 3 TiVo or a Standalone TiVo HD DVR (aka
TiVo HD Value or TiVo HD Lite), which will output in both standard
and high definition
If you DO have DIRECTV, then any of the TiVos listed in the chart
above (except for the Series3 HD TiVo and TiVo HD) will work for
you. Please read on for more help in choosing which model to purchase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Standalone TiVos vs DIRECTV
DVR
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Dual Tuners |
The ability to record one channel while watching
another channel. The ability to record two shows at the same
time, on two different channels. |
The TCD649080, TCD649180, TCD652160 and TCD648250
offer dual tuners, subject to minor limitations.
The TCD649080/180 (Dual-Tuner) do not support recording from two digital
cable or satellite channels at once. You can, however, record
one digital station and one analog (non-scrambled) channel
or two analog (non-scrambled) channels. You cannot record
off-air signals with the TCD649080/180.
The TCD648250 (Series3) and TCD652160 (TiVo HD Value/Lite)
will record two off air stations or two cable stations. To
record two HD stations or two digital stations, you would
need cablecards, which are available from your cable company.
|
ALL DIRECTV DVRs offer this feature, provided that you have
two coaxial lines run from your dish to the TiVo. |
|
Picture Quality |
The degradation, if any, of the
picture quality when connecting a cable box/satellite box
to a TiVo. |
Series 2 Standalone TiVos: No matter what the input source
(whether digital cable, analog cable, digital satellite or
over-the-air antenna), the TiVo will receive an analog signal
and then convert that signal into digital. When converting
from analog to digital, you will have the ability to tell
the TiVo how much to compress the picture. With standalone
TiVos, there are FOUR recording options, and each one offers
a progressively better picture. Although the highest recording
quality generally looks pretty close to the picture quality
you'll see without a TiVo, there will be some (although in
most cases not a noticeable) difference between the TiVo's
quality and the quality without the TiVo.
Series 3 Standalone TiVo (and TiVo HD Lite/Value): These
units, like the DIRECTV DVRs, will record a digital signal
provided that it is being fed a digital signal (via an off
air antenna feeding HD, or via a signal from your cable company).
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The DIRECTV DVR's picture quality
is identical to the picture quality that you will receive
from a standard DIRECTV receiver without TiVo. DIRECTV's television
signals are sent compressed via the satellite. The DIRECTV/TiVo
units are equipped with technology that allows the TiVo to
record those compressed digital signals directly to the TiVo's
hard drive. Therefore, when the signal is recorded and then
played back through the TiVo, there is no quality loss. In
other words, the DIRECTV/TiVo units record in only one quality:
Best. |
|
Networkability/ HMO |
Ability to subscribe to TiVo's "Home Media Feature," which allows you to program the TiVo via
the web, allows you to network multiple TiVos in your home,
and allows you to view content (MP3s, pictures) stored on
your PC through the TiVo. |
The Home Media Feature is available on all Series 2 standalone
units listed above. The Series 3 unit and TiVo HD Lite unit
can be networked, but you cannot move content off of the unit
(either to another TiVo, to a PC or to a portable device).
See our TiVo Network help
pages for information on needed components.
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Currently, DIRECTV DVRs do not support
the Home Media Feature. These units do have the
hardware to use HMO, but DIRECTV has not yet released the
software to support this feature. We have no idea when or
if DIRECTV will release the software. |
|
Archiving content to PCs |
Ability to move recordings from
your TiVo to a PC, in order to edit and/or burn to DVD |
A feature available with all Series 2 standalone units, "TiVo
to Go," permits standalone units equipped with the HMF to move content
from the TiVo to a PC. For more information, please visit TiVo's website. |
Moving digital files from a DIRECTV
DVR to a PC is not currently possible. However, DIRECTV DVR
users can record programming in real time using a video capture
card connected to a PC. |
|
Saving programs to DVD |
Ability to archive shows from a
TiVo to a DVD, without a PC |
Saving to DVD is possible with the standalone TiVos with
built-in DVD recorders. Alternatively, standalone DVD recorders
can be connected to standalone TiVos for DVD archiving (in
real time). For more information, see http://www.weaknees.com/burner_faq.php |
DIRECTV DVRs do not come with built-in DVD
recorders, but it is possible to connect a standalone
recorder to a DIRECTV DVR to record shows in real time
(just as you would tape a program to VCR from a TiVo). For
more information, see http://www.weaknees.com/tivo/rca_8060n.php
and http://www.weaknees.com/burner_faq.php. |
|
Cost of TiVo Service |
Once you purchase the hardware,
how much the actual TiVo service will cost |
Owners of standalone TiVos without the TiVo Basic option
must purchase the TiVo service from TiVo. The service
costs $12.95 per month ($9.95 for the second through fifth
TiVo) or a flat fee for the life of the TiVo (Humax DRT400 only - see bottom of page).
Owners of standalone DVRs can pre-pay for multiple years of
service and reduce the per-month equivalent cost of monthly
service. |
DIRECTV DVR owners must subscribe to the TiVo service from
DIRECTV. Those who subscribe to Total Choice Premier do not
pay extra for the TiVo service. Those who do not must pay
$5.99 per month. This fee covers all TiVos on the same DIRECTV
account. There is no lifetime option through DIRECTV. |
|
Phone Line |
Need to have the TiVo connected
to a phone line |
Standalone units must be connected
to either a phone line or a broadband computer network to
function. All television guide data comes from the phone line
or broadband connection. |
DIRECTV DVRs must be connected to
a phone line when set up initially, and should
be connected thereafter. Technically, if these units are not
connected to a phone line after initial setup, they will function,
but nag screens will pop up reminding the user to dial in.
Units that do not dial in will not get software updates. All
television guide data comes from the satellite. |
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Changing Channels |
Means by which the TiVo communicates
with the cable box/satellite box |
Standalone Series 2 TiVos that are connected to a cable
box generally use an infrared "blaster" cable, which
sends the remote control frequencies to the cable box. Using
these cables generally results in a slight (1-2 second) delay
when changing channels. Some cable boxes can use a direct
serial cable connection, which is much faster. For more information,
see our FAQ entry here: http://www.weaknees.com/stb.php.
If you have a standalone TiVo and DIRECTV, then only certain
DIRECTV receivers are compatible with the serial connection.
We usually have the required DIRECTV receiver in stock, so
just email us if you
are interested.
Series 3 Standalone TiVos do not require an IR blaster or
serial cable. |
DIRECTV DVRs contain the satellite
receiver and TiVo in one box. Changing channels requires no
additional cabling. It is fast and easy. |
|
Compatibility with cable boxes and
satellite boxes |
TiVos' ability to control a specific
cable box or satellite box |
Almost all cable boxes and satellite boxes are compatible
with TiVo. However, some are not. For a complete listing,
see the FAQ entry here. |
Because the TiVo and DIRECTV receiver
are in one box, compatibility is not an issue. |
|
Compatibility with cable/satellite
systems |
TiVo's ability to work with your
satellite/cable provider |
Standalone TiVos work with cable providers throughout the
US, some US territories and Canada. Standalone Series 2 TiVos are
also compatible with DIRECTV and DISH Network, although you
should refer to the link above for compatibility with specific
boxes. |
DIRECTV DVRs work only with DIRECTV.
Therefore, if you get your local stations from cable or from
an antenna, you will not be able to run that signal through
the TiVo. The exception is that the HD DirecTV TiVo - HR10-250 - can receive local digital stations via the OTA antenna port. |
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Compatibility with high definition |
TiVo's ability to record and display
high definition signals |
Standalone Series 2 TiVos do not work with high definition.
The standalone Series 3 TiVo and TiVo HD "Lite"
/ "Value" does work with high definition. |
DIRECTV DVRs (with the exception of the HR10-250)
do not work with high definition. For more information on
DIRECTV TiVos for high definition, see http://www.weaknees.com/directv-hd-dvr.php |
Buying Advice: Which TiVo should you Buy?
This is a tough question, depending in large part on the answer
to the first two questions above (DIRECTV vs cable? Standard vs
High Definition?). Here is a summary of your options:
| |
Standard Definition |
High Definition |
| Cable |
Your main choices are: Dual-tuner TiVo without a DVD recorder,
or a Humax TiVo with a DVD recorder (see http://www.weaknees.com/burner_faq.php).
In a nutshell, the burner units are eligible for lifetime service
and do a great job burning DVDs for viewing elsewhere (laptop,
other TV, sending to friends). However, they do not have dual
tuners. |
Your only choice is the TiVo Series 3 HD TiVo, which is a
fantastic unit. It truly offers the best that TiVo has to offer.
Granted, it doesn't have a DVD recorder and you cannot share
programs among TiVos or move content to a PC. However, for a
high definition unit, this TiVo is truly outstanding. |
| DIRECTV |
Just about any of the DIRECTV DVRs listed in the chart above
will work equally well. WeaKnees has units in stock. |
Your only choice is the HR10-250 TiVo. DIRECTV offers its
own DVR, called the HR21 DIRECTV HD DVR,
which is *not* a TiVo. Keep in mind that the HR10-250 can get
high definition local channels via an off-air antenna, but from
the dish, only in limited markets (Los Angeles, New York, primarily),
can the HR10-250 get locals in HD via the satellite. The HR21
will get all current and future HD stations from DIRECTV. weaKnees
offers this unit (as with all TiVos) in upgraded capacities. |
Our advice: In previous versions of this guide, we recommended
that everyone drop cable for DIRECTV. At that time, the DIRECTV
DVRs with TiVo were the greatest boxes around, and they still are
terrific.
A few things have changed to cause us to change our tune a bit:
First, TiVo came out with a standard definition dual-tuner box for
cable. These boxes, while limited in their abilitiy to record two
tuners (see above), can be networked and offer more features than
the DIRECTV units. Second, TiVo released the Series3 HD TiVo, which
is hands-down the best TiVo DVR ever produced.
Thus, if you have cable, you should strongly consider a Series3
if you want to record in high definition. If you have DIRECTV, want
TiVo and HD, and are not married to DIRECTV's outstanding sports
packages, then considering cable might not be such a bad bet.
If you have HD and prefer DIRECTV's HD and sports programming,
then we would recommend the HR21 DIRECTV HD
DVR.
Buying Advice: How much capacity do you need?
We really don't have much useful advice here, as capacity is hugely
dependent on your own viewing habits. Here are some things to consider:
- How many people will be recording shows on your TiVo?
- Will you be recording a good deal of high-action shows (sports,
cartoons), which tend to take up more space?
- If you will be purchasing a standalone TiVo, will you be connecting
it to a large-screen television (if so, you will likely need to
record programming at a higher recording quality, which will take
up more recording space)?
- Do you expect to use your TiVo to store movies, childrens'
programming or other shows (if so, you might prefer more recording
capacity)?
If purchasing a standalone TiVo, keep in mind that all capacity
quotes (for example, 40 hours, 80 hours, 180 hours) are at Basic
quality, which is the lowest recording quality. At the highest quality
(Best quality), you will get about 1/3-1/4 as many hours.
If purchasing a DIRECTV DVR, your actual hours will depend on what
you are recording, but you should expect to yield about 85%-90%
of the total hours quoted .
When choosing capacity, keep in mind that if you purchase a unit
that WeaKnees has upgraded, it is fairly cumbersome to add hours
down to those units down the road. Thus, you might prefer to err
on the side of more capacity.
Buying Advice: Monthly or Lifetime Service?
If you are purchasing a standalone TiVo that does not come with TiVo Basic
service, you will need to purchase the TiVo service. Lifetime service is now
available only for the Humax DRT400 TiVo DVR with built-in
DVD recorder. For the Humax units, we generally recommend lifetime service,
because it will always retain its value should you ever wish to sell the TiVo.
Lifetime service is transferable, so if you ever wish to sell a TiVo with lifetime,
you should be able to recoup your investment, even after several years. For
other DVRs, you can save money on the TiVo service by purchasing the DVR from
weaKnees.com and purchasing pre-paid service from TiVo. You can pre-pay for
multiple years of service and reduce your service costs.
If you already own a TiVo, there is a promotion where you can add
a new TiVo to your account, and pay a lifetime fee of $399 that
covers that TiVo for service and guide updates forever. TiVo does
not always offer the $399 lifetime service promo, so you should
email us before assuming you can get lifetime service as an existing
customer.
If you are purchasing a DIRECTV DVR, you have only one choice:
Monthly service. DIRECTV charges $5.99/mo for the DVR service, which
covers all DIRECTV DVRs on your DIRECTV account. If you have the Total Choice
Premier programming package with DIRECTV, then the DVR service fee
is waived.
*DirecTV DVRs and Series3 TiVos (in HD) record digital broadcast streams and all compression is determined by the broadcaster, so hours stated are estimates assuming average compression. Standard Definition TiVo DVR and TiVo Upgrade Kit capacities
are stated at Basic Quality. All capacities may vary
due to hard drive models used. Capacities are guaranteed to be within 5% larger
or smaller of stated size. Email with any questions.
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