Is a plain DVR the same as a TiVo?
I have been told that a plain DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is not really the same as a true TiVo box. People I have talked to say a TiVo is much more than just another DVR. Does anyone really know the difference?
Did more searching and found that TiVo has patents on it’s software that Dish network and most if not all other "DVR’S" have infringed on. It looks like Tivo has already won a suit with Dish and will most likely either be paid royalties for all DVR’s that are out in the market or will have to shut them down. This is true with other DVR’s too.
Looks like Tivo will be the only game in town soon.
P.S. from what I found on-line Tivo goes much further than the rest too. A DVR is not much better than a VCR except you don’t need to load a tape.
Found out more.
Tivo has the easiest interface to use, they have wishlist to capture things in the future that are not even on the guide yet. I understand the generic DVR’s will only let you select from what is listed on it’s guide that only goes 1 week deep. In other words if the program is in 2 weeks you have to wait to program it and risk the possiblity that you may forget. Tivo will let you type in the name of the program or actor name and it will look for it no matter how long it is before it is on. It will eventually find it and auto record unitl you have it stop the searching!
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2 comments
technickaldude on August 24, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I own both a true Tivo (older but still great Series 2 Dual Tuner) and a Comcast generic DVR (Scientific Atlanta).
The Tivo is not HD so it is attached to my older set, the Comcast box is on my newer 50" Sony HD.
The only thing the generic DVR has over the Tivo is that it is HD. Tivo Series 3 and better Tivo boxes are available, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet, but may be soon.
As far as recording abilities and ease of use go the Tivo wins hands down on all counts. There is no comparison. Using the Comcast box is only a little better than trying to use a VCR.
Programming this box is the pits when you compare it to what a Tivo can do. If the show isn’t in the guide you can’t even add it to the program list. It works and I can see how someone who has not enjoyed "true Tivo" might be impressed by it, if they have been using only a VCR in the past.
I have had Tivo for almost 10 years now starting with a DirecTV box with Tivo software. Then I bought outright the Series 2 as well for my other TV. The only reasons I switched to the Comcast box is that the DirecTV Tivo box went bad and they were going to send me a non-Tivo replacement (DirecTV and Tivo had a falling out). I had heard that Comcast was going to soon be offering boxes with Tivo software, so I made the switch to the less expensive cable instead of satellite service. Tivo offers so many more patent protected options for getting exactly what you want with ease. "Season pass", and "Wishlist" which will let you enter the name of the show or even just the actors name and it will get it all without fail. It can even suggest programs that are similar to other programs you have recorded if you want it to. Now you can even buy Amazon movies or Domino’s Pizza using just the TiVo remote while watching a TiVo program. And that is not all.. too many things to list. Try it and you will be hooked too.
Unfortunately, it still hasn’t happened in my area yet (waiting for a year now for Comcast with Tivo). They keep promising, but it is still a no show here. I may go out and spend the money on a true Tivo HD if it doesn’t happen soon.
I may also go back to DirecTV ( apparently they patched up their differences and are teaming up again – soon! … Where have I heard that before?). This time I will believe it when I see it!
Can’t wait to dump this glorified Comcast VCR (how chaotic) and get real TiVo again! I haven’t talked to anyone yet who has had a real Tivo who is willing to give it up.
A GENERIC DVR IS NOT A TiVo!
Not even close…….
shazamm on August 24, 2010 at 3:42 pm
tivo is the name brand of a DVR. tivo was the first to develop the DVR for the public. now there are many brands of dvrs. They all want to be like tivo but due to copy right laws they are all just a little different, each with they re own pros and cons.
EDIT.. nice research, but, although TiVo did win against Dish net, they wont be putting Dish out of the DVR business, As soon as dish net learned of the lawsuit, they quickly updated their software versions. Dish will be paying TiVo a large sum of money though. I had directv w/ TiVo DVR. Their interface is in a league of its own. It died after a few years and directv replaced it with their version of a DVR. It was a slow, poorly thought out p.o.s. I now have 2 dish 722 HD DVRs, its a close second place to Tivo. The area that stands out the most is the search/ actor/ subject matter abilities. Very fast, reliable and accurate. TiVo s problem, as a company, according to the wall st journal, is that they loose a lot of money competing in the hardware bussiness and should focus on the software end,selling it to the big japanese companies who can produce the hardware much cheaper. TiVo’s stock value has steadily dropped over the last few years but is stating to climb with the popularity of the new HD products. I even read an articule about them partnering up with directv again