DVRs - Digital Video Recorders

DVRs for cable TV

If you're a cable subscriber, your choice is between renting a DVR from your cable company or buying a TiVo box plus TiVo service. Hands down, reviews say that TiVo-based DVRs have the most polished, easy-to-use interface. But TiVo boxes also cost considerably more than DVRs available from most cable providers. With TiVo, you have to pay a service fee (*est. $8.30 to $17 per month depending on plan) on top of the price for the set-top box. In comparison, large cable companies such as Time Warner and Cox Communications charge between $8 and $16 per month, with no equipment costs. Since you are renting the DVR from the cable provider, you can take advantage of future equipment upgrades.

The cost of the equipment is not the only issue with TiVo, especially for those interested in high-definition programming. HD TiVos are not simply a DVR, they are also the cable box and require cable-company issued CableCards to function. Once relatively inexpensive, some large cable operators have recently upped their charges for CableCards (*est. $2 to $5 each monthly), and in most cases, two CableCards are required for full functionality in the latest dual-tuner TiVos. If you are fortunate enough to be served by a cable company that's offering the latest multistream (M-series) CableCards, you can get by with just one card, but we've seen very few reports thus far of consumers actually being able to secure one of those.

CableCards (which take the place of a component cable box) are problematic for a number of reasons beyond cost. Though cable companies are required to make them available, not all do. In addition, current CableCards -- including multistream CableCards -- only support one-way communication, which disables some of the functionality of digital-cable systems, including the interactive programming guide (not that big a deal if you have a TiVo) and video on demand. In addition, CableCard users can't view HD programming that's distributed using a system called Switched Digital Video (SDV), which uses less bandwidth than other distribution methods. Many -- but not all -- cable companies are using SDV as a way to offer more HD content to compete with satellite providers.

But TiVo diehards -- and there are a lot of them -- say that TiVo's friendly interface and extra features are well worth the higher price and other issues when compared with boxes rented from Time Warner and the like. For example, TiVo has a Wish List function that automatically records programs based on a specified genre, star or keyword. TiVo also "learns" what programs you like and will make suggestions for similar programs. You can remotely program your TiVo from any web browser. You won't find these features with other DVRs.

TiVo's most basic DVR is the TiVo Series2 DT (*est. $250 plus TiVo service) . This standard definition model has all of TiVo's hallmark programming features, including Wish List, Season Pass (for recording an entire season of a show) and keyword searches. This unit records up to 80 hours of programming in standard definition. The DVR lacks a commercial skip function as shipped, offering a fast-forward mode for zipping through commercials instead. However, there's a well-known hack to enable a 30-second skip -- just search Google.

The Series2 DT works in conjunction with a cable or satellite-TV box to record premium content, with control signals sent to the box via a serial control cable or IR blaster. Reports say that this technique works reliably. In addition, the Series2 DT is a dual-tuner DVR, but critics say the execution isn't ideal. That's because the second tuner can only record from analog cable channels -- it can't record any digital cable or satellite channels. For this reason, PC Magazine's Ben Patterson calls the Series2 DT TiVo "half-baked." Also, the TiVo Series2 DT can't record over-the-air broadcasts.

This is the only current TiVo that's compatible with TiVoToGo, which lets you offload recordings to a PC or to a portable media player. Although several reviews say TiVoToGo isn't that easy to use, at least it's possible to take recordings with you. Reports at TiVoCommunity.com say that TiVoToGo will be enabled on other TiVo DVRs later this year.

While the Series2 DT works in conjunction with the cable box to record premium content, TiVo's current HD DVRs, including the Series3 (*est. $800 plus TiVo service) and TiVo HD (*est. $300 plus TiVo service) , actually replace your cable box and require CableCards to record premium content. In addition, they can record non-HD basic cable without a CableCard, as well as digital, HDTV and analog over-the air broadcasts.

The TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder (*est. $800 plus TiVo service) is the company's über-DVR. Though by all accounts ridiculously expensive, this dual-tuner TiVo isn't really meant to convert the uninitiated. Rather, the TiVo Series3 is aimed squarely at existing TiVo devotees who yearn for dual-tuner, high-definition recording and Ethernet networking to stream photos, video and music files from a networked PC. Among other high-end goodies is THX certification, so users are assured of getting the best possible home-theater sound.

When CableCard equipped, you can record in HD on both tuners (to a 250 GB hard drive) and watch a previously recorded program at the same time. The Series3 can has an Ethernet port for downloading program information over broadband, and it can connect to a network to access music, video and photos stored on a computer.

While reviewers and users generally liked the features and functionality of the Series3, most have a hard time swallowing the price. In a review in The Wall Street Journal, Walter S. Mossberg absolutely hated the Motorola HD DVR he received from his cable company (Comcast), saying it is "just awful." However, despite a litany of complaints for the Motorola DVR, ranging from slow response times to too little recording space, he finds it tough to recommend the Series3, largely because of its price.

The cheaper TiVo HD (*est. $300 plus TiVo service) is TiVo's basic high-definition DVR. It has a smaller hard drive and fewer features than the Series3, but does include most of the benefits and a significantly lower price. Reviewers say that most users won't miss the absent features -- though the smaller hard drive is limiting. Still, many critics agree with Joel Santo Domingo at PC Magazine, who is so taken with the TiVo HD that he calls it TiVo's best HD DVR ever.

The biggest difference between the two HD TiVos is recording capacity. The Series3 has a gargantuan hard drive capable of storing up to 300 hours of SD recording or 32 hours of HD. In contrast, the TiVo HD's drive can hold only 180 hours of SD and just 20 hours of HD.

Both TiVo high-definition DVRs have a couple of other features worth mentioning. One is an eSATA port for connecting an external hard drive for even more storage capacity. TiVo has still not officially activated that port, but unofficially it can be made to work. The process is easy on the Series3, but significantly more complex on the TiVo HD. More information can be found on TiVo enthusiast websites. The Ethernet connection found on these DVRs, as well as the Series2 DT, can also be used to connect directly to the Internet to search for content, and users can purchase TV and movie downloads directly from the Amazon Unbox service.

In addition, TiVo and Rhapsody have recently announced a deal that lets broadband-connected TiVos, including the TiVo HD, Series3 and Series2 DT, access the Rhapsody music download service. TiVo owners with Rhapsody subscriptions can access their Rhapsody music library at no extra cost. TiVo owners can enjoy a 30-day trial subscription, then continue with a paid subscription (*est. $13 monthly) if they wish.

The best alternative for cable subscribers is to rent a DVR from your cable provider. While those are not as easy to use as a TiVo, and lack some of their nicer features, reviews say that cable-company provided DVRs are more cost effective and have several advantages of their own. Perhaps the biggest is better integration with your cable system. There are no CableCards to worry about, so a cable-company DVR will give you total access to programming, and two-way features such as video-on-demand are fully supported. In addition, if a new or better box is offered, it is a simple matter to trade in your gear at no cost. Negatives include less sophisticated search and programming options -- but reports say that setting up recordings through the cable system's interactive programming guide is a fairly simple affair.

Note that users rarely have any choices when it comes to cable-company provided DVRs. Many providers use boxes made by Motorola, such as the dual-tuner DCT6412, which can record up to 90 hours of SD programming or 20 hours of HD programming. Scientific Atlanta also makes a number of DVRs exclusively for cable companies. Its current top model is the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD, which has dual digital tuners for recording high-definition programs. It, too, can record up to 90 hours of SD or 20 hours of HD programming.

While none of these cable boxes are as sophisticated as TiVo DVRs, some cable subscribers might soon be able to opt for DVRs with TiVo functionality. Both Comcast and Cox Communications have reached agreements with TiVo for software that would run on those cable operators' DVRs, and Comcast has just begun offering DVRs with TiVo software in some parts of the country. The rollout is limited to test customers in New England for now, but it should be available to other subscribers later this year or in early 2008. No information on pricing has been announced, but Comcast has said that the TiVo-powered DVRs will be offered at a premium over the company's standard DVR service.

DVRs for satellite TV

While the standard-definition TiVo Series2 DT will work with satellite-TV systems, subscribers who want HD capability must use satellite receivers with built-in DVRs designed specifically for the satellite system to which they subscribe. According to reviews, neither of the satellite companies' HD offerings approaches the TiVo interface in terms of usability.

Of the two, the Dish Network ViP622 -- now refreshed as the ViP722 (*est. free rental or $530 to buy, plus up to $6 per month for DVR service) -- gets the lion's share of positive recognition. The two DVRs are very similar. The most significant difference for most users is in recording capacity, with the ViP722 capable of storing a very impressive 55 hours of HD programming (up from 30 hours in the ViP622) and 350 hours of standard TV. In addition, the new model comes in a black as opposed to a silver case.

The Dish Network ViP722 includes dual HD satellite tuners and an ATSC (digital) tuner for over-the-air TV, including HDTV. This means that the DVR can record up to three high-definition channels at once (two over satellite and one over the air), and, if you wish, you can watch a previously recorded program at the same time.

The DVR can also send signals from each tuner to separate TVs, allowing different live programs to be viewed on different sets at the same time. This can eliminate the need for a satellite receiver at a spare TV, say in the kitchen or bedroom (in satellite-TV systems, a satellite receiver is usually needed at each set). In addition to the standard IR remote control, Dish helpfully includes an RF remote control that can operate through walls just for that purpose.

The electronic programming guide gives you programming information for nine days (TiVo gives you two weeks). The Dish Network ViP722 has a Season Pass feature, which lets you record an entire season of a show or sporting event. You can also search by keyword, actor or director. However, unlike TiVo, the Dish Network DVR can't search by preferences, and it won't suggest shows based on your viewing habits. Editors at CNet.com gave the Dish Network ViP622 high scores for recording quality, and reports say that the ViP722 performs the equally well.

While the ability to record up to 55 hours of high-definition programming puts the Dish Network ViP722 at the top of the pile in that regard, if you need even more storage capacity, the DVR has a USB port and can offload programming to supported external hard drives. However, Dish Network charges a one-time enabling fee (*est. $40) if you want to use that feature.

Reviews still prefer the TiVo interface, but say the Dish Network ViP722 is still very good. It's the only high-definition option for Dish Network subscribers. If you aren't interested in recording high-definition shows, the Dish Network DVR-625 (*est. $0 to $350, depending on plan) is a dual tuner SD DVR/receiver. The user interface is similar to the one used in the ViP622/ViP722, and it can record up to 100 hours of SD programming. Like the ViP722, the DVR-625 is capable of providing programming for two separate TVs simultaneously. The TiVo Series2 DT can also be used to record standard-definition Dish Network programming.

Dish Network has a somewhat confusing pricing structure that includes both rental and purchase options. For those who choose to rent, first-time customers get the best deal and can opt for rented Dish Network HD or SD DVRs for no equipment cost with an 18-month commitment. Existing subscribers have to pay a $200 upgrade fee to rent the ViP722. You can also choose to purchase the DVR-625 (*est. $0 to $350, depending on plan) or ViP722 (*est. free rental or $530 to buy, plus up to $6 per month for DVR service) instead of rent. Dish Network discourages purchasing by charging an "enabling fee" in lieu of the lease fee (*est. $6 for ViP722, $5 for DVR-625) for any purchased receiver or DVR added to an account, though lease and enabling fees are waived for the first DVR/receiver on some plans.

If you're a DirecTV subscriber, the (*est. $260 plus $5 to $6 per month DVR service) is the company's high-definition, multi-tuner DVR. It comes in two varieties -- the older HR20-700 and the newer HR20-100. Though there are some differences, the units are functionally identical, and both are still being made and distributed. DirecTV now has shifted to an all-lease business model, and which version you get seems to be luck of the draw.

The HR20 is available at retailers like Amazon.com or Circuit City, as well as from DirecTV, but regardless of where you get it, the DVR is leased, and the upfront cost is a non-refundable upgrade charge. Rebates are often available, however; at the time of this update, DirecTV was offering a $100 rebate for the first HD DVR on an account. A DVR service fee (*est. $5 to $6) is also charged, which varies slightly by level of service. There is also a monthly lease fee (*est. $5), which is waived for the first receiver on the account.

Features-wise, the DirecTV HR20 is similar to the Dish Network ViP722. You can record two high-definition channels and watch a pre-recorded program at the same time. The HR20 also has two over-the-air ATSC tuners as opposed to one in the ViP722. However, you are limited to recording only two different programs -- regardless of source -- at the same time. You get a two-week programming guide with the ability to search and create Season Pass recording, and you can create two favorite-channel lists. The HR20 can record 30 to 50 hours of high-definition programming or up to 200 hours of standard definition. Recording quality is excellent.

A couple of unique features include one-button recording, which works as advertised. The included RF remote lets you control the box without being totally in line of site -- a nice feature if you want to stash the DVR in a cabinet. Editors at CNet.com say you might want to do just that, because the DirecTV HR20 can be noisy. It also has a number of "useless" lights on the front, which editors found distracting. CNet editors say the interface is simple and fast.

You can add an external hard drive via the DirecTV HR20's eSATA interface, but it acts as a replacement for the DVR's internal drive, and you cannot transfer programs from one drive to another. The main benefit of this feature is for users who want to add a larger hard drive for more storage capacity; the built-in drive is 300 gigabytes (GB). Unlike the ViP722, the HR20 can't output different programs to different TVs; although all of the outputs on the DVR are active at the same time, all output the same program. The HR20 lacks a true 30-second skip.

As noted above, the DirecTV HR20 was by most accounts a mess when first released. In the interim, DirecTV has pushed a ton of software upgrades that have greatly improved things. While issues still crop up, many report that the HR20 is now a very good HD DVR.

DirecTV also offers the standard-definition R15 DVR (*est. $100) . Like the HR20, it can be obtained from retailers or DirecTV. In either case, the receiver is a lease, not a purchase, and the upfront cost is not refundable. However, rebates are available from DirecTV that cover the upfront cost for the first receiver on an account. The same lease and DVR service fees apply.

Like the DirecTV HR20, the R15 uses a non-TiVo interface, however the software programs for the two DVRs were developed separately. In addition, like the HR20, the initial release was trouble filled. However, while reports say that things have improved with the R15, it remains a step or more behind the HR20 when it comes to both functionality and stability. Non-HD subscribers can also opt for the TiVo Series2 DT described above.

Hard drive DVD recorders let you save programs

The biggest drawback to DVRs is that archiving and sharing video is more difficult, though all let you dub to a VCR or DVD recorder, and some will let you off-load video to an external hard drive. If you are interested in saving or sharing lots of recordings, a DVD recorder with an internal hard disk drive might be worth considering. Those offer some of the features of a DVR, including the ability to pause live TV and store hours of programming. However, none can record high-definition video in HD; HD programming is recorded in standard definition.

Not long ago, there were lots of options in this category. However, an FCC rule that went into effect earlier this year requires DVD recorders to have either no tuner or to include a digital ATSC tuner. That forced manufacturers to discontinue older offerings. New hard drive-equipped DVD players are beginning to enter the marketplace now, but many have far less functionality than even the most basic DVR.

Perhaps the best of the current offerings is the Philips DVDR3575H/37 (*est. $300) . This hard-disk-drive DVD recorder has a 160 GB drive that can store up to 198 hours of programming at the lowest quality setting and 33 hours at the best. This unit lacks its own programming guide, but it can use the one sent by over-the-air digital stations as part of the digital broadcasting standard. However, it doesn’t use that guide for programming. Instead, users must resort to the old-fashioned system of entering channels and recording times manually, much like a VCR. The recorder will work with standard-definition cable and satellite TV.

The Philips DVDR3575H/37 (*est. $300) is an especially good choice for those who don't subscribe to satellite or cable TV, and for those not interested in HD programming. If you want to record over-the-air HD, the TiVo HD costs about the same and is much easier to use, but there is the ongoing expense of the TiVo subscription. We've not seen a professional review of the Philips DVDR3575H/37, but user reports are generally favorable thus far. For more information on DVD recorders with HDD drives, see the separate ConsumerSearch.com report on DVD recorders .

Important Features: DVRs

Reviews say the following about shopping for a DVR:

• Remember that the advertised capacity is a best-case value. Most DVRs only have one quality setting, but some standalone standard-definition products, like the TiVo Series2 DT, can record at different qualities just like a VCR, and the hours cited by the manufacturer refer to storage at the "basic" speed, which most experts find unacceptable. On the other hand, satellite, digital cable and TiVo's HD DVRs don't have quality settings, since they record the digital signals directly. But the provider can compress digital programming at different rates, so a digital DVR's capacity can also vary.

• Consider pairing a rented DVR from your cable company with a basic DVD recorder to archive shows. Most cable companies rent digital-cable subscribers a DVR for $8 to $16 per month, which includes the programming guide and equipment fees. A standalone DVD recorder will let you transfer shows from your DVR and archive them to DVD discs.

• TiVo is excellent, but pricey. Experts are unanimous in concluding that TiVo DVRs have the best interface. However, cable and satellite providers are catching up fast. In addition, TiVo's HD DVRs require one or two CableCards, an added monthly expense. HD TiVos won't work at all with satellite TV.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	TiVo HD Series3 (*est. $800 plus TiVo service)	details
3	Cable-company DVR (models and pricing varies)	-
3	Dish Network ViP722 (*est. free to $530, depending on plan)	details
2	TiVo HD (*est. $300 plus TiVo service)	details
2	TiVo Series2 DT (*est. $250 plus TiVo service)	details
1 each	DirecTV HR20, Philips DVDR3575H/37

Although reviewers still love TiVo's interface and ease of use, most say that cable-provided DVRs are the better deal overall. For satellite TV subscribers, the choices are more clear cut -- you must use the satellite-company-provided DVR if you are interested in recording HD programming. Of the two major services, Dish Network's ViP722 is the best choice. User reports indicate that software updates have made DirecTV's HR20 more stable and competitive. Among standalone DVRs, the TiVo Series3 is feature packed but expensive, and critics say the TiVo HD delivers almost the same functionality at a much more attractive price. The TiVo Series2 DT is a good option for standard-definition recording.

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