Meatpants

The packages I am looking at are basically the same monthly price:

Dish Network
Top 120 + local channels = $39.99
DVR = $4.98

DirecTV
Total Choice with Local Channels= $39.99
Tivo = $4.99

As far as I can tell, the only major difference is the up-front cost of the Tivo from DirecTV vs. the free DVR from Dish. Is the DirecTivo REALLY worth $100? And why would i want to own the receiver anyway?

Groucho

The DirectTV Tivo is generally considered the best DVR available. $99 is a steal.

Important questions: how many tuners does the Dish Network DVR have? Can it do the equivalent of a "Season Pass"?

vaporware

You can practically get it free from directv if you're a new customer.

das Monkey

Because I said so. No, really ... because I said so.

das

Groucho

[No No No Guy]DO IT![/No No No Guy]

Morf

It is easily worth double that. Seriously.

Spanky BananaPants

Or even more. In my case, I bought two DirecTV/TiVo's the day they hit stores here in town, several years ago. I paid $399 for each one. Not once have I ever regretted that decision, nor have I ever felt that I overpaid for them. $99 is a steal.

While I've never used the Dish Network version, I know many people who have them. Most want a TiVo after they see what it can do.

The DTiVo is, IMO, the best DVR on the market.

cowboy

I paid double that. And would pay even more if I had to.

Tivo is the only reason I haven't switched to hdtv yet. An HDDirectivo costs 1100, which is more than the tv would cost me. I'll upgrade when it's 400.

Boot

With the Dish DVR, you can only record from the channel you are on, but you can record while watching something already recorded. With the DirecTivo, you can record one channel while watching another or record two programs while watching something from your recorded list. DirecTivo is the way to go. I promise you, it will be the best $99 you ever spent.

As an example, when I was first looking at the DirecTivo, my wife called it a glorified VCR and said we didn't need it. When I found the $99 deal, I got it anyway, and now she seriously loves it. She easily admits she was wrong. A woman admits she was wrong. Dude, if that doesn't convince you, then go with the Dish DVR.

Cusm

Direct TV also is the exclusive provider of NFL Ticket, you can get every game for about $100 a season.

Spanky BananaPants

Actually, NFL Sunday Ticket's $199 right now.

vaporware

I wish!!!!!!

As Spanky said, its $199 a season. When I had it several years ago it was $149 a season.

I didn't get it last year but it looks like I will this year. I spend too damn much on football, $800/yr season tickets, and now this $200 for Sunday ticket.

Get the directivo, it's worth it.

chrisih8u

I dont think I've heard of someone regretting their decision to get Directivo.

Nefarious

I got one w/ our initial signup and just ordered another one to replace the standard receiver bedroom unit. I've used the DishNetwork DVR and it isn't nearly as good. DirecTV is just generally better than DishNetwork in my opinion.

If you are interested in upgrading your DirecTivo unit to hold more hours I'd be happy to share info. with you.

MEJHarrison

My wife would castrate me if I got rid of our DirecTiVo. And she's not even a TV nut. If the cost is what's stopping you, do some more shopping around. I got mine a year ago for $69. I just looked at Value Electronics (where I bought mine) and a DirecTiVo is just $39.99 if you're a new customer.

Is it worth it? It's amazing that a device that is so simple is so hard to understand until you've used it. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they regret it. But until you use it, you just won't get it.

Why own? Because it's the only option I guess.

ChrisHicks

I regret only buying one instead of the 3 I need when I first bought it.

cupon

How many hours can your tivo hold?

ChrisHicks

100hrs

Abranut

I just got the Directivo for $99 that they are promotoing now, and it is only a 35 hour unit.

Mine won't be a 35 hour unit for long, though.

ChrisHicks

I'm going to buy another 1 soon and give it an extra added boost as well.

cupon

I saw some infomercial on TV (I believe it was Directv related) that showcased a 400 hour hard drive. They said it was currently available. I currently have TimeWarner DVR, but it only holds 40 hours of stuff. I always thought this would be enough for me, but I'm constantly having to sacrifice shows I want to save.

BDB

Yup best thing ever.

I'll chip in 5 dollars towards your collection you cheap ass.

I paid $399 for mine when it came out first, and then last year got a 105 hour one for $399.

Chew

As someone who has used both the DishDVR and the DirecTiVo, there is no comparison: get the TiVo!

Spanky BananaPants

I've got one that holds 141 hours, and one that holds 240 hours. I bought the upgraded drives pre-formatted, cuz I don't have the patience to do it myself. But I've heard it's very easy to do yourself.

Jadzia

Mine came 35 hours and I upgraded to 105 with a kit from www.weaknees.com
Very easy, took all of 10 minutes to do.

I left my other two units at 35 hours which works fine for me.