DVRs

With the introduction of cable DVRs (digital video recorders), TiVo is no longer your only option for recording TV. A DVR will the exactly the same thing as a TiVo, often for a fraction of the price.

When it first came out almost a decade ago, TiVo was a revelation. For the first time, you could record an entire series of your favorite show with the touch of a button. You could pause and rewind live TV. Thanks to its dual tuner, you could watch one show while recording another, or record two programs at the same time. It even attempted to make recommendations (right or wrong) based on your personal viewing pattern. TiVo really was the next best thing since sliced bread.

Things are different now. High definition digital TV is becoming standard in many homes. You have a much bigger choice in consumer electronics. You can still get a TiVo (now in HD) for $299.99, but there are other consumer electronics on the market that will do the same thing for less money.

If you have cable, you can get a DVR (digital video recorder) that will record entire series and pause and rewind live TV just like TiVo. The price varies depending on your provider. You may get the box for free then have to pay a monthly rental charge of around $10. If the DVR breaks, the company will replace it free of charge.

Some people still prefer TiVo for its reliability and easy-to-use interface, but it is just a matter of personal preference. A Comcast DVR does the job just as well and costs less.

If your home electronics budget is a little tight, there is a third option. Both TiVo and cable DVRs come with a monthly charge. You can get a personal video recorder (PVR) that will do much of what a DVR does for a fraction of the cost. A PVR will set you back around $150. Once you’ve bought one, you won’t have to pay anything more. It can record two programs at once and pause and rewind live TV. What it won’t do is automatically record a whole series. You will have to program it to record each episode separately. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s worth it if cost is an issue.