Learn the difference between TiVos and Verizon FiOS DVRs.
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DVRs are becoming increasingly popular among cable TV customers because they afford users the ability to pause, rewind and record live TV programs. With a DVR, you can fast forward through commercials and schedule the recording of your favorite programs. Many types of DVRs are available, but some of the big names include Verizon's FiOS DVRs and TiVos.
Verizon FiOS DVRs
Verizon FiOS TV customers can choose from two DVRs, the Multi-Room DVR and the HD DVR. The Multi-Room DVR records both HD and standard definition programming and can be recorded on and shared with multiple TVs throughout the house. The HD DVR can only be used on one TV but it also records both HD and standard definition programming. Both the HD and Multi-Room DVR can be accessed online or via web-enabled mobile devices and both have the capability to record more than 80 hours of standard definition programming.
What is TiVo?
TiVo is a DVR service that you can add to most cable TV services. A cable box is not necessary to use TiVo in conjunction with cable services but a CableCARD is necessary for digital cable services. The TiVo Premier DVR is referred to as the world's first Smart DVR because it combines cable programming with the Internet and with subscription services such as Netflix. TiVo customers have access to hundreds of thousands of movies and shows through Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon and Blockbuster On Demand in addition to millions of videos and songs via YouTube, Rhapsody and Pandora.
Pricing Comparison
In addition to the cost of cable services, at the time of publication, the TiVo Premier can be purchased for a one-time fee of $99 plus a $19.99 monthly fee or a lifetime fee of $499. The TiVo Premiere XL, which offers more recording space, costs $299 up front, plus the same $19.99 monthly fee or $499 for a lifetime of service. Verizon FiOS DVR service can be purchased on a monthly basis in addition to the cost of television services. The HD DVR is $15.99 per month and the Multi-Room DVR is $19.99 per month.
Equipment Features
FiOS DVRs can pause, play back and record live TV in addition to recording scheduled programs. Both the Multi-Room and the HD DVR can store up to 80 hours of standard definition content that you can access through the TV, the Internet or via web-enabled mobile devices. The TiVo Premiere DVR records up to 45 hours of HD programming and can also be programmed via the Internet or web-enabled mobile devices. The TiVo Premier XL offers the same features plus an additional 105 hours of HD recording space and THX Certified technology for enhanced audio and video quality. Both TiVo DVRs and the FiOS Multi-Room DVR can record up to two shows at once.
Programming
The programming available to FiOS DVR users is limited to the programming available with each individual television service package plus a Video On Demand library of around 25,000 titles. Both the TiVo Premiere and the Premiere XL have access to the standard cable programming and On Demand library offered by your cable company plus access to almost unlimited web content including movies, shows, podcasts, music and photos. TiVo users can subscribe to services like Netflix and Hulu Plus to access movies and shows and can also order programs from Amazon and Blockbuster On Demand.
Photo Credits
- Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
