What is the difference between a DirecTV DVR and a standalone TiVo?
DirecTV DVRs will only work with DirecTV. They will record two programs at the same time and generally have a better picture quality. The monthly service charge is also lower. DirecTV DVRs have digital optical out and can record in dolby digital. Standalone TiVo units can record only one show at a time. The service fees are higher. However, these units, unlike the DirecTV units, can be connected to a home network to allow for remote programming, sharing between units in the same home and other features. The DirecTV units do NOT have active USB ports and cannot be networked together. The standlone units can be purchased with a built-in DVD recorder; the DirecTV units cannot.
