DIRECTV TiVo Vs. DISH DVR Player
…Which Is Better?

One of the questions we get asked most often is "Which Digital Video Recorder is better: the DIRECTV TiVo DVR or the DISH Network DVR Player? The truth is, both accomplish much of the same thing. While both have unique features, each brand lets you pause and rewind live TV, set recordings, search for programs and more so you never miss even a second of your favorite shows. One caveat many users find interesting up front: DISH Networks DVR Player is proprietary, built from scratch. DIRECTV TiVo's DVR on the other hand is actually a true TiVo built into a DIRECTV box (which is why many people call it a DIRECTiVo).

Let's compare the features of each Digital Video Recorder.

Comparing Digital Video Recorder Remotes
The DISH Network's DVR Player has a silver remote with buttons in easy-to-use positions. The DIRECTV TiVo's buttons are comfortable, too, though they vary in placement based on the unit you choose. Both remotes include Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind and more. The DISH Network remote has the advantage of a 30-second-commercial-skip button which is pretty slick.

Comparing Digital Video Recorder Guides and Menus
When it comes to menu "coolness," the DIRECTV TiVo wins hands-down. It's fully-animated and SUPER-friendly. This is largely because it's been through years of TiVo-user testing and improvement. It has the famous TiVo "Now Playing" menu, show suggestions and a fantastic search function.

This doesn't mean the DISH Network DVR Player is difficult to use though. In fact, in some ways, the DISH DVR Player's advantage is that it's just simple. Anyone can use it. It also has a page listing recorded shows and a good search function.

When it comes to viewing the program guides, neither DVR is superior, just different. The DISH Network DVR lets you view a full-screen listing or half-screen listing with live TV in a window. The DIRECTV TiVo on the other hand actually overlays the guide over live TV.

Comparing Digital Video Recorder Recording Capacity
This is a hard category to compare since it changes frequently as new units hit the market. But generally, the DIRECTV TiVo's start at 35 hours of recording space, while DISH DVR Players start at 100 hours. Quite frankly, either one is more than enough for most viewers.

Comparing Digital Video Recorder Features
The DISH DVR Player is pretty simple to use when it comes to recording a show. If you know how to set a VCR-by time, date and channel-you have all the knowledge you need. You can even set up weekly or daily recordings.
In contrast, the DIRECTV TiVo unit really rocks when it comes to recording. It's best feature is TiVo's Season Pass function. With it, you don't need to know time, date and channel. All you need to know is the show's name-and the DVR Player will catch every single episode, without repeats, if you want. It'll even catch shows when the times change.

Both units have a good search function, which allows you to find shows by director, actor and more.

Comparing Digital Video Recorder Technicalities
Both units have a standard S-Video output and an optical digital audio output. This allows you to have the best quality possible, including Dolby Digital 5.1 when available. They both record in MPEG video, which is the format in which they receive the shows, so you don't have any loss in quality. If that's not enough, on some DIRECTV TiVo units, you can even watch and record HDTV broadcasting, for the absolute best quality possible, even in widescreen format.

So Which Digital Video Recorder Is Better?!
Based on these comparisons, you really can't go wrong with either DVR unit. Right now, if you want HDTV capabilities, you'll have to go with DIRECTV TiVo, but if not, base your decision on program offerings and your own tastes instead…you'll most likely be completely satisfied with either Digital Video Recorder.