TCD849500V
TCD849000V
TCD849300V

4 (500TB/1TB)
6 (3TB)

TCD746320
TCD746500
TCD748000

Standalone Series2 TiVo (Standard Definition--SD)

TCD240040
TCD24004A
TCD240080
TCD24008A
TCD540040
TCD540080
TCD540140
T800
T2500

No

No

4

Yes

No

Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD)

DVR-810H
DVR-57H

Pioneer

No

Recorder

4

Yes

No

Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD)

DRT400
DRT800
TS-RX20
TS-RX60

Humax
Toshiba

No

Recorder

4

Yes

No

Standalone Series2 TiVo (SD)

SD-H400

Toshiba

No

Player

4

Yes

No

DIRECTV DVR with TiVo (SD)

HDVR2
SD-DVR40
SD-DVR80
SD-DVR120 DVR39
DVR40
DVR80
4120R
4040R
DSR7000
DSR704
DSR708
R10

Hughes

RCA

Samsung

Philips

DIRECTV

Yes

No

1

No

Yes

1 (HD)
4 (SD)

1 (HD)
4 (SD)

HD and SD

• TiVo Edge
• TiVo Bolt VOX
• TiVo Bolt Plus
• TiVo Bolt
• TiVo Roamio Plus
• TiVo Roamio Pro
• TiVo Premiere
• TiVo Premiere XL4 Elite

• HR24
• THR22
• HR54

• TiVo Edge
• TiVo Bolt
• TiVo Roamio OTA
• TiVo Premiere (two-tuner only)

• TiVo Premiere (two-tuner only)

• Single Tuner TiVo with DVD Recorder
• Dual-Tuner TiVo
• Single Tuner TiVo w/pre-paid lifetime Service

• DIRECTV SD TiVo
• Single Tuner TiVo with DVD Recorder
• Dual-Tuner TiVo
• Single Tuner TiVo w/pre-paid lifetime Service

See Comparison Guide, below.

All off-air signals are digital (HD), so a TiVo-compatible digital converter box is required along with a compatible TiVo:

• Single Tuner TiVo with DVD Recorder
• Single Tuner TiVo w/pre-paid lifetime Service (Series2 Only)

All off-air signals are digital (HD), so a TiVo-compatible digital converter box is required along with a compatible TiVo:

• Single Tuner TiVo with DVD Recorder
• Single Tuner TiVo w/pre-paid lifetime Service (Series2 Only)

Number of Tuners

The ability to record one (or more) channel while watching another channel. The ability to record two (or more) shows at the same time, on different channels. With TiVo DVRs that are 4+ tuners, the number of tuners also determines the number of TiVo Minis that you can use simultaneously.

The TiVo Edge, TiVo Bolt and Bolt VOX (500gb/1TB) and the base-model TiVo Roamio (and TiVo Roamio OTA) have four tuners. These units can have 2 connected Minis running simultaneously. (You can connect more than 2 Minis to your network, but only 2 can be active at the same time.) These units all require only one CableCARD from your cable company if you are using them with cable. No card is required if you are using them with an off-air antenna.

The TiVo Roamio Pro (TCD840300) has 6 tuners, requries one CableCARD and can power up to 4 Minis at one time.

The TiVo Premiere XL4/Elite (TCD758250) can record 4 digital cable stations at once, requires a single CableCARD from your cable company, and can power up to 2 Minis at the same time.

The TCD648250 (Series3), TCD652160/658000 (TiVo HD) and TCD746320 (TiVo Premiere) will record two off air stations or two cable stations. To record two HD stations or two digital stations, you would need a CableCARD (or two cards, in the case of the TCD648250), available from your cable company. These units cannot use TiVo Minis; Minis require units with at least 4 tuners.

All standard definition TiVo DVRs for cable, with the exception of the TCD649080/TCD649180 have only a single tuner. However, even the dual-tuner standard definition TiVo has been relegated to single-tuner status in virtually all situations, because it requires one digital station and one analog (non-scrambled) channel or two analog (non-scrambled) channels. You cannot record off-air signals with the TCD649080/180.

DIRECTV's own line of DVRs--the HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23 and HR24--all can record two shows simultaneously with either two lines from a non-SWM system, or one line from a SWM.

The DIRECTV Home Media Center (DIRECTV genie) HR54 DVR has the ability to record 5 channels simultaneously (and it must be connected to a SWM network).

The DIRECTV THR22 HD DVR will also record two shows at once and can do so with either two lines from a non-SWM system, or one line from a SWM.

The standard definition DIRECTV TiVo DVRs will record two shows at once provided there are two lines from the satellite connected to the back of the DVR.

All TiVo DVRs can be upgraded. The number of options and amount of hours depends on the TiVo model. The TiVo Edge and TiVo Bolt, because they use smaller laptop hard drives, cannot accept large internal drives. Therefore, to get significant recording capacity, you must use an external drive. The Roamio and Premiere lines use standard-sized drives, so they will accept larger drives.

Series 3 units have a maximum capacity of 2TB and Series2 units have a maximum capacity of 1TB.

The TiVo Edge, TiVo Bolt VOX, TiVo Bolt, TiVo Roamio and TiVo Premiere Series 4 line of DVRs (TiVo Premiere, TiVo Premiere XL4/Elite) have the broadest networking features. These units will allow you to stream (but not record) content from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Hulu Plus, You Tube and many other sources.

The older Series3 TiVo DVRs (Original Series3 TCD648250/TCD648250B, TiVoHD TCD652160, and TiVoHD XL TCD658000) can stream much of the same content as the TiVo Premiere line, but not all of it.

DIRECTV boxes have very limited access to a very limited number of services, such as YouTube.

Share content among DVRs

Ability to have multiple TiVos (and/or Minis) in your home and share content between/among them.

All TiVos Series2 or newer, if they are networked, can share playlists and content with other TiVos. The way the content is shared (streaming vs transferring) depends on the TiVos that are on your network. Any Premiere, Roamio or Bolt can stream or transfer to any other Premiere, Roamio or Bolt. However, those units cannot stream to a Series3 or Series 2 TiVo. In other words, if you have a Series3 or Series2 unit on your network, you can only transfer to/from that model TiVo.

If you have a TiVo Mini on your network (along with a Mini-compatible DVR), then all sharing from the TiVo to the Mini is streamed.

If you have multiple TiVos and mulitiple Minis, the TiVos will have one unified playlist and that playlist can be shared with the Minis.

High Definition DVRs from DIRECTV (HR20-HR24, HR34-HR54) can all be networked and share content. The content will be streamed from one box to another.

Archiving content to PCs

Ability to move recordings from your TiVo to a PC or Mac, in order to watch, edit and/or burn to DVD

This has become far more difficult now that TiVo has stopped supporting the TiVo Desktop software.

Moving digital files from a DIRECTV DVR to a PC is not currently possible. However, DIRECTV DVR users can record programming in real time using a video capture card connected to a PC.

Saving programs to DVD

Ability to archive shows from a TiVo to a DVD, without a PC

Saving to DVD is possible with the standalone TiVos with built-in DVD recorders. Alternatively, standalone DVD recorders can be connected to standalone TiVos for DVD archiving (in real time).

There are no HD units that also have DVD burners, nor do we expect any to be produced.

DIRECTV DVRs do not come with built-in DVD recorders, but it is possible to connect a standalone recorder to a DIRECTV DVR to record shows in real time (just as you would tape a program to VCR from a TiVo).

Cost of Service

Once you purchase the hardware, how much the actual TiVo / DVR service will cost

Owners of standalone TiVos must purchase the TiVo service from TiVo. The fees vary depending on the model of receiver and whether the service is monthly or product lifetime service. Some TiVo DVRs, such as our TiVos that include lifetime service require no additonal fees to TiVo and can be a very cost-effective way of getting a new TiVo. In addition, the TiVo Roamio OTA is also now sold with service included. If you purchase a TiVo without service, then you can contact TiVo directly to purchase service. "All In" (lifetime service) costs $549. Monthly and annual plans are also available.

DIRECTV DVR owners must subscribe to the DVR service from DIRECTV. The cost varies depending on your programming and installation package with DIRECTV.

Phone Line

Need to have the TiVo connected to a phone line

In May, 2019, TiVo stopped supporting all dial-in. Standalone units must now be connected to an Internet connection (wired or wireless) to function.

To connect via wifi, Series2, Series3 and Series4 units require a separate TiVo-branded wireless G adapter. TiVo Roamio and Bolt units have wifi built in.

DIRECTV DVRs without TiVo can be connected via broadband but it is not required. Wifi is not an option.

The THR22 HD TiVo can also be connected through a broadband network, but it is not required. Wifi is not an option.

In May, 2019, DIRECTV stopped supporting all dial-in. As a result, any standard definition DIRECTV TiVo DVRs will stop functioning if it needs a new hard drive or if it has to go through guided setup. If a unit fails and requires a new hard drive, a standard definition DIRECTV TiVo becomes useless. If your unit is recording now, it will continue to record until the hard drive fails or unless/until you restore the unit to factory settings.

Changing Channels

Means by which the TiVo communicates with the cable box/satellite box

Standalone Series 2 TiVos that are connected to a cable box generally use an infrared "blaster" cable, which sends the remote control frequencies to the cable box. Using these cables generally results in a slight (1-2 second) delay when changing channels. Some cable boxes can use a direct serial cable connection, which is much faster. For more information, see our FAQ entry here: http://www.weaknees.com/stb.php. If you have a standalone TiVo and DIRECTV, then only certain DIRECTV receivers are compatible with the serial connection.

HD Standalone TiVos cannot use a cable box at all. They must use CableCARDs for encrypted cable shows.

DIRECTV DVRs contain the satellite receiver and TiVo in one box. Changing channels requires no additional cabling. It is fast and easy.

Compatibility with cable boxes and satellite boxes

Standard definition TiVo's ability to control a specific cable box or satellite box

Almost all cable boxes and satellite boxes are compatible with standard definition TiVo units. However, some are not. For a complete listing, see the FAQ entry here.

Again, no HD TiVos can use a cable box - see above. Also, high definition TiVos (such as the Series3, Premiere, Roamio, Bolt) do not work with satellite.

Because the DVR and DIRECTV receiver are in one box, compatibility is not an issue.

Compatibility with cable/satellite systems

TiVo's ability to work with your satellite/cable provider

Standalone TiVos work with cable providers throughout the US, some US territories and Canada. Standalone Series 2 TiVos are also compatible with DIRECTV and DISH Network, although you should refer to the link above for compatibility with specific boxes.

HD TiVos work with cable, Verizon FiOS and (depending on the model) off-air antenna only. HD TiVos do not work with U-Verse. The Roamio OTA, however, works only with antenna.

DIRECTV DVRs work only with DIRECTV.

Compatibility with high definition

TiVo's ability to record and display high definition signals

Standalone Series 2 TiVos do not work with high definition.

The standalone Series 3 TiVo, TiVo HD, TiVo Premiere, TiVo Roamio and TiVo Bolt lines of TiVos do work with high definition.

DIRECTV has a line of DVRs that receive, record and display HD. That line started with the HR20, through the HR24. All of the HR20-HR24 DVRs have two tuners. The HR34/HR44/HR54 has 5. These DVRs lack the TiVo operating system and use DIRECTV's own internally-developed OS.

The THR22 is DIRECTV's HD TiVo.

The older HR10-250 HD TiVo no longer receives HD signals from the satellite, but still can pull in HD from an off-air tuner.

Picture Quality

The degradation, if any, of the picture quality when connecting a cable box/satellite box to a TiVo.

This is a factor only if you are using a standard definition TiVo with cable or antenna.

Series 2 Standalone TiVos: No matter what the input source (whether digital cable, analog cable, digital satellite or over-the-air antenna), the TiVo will receive an analog signal and then convert that signal into digital. When converting from analog to digital, you will have the ability to tell the TiVo how much to compress the picture. With standalone TiVos, there are FOUR recording options, and each one offers a progressively better picture. Although the highest recording quality generally looks pretty close to the picture quality you'll see without a TiVo, there will be some (although in most cases not a noticeable) difference between the TiVo's quality and the quality without the TiVo.

Series 3/4 Standalone TiVo, TiVo HD and TiVo Premiere: These units, like the DIRECTV DVRs, will record a digital signal provided that it is being fed a digital signal (via an off air antenna feeding HD, or via a signal from your cable company).

This is a factor only if you use a standard definition, standalone TiVo with a separate DIRECTV receiver. If you are using any DIRECTV DVR (which has the DVR functionality and a DIRECTV access card in one unit), then this is not a factor, as the unit records the digital DIRECTV signal directly to the DVR's hard drive.

The same is true for the entire line of DIRECTV DVRs, with or without the TiVo operating system.

We are often asked whether the picture quality on two different DIRECTV DVRs (eg. the HR24 vs the HR34/HR44 or the HR21 Pro vs the HR24) are different. As a general rule, the answer is no. DIRECTV sends its signal through the air digitally (as a series of 0s and 1s). That digital signal is written to the hard drive and then is digitally transmitted to your TV (if you use HDMI). For the vast majority of users, picture quality should not be a factor when deciding between two different DVR models from DIRECTV.

In addition, all new DIRECTV DVR models now can process 1080p and 3D signals.

The TiVo Bolt VOX is the newest TiVo line. The Bolt has SkipMode (one button commerial skip for applicable programs) and QuickMode (the ability to watch shows 30% faster without audio distortion). All Bolt units require TiVo service, which is roughly $149/yr or $549 for All-In (Lifetime) TiVo service. All units require a single CableCARD from your cable company (generally about $2-$3/month).

The TiVo Premiere unit has dual-tuners and works with cable, FiOS and off-air antenna signals. The Premiere XL4/Elite has 4 tuners, but works with cable/FiOS only. The two-tuner Premiere is great for customers who want to use both antenna AND cable or who live in apartment or other complexes (such as senior citizens' homes) that have cable systems that require an analog tuner.

For discounted pricing, we recommend a visit to our page that has TiVos with prepaid lifetime service included. These are typically older-model TiVos but they are priced aggressively and have lifetime service already paid.

Your choices are our supply of refurbished Series 1 and Series2 units with pre-paid product lifetime TiVo service. These are single-tuner units that include "All In" TiVo service. No additional payments to TiVo are required. You may need a cable box from your cable company to work with these TiVos.

The lastest technology from DIRECTV is the high definition "DIRECTV genie" line of DVRs. The DIRECTV genie records up to 5 shows at one time and can use genie minis/clients at other TVs. The genie requies a SWM system, which we can help you with or DIRECTV can install for you. The genie has one satellite line running into it.

As of this writing, DIRECTV only permits one genie on an account, so if you want more DVRs or if you want a more basic DVR, then we recommend the DIRECTV HD DVR (HR24), which is a two-tuner unit.

The genie and the HR24 both use DIRECTV's own operating system. They are *not* TiVos and do not have the TiVo remote or the TiVo menus.

If you want a TiVo for DIRECTV, then the THR22 is DIRECTV's only HD TiVo. This unit has the TiVo operating system and has TiVo menus and a typical TiVo peanut-shaped remote. However, you cannot share content between units or with any other DVRs and there are other feature limitations. For those who truly love the TiVo operating system and its unique features (Wishlists, Suggestions, Swivel Search, Kids Zone, etc.), we recommend the THR22.

The older HR10-250 HD TiVo no longer receives HD signals from the satellite, but still can pull in HD from an off-air tuner.

Just about any standard definition DIRECTV DVR will work equally well. WeaKnees has units in stock. If you do not have a high definition TV, then these standard def TiVos are a great choice.

The other option is to get an HD DVR from DIRECTV, which will also play back in standard definition. However, if you activate an HD DVR, DIRECTV will require you to pay for the HD service. If you get an HD TiVo (THR22), you'll also have to pay $5/mo for the TiVo service--a charge that is not incurred with the standard definition DIRECTV TiVo DVRs.

We find the standard definition DIRECTV TiVos still to be a compelling choice for customers who do not expect to move to HD in the near future.