Are you checking out your DVR options, yet remain unsure about whether a subscription-based DVR service is right for you? Essentially, it depends on what sort of circus tricks you want your television to perform for you. Digital video recording has become the new hot service among satellite and cable companies, with many offering services for as little as $5.99 a month. Many of the companies lease the box to consumers, either for free or for a relatively small monthly amount.

DirecTV, for example, recently offered a $99 rebate on DVR upgrades to new customers, enabling them to get the cheaper DirecTV DVR offered for free. The box is theirs to keep even if customers discontinue DirecTV's services. Unfortunately, the box is entirely useless if they choose to discontinue DirecTV's satellite service; the DVR is only compatible with DirecTV services. This isn't unusual; most companies that offer DVR subscription services provide hardware that's only compatible with their viewing services.

If you want more than basic DVR capabilities and a limited search function, then a subscription service such as TiVo would be the best choice. Chatter across the internet consistently praises the glories of its channel guide. TiVo fanatics insist a DVR is no good without this super-duper channel guide; therefore, TiVo is the only way to go. Also, unlike hardware provided by satellite and cable companies, TiVo is not limited to recording from one particular service provider. The TiVo service has complete listings for over 13,000 cable systems, DirecTV, and Dish Network.

Paying the Cost to be the TV Boss

If you purchase a subscription to TiVo, you also have to purchase a compatible DVR. TiVo currently offers three boxes with progressively larger storage capabilities. The lowest priced box available is the TiVo® Series2™ DT DVR with 80 hours of programming storage. For around $99, this box comes broadband ready meaning you don’t have to use a phone line to set up the system and it can

function with your home network. However, be sure to have an available Ethernet cable or compatible USB wireless network adapter on hand as it does not come with the system.

For about $199, you can increase the storage capacity to 180 hours of standard programming. If you have a little extra cash to toss around, TiVo offers the Series3™ HD system with 300 hours of standard recording time for $799.00. The Series3 is the only recorder with THX®-certification. TiVo's also recently rolled out a stripped down version of the Series3, the TiVo Series3 Lite. For less than $300, the Lite offers consumers a bare-bones version of the Series3 that sports a smaller hard drive and lacks THX certification. If HD is a must-have for you, and you're balking at the high price tags on most of the HD units out there, the Lite's definitely the way to go.

TiVo periodically offers excellent savings incentives for the Series2™ as well, as long as you purchase directly from TiVo.com with a service plan or a service gift card. This way, you can buy the box, sometimes for virtually free, and are only required to pay for the actual service. TiVo service plans can be paid either monthly or by the year. Of course, if you choose to pay by the year, the cost is reduced significantly.

TiVo recently promoted a limited offer deal on a three year plan for $299.00, the same price as a prepaid two year plan. It cost subscribers $19.95 a month if they purchased a one year plan and paid for it monthly. Purchasing a three year prepaid plan reduced the cost to $8.31 a month, bringing it close to the cost of subscribing to your local cable or satellite company’s DVR service. Check TiVo's web site for these offers and more; the deals are always changing.

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