In Part 2 of this series, we discussed the integrated DVR. Today's article will cover standalone DVRs and some of the different options available on today's market.

A standalone DVR is one that the consumer generally leases or purchases, and is used in addition to the box provided for you by your cable or satellite service provider. These units can come with a bunch of different features and prices.

Despite the variety of manufacturers out there—and there are plenty of them—the fact remains that TiVo is top dog. Although they've had some issues in the past with the original TiVo units, they've redrawn the line in the sand with their Series 2 and Series 3 boxes.

TiVo Series 2 DT

The TiVo Series 2 DT offers you a choice between two options. The less expensive model can record up to 80 hours of SD programming for around US$120. For another US$100 more, you can buy one with a larger capacity drive, capable of recording up to 180 hours of programming. The hard drive size (and therefore the price) is the only difference between these two models. Both units offer the same functionality:

• Dual channel recording capability*
• TV guide with search options by title, actor, sports team or keyword
• Season passes and other specialized recording options.
• Schedule recordings anywhere from the web
• Transfer shows to laptop or other select portable devices**
• Share photos, listen to internet radio and podcasts, Yahoo! Weather*
• TiVo KidZone
• TiVoCast

* Two analog channels or one analog and one digital channel, but you cannot record two digital channels simultaneously

**Requires an Ethernet cable or USB cable, not included.

Prices, as I mentioned above, average US$120 for the 80-hr model, and US$220 for the 180-hr model.

If you happen to have a Series 2 with broadband service, there are a host of additional features available. Some of these are free, such as games and streaming

internet radio. But many of the services that are offered are either fee-based or require subscriptions to access the content.

TiVo's HD-DVR: The Series 3

The Series 3 is a big jump in price, but there's a reason for that. The Series 2 supports SD only, whereas the Series 3 offers the ability to record HDTV. Not only do you get the services offered with a Series 2 model, but you also get a few extra ones to sweeten the pot:

• Digital Media Recorder with THX-certification*
• Control live HDTV while recording 2 digital cable channels at once
• 300 hours of SD programming or 32 hours of HD programming
• Schedule recordings from tivo.com
• Advanced TiVo broadband features

* TiVo's website claims that, globally, it's the only model currently certified for THX.

So how much is the jump in capabilities going to cost you? A good chunk of money. The price for the Series 3 is around US$800; TiVo has been running some good web specials, but I don't expect the price to drop permanently anytime soon. You've got to put a lot of money out if you want HD, so you'll have to decide if the additional cost's worth it to you.

As for the monthly fees, TiVo offers specials on those from time to time, as well. There is one, currently, that offers the first year of service free, but you need to purchase a three year subscription to get that. They have several different plans available; the longer you sign on for, the cheaper it gets. Right now, a one year contract is US$17 per month, two years will run you around US$15, and three years will get you the cheapest monthly rate at around US$13 a month.

There's also the option of paying the fees up front. Going this route will get you even more of a discount. One year will run you US$179, and two and three year contracts are prices at US$299. Obviously, these prices are subject to change but at least you have an idea of what it'll cost you by going with the TiVo option. Keep an eye out for sales and discount codes or coupons (you can occasionally find them online).

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Is a standalone DVR not quite right for you? Take a Deeper Dive into Today's DVR Options.