is the Directv Tivo the same as Tivo Tivo?

[celeste]

I'm considering purchasing Directv (under their current offer--free HD receiver/DVR and $21 off programming for 1-year).

Is the Directv Tivo interface the same as the regular Tivo interface?

I used a Dish dvr for a year and absolutely hated it. The phone rep. told me it was better than Tivo, and higher rated (right--I didn't believe him, but didn't realize how absolutely wrong he was). I thought it would be at least somewhat similar--it's terrible.

Would love to go back to Tivo interface (I've owned a Tivo since the mid-1990's) and adore it. I'd go the cable tv route except that my cable company is really clueless--they only have phone/tv/internet packages on their website (no tv-only services except for one with "20" channels and one with "60" channels, but no line up information that tie their services with actual channels offered.)

[litzdog911]

The DVRs currently available from DirecTV do not use Tivo software. A new DirecTV/Tivo HD DVR has been announced for early next year.

You can buy used older DirecTV/Tivo DVRs from eBay, but beware. Always get the "Receiver ID Number" from the seller and verify its subscrption status with DirecTV yourself. Some folks try to see stolen DVRs, or DVRs with overdue accounts, and DirecTV won't let you activate those on your account.

But don't rule out the newer DirecTV user interface. Many of use both types of DVRs, and the newer DVRs work just fine.

[TolloNodre]

There is no DirecTV TiVo unit at the moment. They've announced a new partnership, with hardware to come (fall? next spring?) but again, nothing available at the moment.

As I understand it, there are still old TiVo units floating around eBay, etc. which can be used for standard definition, but can't see the new HD format DirecTV uses.

[Matt L]

Exactly, any of the HR10-250s you come across on eBay or such will not give you more than 3 or 4 HD channels from D plus OTA stuff. The HR20 interface is not at all like TiVo, but it's not that bad. I reluctantly switched because I wanted more Hd content and at this point I do not miss my Tivo at all, and I didn't think that would happen.

[EJ]

Plus, there are reports of a substantial UI upgrade coming to the directv branded DVRs next year. if i like it, tivo can take their sweet time. a UI upgrade would likely be enough for me to stay with directv's house brand.