Comcast with TiVo built in isn't available in NJ and I'm still using the Comcast DVR. Anyone with this box knows how the search feature works: five boxes on the top of the screen, you pick one letter per box.
Not too long ago I did a program search. To my surprise, a TiVo style keypad appeared. Now you simply use it the same way as TiVo's keypad. Too bad you can only search shows and not people or keywords. Still, it's a welcome improvement
Here's another. I set up a recording of the first Presidential Debate on Sept. 26. When I pressed the record button a screen came up telling me that this is a live show and offered to automatically record an extra 30 minutes at the end. While I always had the option to pad any recording, to automatically offer it on a live program is a useful improvement.
I'm in north NJ. These features may not yet be available where you are. Even with them, it's still not as good as a real TiVo, but it's nice to have.
