[adrush]

I just moved from digital cable to DirecTV. It seems as though comparing the DVR my mom has, to our old DVR with digi.cable, DirecTV's is pretty limited in recording. So instead of leasing one from DirecTV, it seems logical to invest in a TiVo now. But I do have a few concerns after reading up on compatibility, which seems a little misleading right now.

*Which versions from TiVo work with DirecTV? (I'm using a basic receiver in my bedroom. I don't have a HD package, but I do have the NFL season package and plan on adding the NBA in the fall. I'm seeing problems with the packages in this forum)
*What additional fee's come with this purchase? (I heard of a $5-15 monthly subscription which is fine, but also saw a $100 upgrade fee from DirecTV!?)

For that matter, anything else "hidden" from either company in terms of fee's that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide.

 

[John T Smith]

You might want to look at buying a good used DirecTV Tivo

Where do I buy a DirecTv Tivo? BEFORE you buy a used DTivo,
get the ID Number from the seller and call DirecTv to ensure
there is not an outstanding balance on the seller's account,
since DirecTV will NOT activate such a receiver!
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=316297

 

[adrush]

Thanks for responding.

Can you clarify what a "DirecTV TiVo" is? My assumption is maybe this?

REMOVE THE *
circuitcity*com/ssm/Customer-reviews-for-DIRECTV-R15-Receiver-DVR-Equipment-Leasing/sem/rpsm/oid/133621/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do#tabs
( DIRECTV® R15 Receiver/Digital Video Recorder Equipment Leasing @ Circuit City's website)

Or has DirecTV and TiVo made a specific product together?

 

[JimSpence]

The R15 is not a TiVo based DVR. If that isn't a problem then it's okay.

However, these people have TiVo based DirecTV DVRs.
http://www.weaknees.com/directv-tivo.php

 

[John T Smith]

As said, the R15 is not a Tivo
Confused About DTivo -vs- R15
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=332593

DirecTv forums for their own brand of DVR
http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=82

This forum is for the Tivo-Powered DirecTV, which is no longer made

Click the link I provided before for more information... rare to find a
NEW one these days, but some places (Weaknees?) may still have
them in stock

 

[TonyTheTiger]

I'm in the "don't hold your breath" category here, but there is hope (albeit just a glimmer at this stage) that there will be a new TiVo based receiver in the future that will be capable of MPEG4 HD.

I don't hold with rumors, but I just got off the phone with a D* tech who said that Liberty Media (D*'s new owners) are in discussion with TiVo to reintroduce the software and create a new receiver.

Take it with a grain of salt - I'll believe it when I have one in my living room.

 

[wolflord11]

With the Standard Directv Reciever, you can use any Series 1 or 2 Tivo unit. Just not the Series 3 or TivoHD.

You can pick up a Series 2 DT from tivo for Free Sometimes with a One Year Commitment at around $16.95 a Month. Prices seem to change alot.

If you go with the Directv/Tivo unit, you would need to add the DVR fee to your Directv account. This is $5.99 a Month for any number of DVR units. Also, you pay $0.00 for the First unit on your account, then $4.99 a Month for each extra one. You may not need to pay the DVR fee either, if you have a Base Package with Directv that already has the fee built into the Package.

Going just with Directv, you will get the R15 or HR20 (for HD). The DVR fee and unit fees are the same as above.

 

[kcincy30]

with a standard directv receiver, you can use tivo series 2?
I have that and I dont get the two tuners. Why is that?

 

[John T Smith]

--| DirecTivo box has 2 inputs
--| for the 2 tuners

--| -->|

--| -->|

Regular DirecTV box has 1 input, which you then feed to a standalone Tivo

ONLY a DirecTivo box will directly use 2 input feeds from the dish

 

[snickerrrrs]

If you just signed up with Directv then you probably have a 2 year commitment. If you're going to be with them for 2 years then it will be well worth spending a couple hundred bucks to get a Directivo. You can pause live tv switch to the second tuner and watch or record a second show. The R15 Directv dvr can't pause and switch to another show.
Once you have a Tivo you'll be hooked for life. I can't watch regular anymore. I wait till the show has ended and fast forward through the commercials (it's the only way to watch American Idol or Dancing with the Stars according to my wife). The quality is very good and if you are a football or Nascar fan I hear these Directv packages are great. Weaknees is an authorized Directv retailer so they won't steer you wrong. Welcome!